The Lemosho Route is the finest route on Kilimanjaro. It approaches from the west, crosses the full width of the Shira Plateau, joins the Machame Route at Lava Tower, and reaches the summit from the south. Eight days gives you the best acclimatisation of any standard route, the most varied scenery, and the fewest other climbers on the trail.
If you have the time and budget, this is the route we recommend.
Why Lemosho has the highest success rate
The Lemosho approach adds two days of gradual altitude gain compared to routes that start at Machame Gate. You begin at 2,100 metres at the Londorossi Gate, drive to the Lemosho Glades trailhead, and gain altitude through pristine forest before reaching the Shira Plateau on day two. By the time you reach the sections shared with Machame, your body has had two extra days to begin adapting.
The result is a 90% summit success rate — the highest of the main routes.
The route day by day
Day 1 — Londorossi Gate (2,100 m) to Forest Camp (2,800 m)
Western approach through undisturbed forest. Fewer climbers than any other starting point. Buffalo, elephant, and colobus monkeys use this section of the mountain.
Day 2 — Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)
The forest gives way to heather as you gain the Shira ridge. The first views of the plateau open ahead.
Day 3 — Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,840 m) with acclimatisation walk
A shorter walking day. Walk higher to Cathedral Point (3,870 m) for views, then return to camp. The plateau in the late afternoon light is extraordinary.
Day 4 — Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) via Lava Tower (4,630 m)
The acclimatisation day shared with the Machame Route. Climb to Lava Tower, descend to Barranco.
Day 5 — Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,040 m)
The Barranco Wall scramble, then the traverse to Karanga.
Day 6 — Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,680 m)
Short day. Rest and prepare.
Day 7 — Barafu to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Summit push from midnight. Sunrise at Stella Point. Uhuru Peak by mid-morning. Long descent to Mweka Camp.
Day 8 — Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Walk out. Certificates. Celebration.