The Lemosho Route is widely considered to be the best and most scenic route on Kilimanjaro. The route features all the benefits, offerings, and success ratio of the Machame route by starting a little further round to the west. It leads you over the spectacular Shira Plateau and avoids the clumsiness of the early parts of the Machame route at the same time.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads cross the famed Shira plateau and see the beautiful Shira Cathedral before reaching the Shira Camp on day three.

The descend is via the Mweka route, where you will most likely encounter other trekkers who ascended via the Shira, Umbwe, or Machame routes.

If you have both time and enough budget, consider taking the 8 days Lemosho route, which is certainly one of the most enjoyable ways to do Kilimanjaro.

The seven days of the Lemosho route are split into two easier days and offer a better success rate. Experienced and already acclimatized mountaineers may opt for the more difficult 7-day ascent along this route.