LEMOSHO ROUTE, RECOMMENDATIONS, SUCCESS RATE AND PRICES

Overview

The Lemosho trail is a renowned route that has surged in popularity in recent times, and for good reason: it boasts breathtaking vistas, an excellent acclimatization progression, and some of the top summit success rates among all paths. Beginning on Kilimanjaro’s western flank, the Lemosho route offers three itinerary options: 6, 7, or 8 days on the mountain. A standout feature of Lemosho is Cathedral Peak, one of the loftiest points of the Shira Volcano at 3,872 meters (12,703 feet). Climbers can embark on an acclimatization trek to Cathedral Peak, soaking in some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular scenery. Another striking element of the Lemosho route is the presence of massive, otherworldly Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plants, unique to this mountain.

Recommendation

The Lemosho route stands out as our preferred path up Kilimanjaro, thanks to its awe-inspiring landscapes and well-paced acclimatization, making it an excellent pick for first-time climbers.
It comes in three versions: 6, 7, or 8 days, and many wonder which suits them best. Here’s a simple guide:

6-Day Itinerary: Best suited for experienced adventurers with recent high-altitude exposure above 4,000 meters (13,100 feet). If you’ve completed a multi-day trek at this elevation within the last three months, the 6-day Lemosho route could be a good fit. It’s a more demanding option but rewarding for those ready for the challenge.

7-Day Itinerary: Ideal for hikers with general trekking experience but limited time at elevation. You’ll bypass the rainforest section, starting the journey at 3,414 meters (11,200 feet). The first couple of days are gentle, allowing your body to adjust before tackling steeper terrain. This version strikes a great balance between time and acclimatization—and it’s our most popular choice, used in over half of our Lemosho climbs.

8-Day Itinerary: Perfect for beginners or those who haven’t hiked in a while. This option gives you an extra day to acclimatize and take things slower, increasing your chances of reaching the summit. Starting in the lush rainforest, it also offers a more scenic and gradual introduction to the climb. A solid pick for first-timers looking for the best odds of success.

6 Best for experienced adventurers with recent high-altitude trekking (above 4,000 meters). This version is faster-paced, with less time for acclimatization—so your body needs to be ready. It’s physically demanding but incredibly rewarding for those up to the challenge.

Ideal for:

  • Fit hikers with recent altitude exposure

  • Adventurers short on time

  • Those confident in quick acclimatization

A bold, efficient path to the summit—perfect if you’re ready to push yourself. 

7 Days Route Our most popular option—great for hikers with general trekking experience but limited time at high altitude. You’ll skip the rainforest and start at 3,414 meters (11,200 feet), with gentle hikes the first two days to help your body adjust before the climb gets tougher.

Ideal for:

  • Trekkers with outdoor experience

  • First-timers looking for a solid balance of comfort and challenge

  • Those aiming for high summit success with fewer days on the mountain

A well-paced route with stunning views—no wonder over half of our climbs follow this plan.

8 Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting the best chance at reaching the summit. This version adds an extra day for acclimatization and kicks off in the lush rainforest, offering a scenic and gradual start to your journey.

Ideal for:

  • First-time trekkers or those with limited hiking experience

  • Anyone wanting a slower pace and more time to adjust

  • Climbers focused on maximizing summit success

Extra time, better acclimatization, and beautiful scenery—this is the most relaxed and supportive way to climb Kilimanjaro.

Lemosho Route - Summit Success Rate

We’ve gathered detailed statistics on all Kilimanjaro routes over the years. Here are the success rates for reaching the Crater Rim and Uhuru Peak on the Lemosho 6, 7, and 8-day itineraries, based on data from thousands of our climbers.

– Lemosho 6 – Crater Rim: 95.5%, Uhuru Peak: 94.1%

– Lemosho 7 – Crater Rim: 96.5%, Uhuru Peak: 94.9% – the highest!

– Lemosho 8 – Crater Rim: 95.0%, Uhuru Peak: 91.7%

LEMOSHO PRICES

6 Days Lemosho Prices