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Lemosho Route

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route

A remote trailhead is the starting point of the Lemosho Route, which begins on the western slope of Kilimanjaro. The Cathedral Peak (3,962m/13,000 feet) and the world-renowned Shira Plateau are two of the most notable features. The second one is the peak of Kili’s western flank. For the best acclimatization on Kilimanjaro, go to Lemosho. If you are planning a group or solo climb of Kilimanjaro, our specialists recommend this route. Quite possibly the greatest, if not the finest.

Many consider the Lemosho Route to be the most picturesque way to climb Kilimanjaro. To reach Uhruru Peak, one of my favorite ways to climb Kilimanjaro is on this relatively new trail.

Beginning from the Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western flank, it continues onwards. The Shira Route starts at a higher and more difficult height, thus this walk was added as a substitute. The acclimatization profile of Lemosho is better and gentler, and it has a high success rate for reaching the summit.

The Lemosho Route is an excellent option for climbing Kilimanjaro, and I’ll tell you why in this post. I’ll also compare the 7-day and 8-day choices and provide a detailed explanation of the itinerary. Keep reading to get all the details about this well-traveled path!

Marangu Route

Mount Kilimanjaro | Marangu Route

Marangu goes around Kilimanjaro’s eastern side. It is the most popular Kilimanjaro route, chosen by more over 30% of the hikers who climbed the mountain in 2023. Campouts are reserved for hikers on all other paths. On Marangu, though, groups of four to ten people share small wooden houses for the night. When hiking Kilimanjaro in the wetter months, these shelters are ideal. Not only that, but no other path does both the ascent and the descent along the same path.

The Marangu Route, which has several other names including the “Coca-Cola Route” and the “Tourist Route,” is the most well-established and ancient route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Since Marangu is the sole mountain route that offers hut lodging to hikers, it naturally ranks high among the most popular routes.

Horombo Hut has 120 bunk beds, while Mandara and Kibo Huts each have 60. Climbers usually have access to mattresses and pillows provided by tour operators; nevertheless, hikers should bring their own sleeping bags.

Our comprehensive Marangu route guide is here.

Rongai Route

Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro on the Rongai Route

On the mountain’s northern flank, near the Kenyan border, Rongai is the exclusive path. A picturesque pine forest is traversed by the trail. Climbing Kilimanjaro at any time is possible there because fewer people go there. The eastern Marangu route is followed on the descent. Because of this, trekkers may take in the breathtaking vistas of Kilimanjaro’s eastern slopes.

Only the Rongai Route ascends Kilimanjaro from its northern, Kenyan foot.

Trekkers can expect to encounter large animals such as antelope, elephants, and buffalo along this route due to its secluded nature.

Trekkers are less likely to experience rain on the north-east slopes of the mountain since they receive far less moisture than the southern slopes. Additionally, hikers have a better chance of seeing the mountain in all its glory.

Our comprehensive Rongai route guide is here.

Umbwe Route

WE CLIMBED KILIMANJARO | Umbwe Route, Hard Way Climb!

Due to its initially steeper terrain, the Umbwe Route presents more of a challenge than the others. Anyone in decent physical condition should try it. In addition, compared to other routes, it expedites the climbers’ arrival at higher camps. Acclimatization before the climb is highly recommended. Similar to Machame, it winds its way through a picturesque tropical jungle. There you can spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys.

Getting to Uhuru Peak via the Umbwe Route was once the easiest, fastest, and steepest option.

A catastrophic rock-fall in 2006 killed three hikers, closing the approach via the Western Breach, which was formerly used to reach the summit via Arrow’s Glacier road. The route reopened in December 2007, however most travel operators do not recommend it because of how tough it is.

Alternatively, the Umbwe Route will now intersect with the Machame Route in the late afternoon of the second day. It will then descend by the Mweka Route after ascending via the southern circuit (see to the map of the Umbwe Route below for details).

Northern Circuit Route

MOST Successful Route on Kilimanjaro | Northern Circuit Route

Mount Kilimanjaro’s Northern Circuit is its longest ascent path. Starting on the western side of the cone, this path winds its way around it, eventually reaching the peak from that direction. The southern slope is the one you’ll descend. Wonderfully, this path offers hikers a view of the mountain from all four angles. But it doesn’t include the Barranco Wall or the Dendrosenecio plants, two major attractions.

One of the most recent and extensive routes on Mount Kilimanjaro is the Northern Circuit.

Starting from the Londorossi Gate in the west, it shares the first two days of its route with the Lemosho Route. Rather than taking the shorter Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley, which is more popular, the route heads north near Lava Tower after crossing the Shira Plateau (see map below).

As it heads eastward around the mountain, the path skirts the less crowded northern slopes.

From this point on, there are a several alternative ways to climb Kilimanjaro, but they all begin at Gilman’s Point, go to the summit, and then either descend via the Marangu Route, which joins trekkers from the Machame, Umbwe, Lemosho, and Shira routes, or the Mweka Route.

Our comprehensive guide to the Northern Circuit of Kilimanjaro is here.