The Lemosho Route is a well-rounded trail offering a more gradual trekking experience combined with stunning landscapes. This route offers an extraordinary adventure as it winds through pristine rainforests and the rugged Shira Plateau. Let's explore why this route is such fan favorite.
Overview of the Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is often regarded as one of the most scenic on Kilimanjaro. Trekkers commence their journey on the western side of Kilimanjaro, offering a sense of solitude and immersion in the natural beauty of the mountain, starting in the forest.
Core Information:
Distance: 70 kilometers (43 miles)
Elevation gain: 7,742 to 19,341 feet (2,359 to 5,895 meters)
Duration: 7-8 days
Acclimatization: Good
Terrain: Varied, including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and artic
Challenge: Moderate
Features:
Scenic Beauty With Diverse Landscapes
Slow Ascent Profile = Better Acclimatization, Higher Success Rate
Extended Duration = More Time to Adapt to Higher Altitudes
Considerations:
The Forest Section May Become Muddy at Certain Times
Higher Cost For Longer Trek
Popular Route During Peak Season
How long does it take to climb the Lemosho Route?
Trekkers embarking on the Lemosho Route can expect a trek lasting between seven to eight days, depending on the specific itinerary. The extended duration of the route allows for gradual acclimatization and enhances the chances of a successful summit.
How physically demanding is the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route is often considered to have a moderate level of difficulty. Trekkers should be prepared for long daily hikes, with durations ranging from 7 to 9 hours on average. The trail involves traversing various terrains, from lush rainforests to moorlands and alpine deserts, which require adaptability and physical endurance. While it may not be the most physically demanding route, the Lemosho Route still poses challenges that necessitate preparation and a reasonable fitness level to ensure a successful and enjoyable trek to Kilimanjaro's summit.
What is the summit success rate for the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route boasts an impressive summit success rate of approximately 85%, thanks to its gradual ascent profile and extended duration. The additional time for acclimatization enhances trekkers' ability to adapt to the high altitudes and helps them endure the rigors of the climb.
How much time is required for acclimatization on the Lemosho Route?
One of the key strengths of the Lemosho Route is the additional time allocated for acclimatization. With its slower ascent profile, this route provides trekkers with a more comfortable and safer journey to the summit. The careful acclimatization schedule allows for a successful climb, even for those with limited high-altitude experience.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route is celebrated for its serenity and slower approach to acclimatization. Trekkers on this route have more time to adapt to the altitude, which significantly decreases the risk of altitude sickness and increases the likelihood of reaching the summit.
However, the trail's extended duration can be a drawback for trekkers with limited time. Furthermore, the Lemosho Route may be more expensive with an itinerary of eight days. The route also requires a slightly higher level of physical fitness, as you will climb obstacles such as the Barranco Wall when departing Barranco camp.
What camps are on the Lemosho Route?
Forest Camp
Shira 1 Camp
Shira 2 Camp
Barranco Camp
Karango Camp
Barafu Camp
Is there Hut accommodation on the Lemosho Route?
No, the Lemosho Route involves tent camping.
What kind of scenic views can you expect on the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route offers trekkers breathtaking vistas of the lush rainforests at lower elevations and the expansive Shira Plateau with its unique landscape. This diversity of terrain and scenery provides an ever-changing backdrop for the journey, making the Lemosho Route an exceptional choice for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Our Opinion
The Lemosho Route is a balanced route of beauty, challenge, and adventure, which makes for an excellent option. With its slow and thoughtful approach to acclimatization, this route maximizes the chances of a successful summit while allowing trekkers to savor the true wilderness of the mountain. Be prepared for a challenging adventure, and you will be rewarded with memories that last a lifetime.
Sample 8 Day Itinerary
DAY 1
Lemosho gate to Mti Mkubw
We depart Arusha to Lemosho Gate, which takes about 4 hours. We will have lunch at the gate. we begin hiking through rain forest all the way to the first camp site.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
DAY 2
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into heath and moorlands , heather and volcanic rock As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Health
DAY 3
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
DAY 4
Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 6
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We leave Karanga and continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 7
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
DAY 8
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the certificate From the gate, we continue another hour to A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Gate to drive us back to the hotel at Arusha.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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