The Lemosho Route is often considered the most beautiful of all the trekking trails up Mount Kilimanjaro. It crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower. 

It is one of the newer routes on the mountain and shares a portion of the same path as the Machame route, although it holds a few advantages over that route that make worth considering, particularly for travellers who have some extra time.

Starting on the western flanks of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate, the Lemosho Route wanders its way up one of the more remote sections of the mountain.

The trail takes hikers through a beautiful rainforest where they might have the chance to spot wildlife along the way. Black and white colobus monkeys are routinely seen in the forests, as are blue monkeys, small lizards and a wide assortment of birds. From there, the path wanders out onto the Shira Plateau, crossing it from west to east on relatively flat and easy-to-walk terrain.

The early days on the Lemosho Route provide plenty of solitude, as this trail sees far less traffic than the Machame route and Marangu route. This makes an already great trekking adventure even more spectacular as at times it will feel like you have the entire mountain to yourself.

Eventually, however, the Lemosho merges with the Machame route, and the amount of traffic begins to increase. But if you’re looking for a little peace in the early going of the climb, this is a great option.

Because it follows the Machame Route for a portion of the climb, much of the same scenery is found on the Lemosho as well, including the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall. But, in those first few days, this trail offers some unique views of the surrounding landscapes that aren’t visible from any other place on the mountain.

Travellers will get the chance to wander through pristine rainforests and hike up to the Shira Plateau, where once above the tree line stunning vistas await.

Because of its remote nature and lengthier route, Lemosho takes a few extra days to trek. Most people spend seven or eight days on this trail, which causes the success rate to increase fairly dramatically.