The Lemosho Route is often hailed as a little used but exceptionally beautiful route up to the Shira Plateau. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other big game animals. It is however an easier and therefore more successful Kilimanjaro climbing route because enough time for acclimatization is also allowed.

Day 1
Depart from Arusha to Londorossi Park Gate (2250 m, 2 hours). Registration and entrance fees. Porters share luggage and proceed to the first camp.
From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2100 m, 11 km, 45 minutes) and a possible campsite (park fees are not paid to camp here). Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2750 m, 3 hours).

Day 2. The trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Several streams are crossed before climbing the Shira Ridge at about 3600 m and dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau (3500 m, 5 hours).

Day 3
A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream (3850 m, 1.5 hours). A variety of walks are available on the Plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Day 4
Continue east towards Kibo passing the junction, then east towards the Lava Tower. Shortly after this, you arrive at Barranco hut (3940 m, 4 hours).

Day 5
A short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley (4000 m, 3 hours), beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. After climbing out of the Karanga Valley the trail ascends a ridge to the Barafu Hut, a bleak location with little vegetation at 4600 m, (3 hours walking).

Day 6
An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, (4 hours); the last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. From here a further hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often fine views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to the east. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on down to camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge.

Day 7
A 3–4-hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the park gate and your waiting transport.