A remote, beautiful western approach with excellent acclimatisation and one of the highest success rates. · 7–8 days · Moderate · Outstanding
Lemosho is widely considered the finest route on Kilimanjaro. It begins in the west, in remote, game-filled forest, and crosses the vast Shira Plateau before joining the Machame trail higher up. Because it starts low and takes its time, it offers superb acclimatisation and, over eight days, one of the highest summit success rates of any route.
The early days are quiet and wonderfully scenic, with 360-degree views across the plateau, before the route merges with Machame for the classic Lava Tower, Barranco Wall and summit approach. It is a little more expensive than Machame because of the extra day and the remote start, but for many climbers it is worth every shilling.
Day by day
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp · 2,100 m · 2,780 m · ~6 km · 3–4 hrs · Rainforest · After the long drive to the remote western Londorossi Gate, you walk a quiet, pristine forest trail rich with birdlife — this side of the mountain sees few climbers, and buffalo and elephant occasionally pass through. A short, gentle first day beneath giant trees eases you in.
Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp · 2,780 m · 3,505 m · ~8 km · 5–7 hrs · Moorland · The forest gives way to heath and open moorland as you climb onto the vast Shira Plateau, the collapsed floor of an ancient caldera and one of the highest plateaus on earth. The views open up dramatically, with Kibo rising ahead.
Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp · 3,505 m · 3,850 m · ~7 km · 3–4 hrs · Moorland · A gentler day traversing the plateau, superb for acclimatisation, with 360-degree views and time to take in the scale of the mountain. Short walking means your body keeps adjusting steadily to the thinning air.
Shira 2 to Lava Tower, down to Barranco Camp · 3,850 m · 3,960 m · ~10 km · 6–8 hrs · Alpine desert · The route joins the Machame trail for the classic climb-high-sleep-low day: up to the Lava Tower at 4,600 m for lunch, then down into the Barranco valley among giant groundsels. A big day that pays real dividends for the summit.
Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp · 3,960 m · 3,995 m · ~5 km · 4–5 hrs · Alpine desert · A hands-on scramble up the Barranco Wall — non-technical but exhilarating, with sweeping views — followed by a traverse of ridges and valleys to Karanga. A gentler day that keeps your acclimatisation building nicely.
Karanga to Barafu (summit base camp) · 3,995 m · 4,673 m · ~4 km · 4–5 hrs · Alpine desert · A short, steady uphill to the stark summit base camp at Barafu. You arrive with the afternoon to rest, eat early and organise your kit before a midnight start. Try to sleep — the summit push is only hours away.
Summit night: Barafu to Uhuru Peak, down to Mweka · 4,673 m · 5,895 m · ~5 km up · ~12 km down · 12–15 hrs · Arctic summit · A midnight departure and a slow, cold climb by head-torch up scree to Stella Point at dawn, then along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m. After your summit photos you descend the long way down to Mweka Camp — a huge day, and the one you will never forget.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate · 3,100 m · 1,640 m · ~10 km · 3–4 hrs · Rainforest · A gentle final descent through the forest to Mweka Gate, where your summit certificate is presented and the crew sing you off. A vehicle returns you to your hotel and a very welcome hot shower.
Who it suits
The top pick for climbers who want the best combination of scenery, solitude in the early days and the strongest possible acclimatisation and success rate, and who have the extra day to spare. Excellent for first-timers who want to give themselves every advantage.