Off Beaten Path – Why Lemosho Route Is The Best Way To Climb Kilimanjaro

Last updated on June 26th, 2023 at 08:38 am

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.

A Longer And More Gradual Ascent

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.

• Lemosho Route advances Mount Kilimanjaro from the west and begins with a drive from Moshi to the Londrossi Gate.
• From there on out, the first two days will be spent trekking through the lush rainforests to Shira Ridge.
• The route crosses the entire Shira plateau from west to east in a relatively flat and pleasant hike.
• A major attraction of the Lemosho Route is the low number of crowds. Though when the route connects with the Machame Route near Lava Tower, you’ll encounter some crowds.

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

Untouched Wilderness And Scenery

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.

• These wilderness regions offer splendid views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Lemosho Route is relatively less crowded than other routes, so you’ll get plenty of time to take in the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro.
• During the first couple of days, the Lemosho Route will lead you through dense and lush rainforests.
• You’ll see wonderful flowers, trees and primates such as black and white colobus monkeys.
• As you make your way further up, the vegetation becomes thinner and the moorland areas come to the forefront.
• Here, you’ll get to see heathers and giant groundsels.

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.

Diverse Wildlife And Ecological Zones

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.

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.

Professional Guides And Excellent Support

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.

• Professional guides with an extensive range of experience in their belt offer excellent support throughout your Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking expedition.
• Our team has a range of qualified and professional guides that will make your trek through the Machame Route easy and offer plenty of support and backup.

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.

A Challenging Yet Rewarding Trek

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.

• This rule is an approach by which you can sleep at a lower elevation from which you have ascended during the daytime.
• This approach stimulates the body and produces more red blood cells that carry oxygen. This helps significantly in acclimatization.

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.

Success Rates Of Other Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes

Note – The Northern Circuit Route has a success rate of 90% – 95%. Though the trek takes more days – 8 and 9 Days.