Lemosho Route

Lemosho Route Overview

The Lemosho route can be done in as little as six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is ideally tackled over eight days (seven nights) for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. Access to the trail begins with a long drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate. This can take three to four hours. Londorossi Gate is located in the western base of the mountain.

The Lemosho route is approximately 70 km/ 42 miles from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience. However, we have many clients who tackle the route as their first real backpacking experience. The Londorossi Gate is a fair drive from the town of Moshi, and considerably further from Arusha. At the gate you will register with the authorities before being driven a further 12km to the starting point.

Why Lemosho Route Is Your Best Route to Kilimanjaro Summit Success

When it comes to conquering Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route stands out as the preferred choice among seasoned climbers and tour operators alike. Offering an extra day for acclimatization, this route allows your body to adjust gradually to the altitude, significantly enhancing your chances of summit success. Moreover, starting from the western circuit, the Lemosho Route treats you to stunning wildlife sightings as you traverse lush rainforests.

Assessing the Challenge of the Lemosho Route

While the Lemosho Route presents its share of challenges, it is generally considered less demanding compared to other routes. With longer itineraries spanning 7 or 8 days, you have ample time to acclimatize and gradually ascend to higher elevations. This strategic approach boosts your odds of reaching Uhuru Peak, the summit, with a remarkable success rate ranging from 90% to 95%.

Choosing Between Lemosho Route 7 Days vs. 8 Days

Deciding between the 7-day and 8-day itineraries boils down to your preference for acclimatization. Opting for the Lemosho Route 8 Days affords an extra day to adapt to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness symptoms. While both options boast success rates of 90% to 95%, the additional day on the 8-day route offers added peace of mind for climbers seeking optimal preparation.

Understanding the Length of the Lemosho Route

Spanning approximately 70 kilometers (40 miles) from gate to gate, the Lemosho Route promises a diverse and captivating trek. Each day unfolds with varying distances, from 4 to 17 kilometers, as you traverse forests, plateaus, and alpine terrain. From the first steps to the final push towards the summit, every kilometer offers an unforgettable adventure.

Unlocking the Success Rate of the Lemosho Route

With a remarkable success rate of 95% to 97%, the Lemosho Route stands tall as the preferred choice for summit seekers. Thanks to its extended itinerary and strategic acclimatization opportunities, climbers enjoy optimal rest and adjustment to the altitude. Our team ensures you have the support and guidance needed for a safe and rewarding journey to Kilimanjaro’s summit.

Start Your Adventure on Lemosho Route With Us

Join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey to Kilimanjaro’s summit via the Lemosho Route. Contact us today for expert advice on Kilimanjaro routes, ideal climbing times, expedition dates, and costs. With our personalized approach and unwavering support, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer Africa’s highest peak and savor the breathtaking beauty that awaits atop Kilimanjaro.

7 Days Lemosho Route Itinerary

DAY 1: LEMOSHO GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP: 4.8km /3mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
Altitude gained: 396m

Departing from Moshi a 3 hours drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA I CAMP: 17km/5mi | 6-8hrs | Moorland

Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Altitude gained: 1110m

After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.

DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.75km/6mi | 5-6hrs | Semi-Desert

Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 147m

Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5.2km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,253ft
Altitude gained: 48m

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

DAY 5: HIKE KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3km /2 mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4034m/13,253ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m

We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 5km /3mi up | 5-7hrs | – MWEKA CAMP: 11.5km /8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3090m/10,150ft
Altitude lost: 2789m

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1km/5.7mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. End of Leomsho Route Itinerary

8 Days Lemosho Route Itinerary

DAY 1: LEMOSHO GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP: 4.8km /3mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
Altitude gained: 396m

DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA I CAMP: 7.9km/5mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland

Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
Altitude gained: 719m

DAY 3: SHIRA I CAMP –SHIRA HUT: 6.9km/4.3mi | 5-7hrs | Moorland

Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Altitude gained: 391m

We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

DAY 4: SHIRA HUT – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.1km/6.3mi | 4-6hrs | Semi Desert

Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 91m

DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5.2km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude gained: 48m

DAY 6: HIKE KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3km /2 mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m

DAY 7: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86km /3mi up | 5-7hrs | – MWEKA CAMP: 13km /8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

DAY 8: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide

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