Lemosho Route

Yes, absolutely! The Lemosho route is one of our favourites at Follow Alice because it offers some of the most varied and beautiful scenery on Kilimanjaro.

It takes you through lush rainforest, across the Shira Plateau, past landmarks like Shira Cathedral and the Barranco Wall, and up through alpine desert to glacier views near the summit. It’s a spectacular journey through all of the mountain’s ecological zones.

The Lemosho route covers a total distance of 70 km (43 miles), making it a mid-length option compared to other Kilimanjaro routes—not the shortest, but not the longest either.

The Lemosho Route typically costs $2,800–$3,300 per person depending on the operator, group size, and level of accommodation before and after the trek. The price usually includes park fees, crew wages, tents, meals, transfers, and all logistical support on the mountain. Optional extras like gear rental, private toilets, and extra acclimatisation days can increase the overall cost.

The Lemosho route can be done in 7 or 8 days. The 8-day itinerary includes an extra acclimatisation day, which helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and improves summit success.

While the 7-day version is usually fine for fit trekkers, we recommend the 8-day option if you're unsure—it’s the safer bet. Still not sure? Read our article: 7-day Lemosho vs 8-day Lemosho.

Because of its gradual ascent profile, the Lemosho Route has one of the highest success rates on Kilimanjaro. Most operators report 85–95% summit success on the 8-day version. Fitness, pacing, and acclimatisation days all play a role in achieving Uhuru Peak.

Yes. The Lemosho Route is considered one of the best choices for first-time high-altitude trekkers because it gives you a gradual ascent, excellent acclimatisation, and more time to recover between camps. A good fitness base is still important, but no technical climbing is required.

Like all Kilimanjaro routes, Lemosho is challenging; climbing Africa’s highest peak is no walk in the park! That said, Lemosho sits comfortably in the middle when compared to the other six ascent routes. It’s not the easiest, but not the toughest either.

You might like to see this detailed description of the Lemosho route itinerary.

Lemosho is quieter than the popular Machame Route, especially during the first two days when the trail passes through a remote western section of the mountain. It becomes busier when it merges with the Machame Route at Shira Camp, but overall it’s considered one of the more peaceful experiences on Kilimanjaro.

The Lemosho Route typically costs $2,800–$3,300 per person depending on the operator, group size, and level of accommodation before and after the trek. The price usually includes park fees, crew wages, tents, meals, transfers, and all logistical support on the mountain. Optional extras like gear rental, private toilets, and extra acclimatisation days can increase the overall cost.

Yes — all accommodation on the Lemosho Route is tent-based camping. Campsites are designated by the park, and your crew sets up and takes down the tents each day. Climbers typically spend one night in a lodge before and after the trek.

Yes, absolutely! The Lemosho route is one of our favourites at Follow Alice because it offers some of the most varied and beautiful scenery on Kilimanjaro.

It takes you through lush rainforest, across the Shira Plateau, past landmarks like Shira Cathedral and the Barranco Wall, and up through alpine desert to glacier views near the summit. It’s a spectacular journey through all of the mountain’s ecological zones.

You can climb Lemosho in 7 or 8 days, but the 8-day option is strongly recommended. The extra day gives your body more time to adapt to the altitude, which significantly improves your summit success rate and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

The best times are the dry seasons:

These months offer clearer skies, more stable weather, and better trail conditions. The wetter months (April–May and November) are less predictable and more strenuous.

The Lemosho route covers a total distance of 70 km (43 miles), making it a mid-length option compared to other Kilimanjaro routes—not the shortest, but not the longest either.