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Choosing the right Mount Kilimanjaro Route is one of the most crucial aspects of Climbing Kilimanjaro. When it comes to Lemosho Route, the path and success rate are higher. So how it is, let’s explore!
The Lemosho Route is one of our most preferred routes and for good reason. It’s the most scenically gorgeous and diverse Kilimanjaro Route. The route is designed specifically for trekkers. Lemosho incorporates longer time, long distances on the mountain, and shorter elevation gains.
What’s more, you ask? Lemosho Route is dotted with panoramic vistas on various corners and has a perfect balance of success rates and low crowds. Below is a detailed outlook as to why the off-beaten trail of Lemosho Route is ideal for trekkers of all experiences and abilities.
The Lemosho Route was created with acclimatization in mind. This makes it one of the Kilimanjaro Routes with the highest rate of success. The route can be completed in seven days (and six nights) or eight days (and seven nights). This ascent to Climb Kilimanjaro increases the chances of success because you’ll have more time for acclimatization with a gradual ascent.
From the Lava Tower, the route goes underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field. This path is called the Southern Circuit. You’ll eventually summit the mountain from Barafu and descend via the Mweka Route.
The following is what an 8-Days Lemosho Route Ascent itinerary looks like:
DAY | STARTING POINT | ALTITUDE (in feet) | FINISHING POINT | ALTITUDE (in feet) | DURATION (in hours) | DISTANCE (in Kilometres) | DISTANCE (in miles) |
1 | Londrossi Gate | 7,742 | Mti Mkubwa | 9,498 | 3-4 | 6 | 4 |
2 | Mti Mkubwa | 9,498 | Shira 1 Camp | 11,500 | 5-6 | 8 | 5 |
3 | Shira 1 Camp | 11,500 | Moir Hut | 13,800 | 5-7 | 11 | 7 |
4 | Moir Hut | 13,800 | Lava Tower | 13,044 | 2-3 | 3 | 2 |
5 | Barranco Camp | 13,044 | Karanga Camp | 13,106 | 4-5 | 5 | 3 |
6 | Karanga Camp | 13,106 | Uhuru Peak | 19,341 | 7-8 | 5 | 3 |
7 | Uhuru Peak | 19,341 | Mweka Camp (Descending Point) | 10,065 | 4-6 | 12 | 7 |
8 | Mweka Camp | 10,065 | Mweka Gate | 5,380 | 3-4 | 10 | 6 |
The Lemosho Route is an off-beaten track that is renowned for being one of the most scenic Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes. The route will take you through some of the most untouched wilderness regions on Mt. Kilimanjaro. You’ll get to walk through alpine meadows, high-altitude plateaus, dense rainforests, and rocky terrains.
As you reach the higher altitude zones, the alpine desert regions will dominate the surroundings. The landscapes here are simply stunning with rocky terrains set on the backdrop of high peaks and valleys. Ultimately, you’ll reach the summit where the sunrises will be a sight to behold.
One of the primary reasons why Lemosho is considered one of the Best Routes on Kilimanjaro is because of the diverse wildlife and different ecological zones. The Lemosho Route will take you through five different ecological zones, each with its unique vegetation and wildlife.
NAME OF THE ZONE | ELEVATION (in feet) | ELEVATION (in meters) |
Cultivation Zone | 2,600 – 6,000 ft. | 800 – 1800 m. |
Rainforest Zone | 6,000 – 9,000 ft. | 1,800 – 2,800 m. |
Heather and Moorland Zone | 9,000 – 13,000 ft. | 2,800 – 4,000 m. |
Alpine Desert Zone | 13,000 – 16,000 ft. | 4,000 – 5,000 m. |
Arctic Zone | 16,000 – 19,340 ft. | 5,000 – 5,895 m. |
From the lush rainforests to the alpine deserts, you’ll have an opportunity to relish the full range of Kilimanjaro’s diversity. When it comes to the wildlife of Kilimanjaro, there are some primate species that you will get to see.
These include blue, black, and white colobus monkeys. Bush babies and four-striped mice can also be seen around the tree hollows. Mount Kilimanjaro is also home to the beautiful three-horned Jackson’s chameleon and two-horned Dwarf Fischer’s chameleon.
When it comes to safety and success, the Lemosho Route is one of your best choices for Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes. And, a helping hand and support go a long way to conquering the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Although, the underrated heroes of your climbing experience will undoubtedly be Kilimanjaro Porters. They will offer you support in terms of making camp each day, carrying equipment and supplies, and supporting you physically and mentally.
Even though the Lemosho Route is regarded as one of the easiest Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes, there are a few challenges along the way. This is mainly due to the long distance and Lemosho Route Elevation Gain. But the up and down movement is very advantageous for acclimatization because of the ‘climb high, sleep low’ rule.
Although there might be some challenges along the Lemosho Route, you’ll be highly rewarded when you summit Uhuru Peak.
Good to know – Keep in mind that you’ll still need to ascend the Barranco Wall and climb steeply on the night of the summit. Though no technical climbing is needed, a good level of fitness is highly advised.
NAME OF THE ROUTE | SUCCESS RATES | |
6-Days Trek | 7-Days Trek | |
Machame Route | 60% – 70% | 80% – 90% |
Marangu Route | 60% – 70% | 80% – 90% |
Rongai Route | 60% – 70% | 70% – 80% |
Shira Route | 60% – 70% | 70% – 80% |
Umbwe Route | 60% – 70% | 70% – 80% |
Note – The Northern Circuit Route has a success rate of 90% – 95%. Though the trek takes more days – 8 and 9 Days.
Whereas, the average summit success rate of the Lemosho Route is:
There’s a 6-Day (5-Nights) Trek available as well for the Lemosho Route. Though it’s not very popular and also not recommended. The average success rate for this trek is 70 – 75%.
Do make sure to read some of our other related blogs on Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing:
The somewhat-new, remote, and off-beaten trail of Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is one of the convenient and most effective ways to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. With a perfect blend of beautiful sceneries, fewer crowds, and a huge success rate, Lemosho has a bit of everything for trekking enthusiasts. So, take on your Quest from the West with our Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages selection.