The Lemosho Route is widely considered to be the best and the most scenic route for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho Route grants panoramic views on both sides of the mountain.
The Lemosho Route is relatively new. Not too long ago, there were only two main routes used for Kilimanjaro Hike. As Tanzania’s tourism industry flourished, more trails atop the Kilimanjaro were created and the Lemosho Route was one of them. The Lemosho Route Success Rate is spectacular. It is the preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate.
The Lemosho route starts in the lush, fertile rainforest. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west side of the mountain, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate. It was introduced as an alternative to the Shira Route which begins at a higher, more challenging altitude.
The Lemosho Route has day-wise itineraries like Lemosho Route 8 Days and Lemosho Route 7 Days.
The six-day itinerary is not recommended as it doesn’t provide sufficient time to acclimatize. But the seven or eight-day treks on the Lemosho are great for acclimatization. This of course, increases the probability of Kilimanjaro’s Success Rate.
HOW LONG IS THE LEMOSHO ROUTE?
The Lemosho route is approximately 70 km/ 42 miles from gate to gate. No matter whether you opt for Lemosho Route 8 Days or Lemosho Route 7 Days version. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience.
It joins up with the Machame Route between Shira and Barranco so the terrain is very similar.
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT CLIMBING THE LEMOSHO ROUTE?
The Lemosho route is considered to be one of the easiest routes on Kilimanjaro. This is because of its longer itinerary which allows for better acclimatization. It has great ‘climb high, sleep low opportunities. However, hikers still need to ascend the Barranco Wall and climb steeply on summit night. That’s why no technical climbing is required but a good level of fitness is highly recommended.
WHAT IS THE LEMOSHO ROUTE SUMMIT SUCCESS RATE?
Due to its longer itinerary, Kilimanjaro’s success rate on the Lemosho route is one of the highest on the mountain. The average success rate across all operators is 90% for the 8-day trek. For the 7 day trek, it is an 85% success rate.
HOW IS THE SCENERY LIKE ON THE LEMOSHO ROUTE?
The Lemosho Route is considered to be the most scenically beautiful out of all the routes. You get to walk through the lush rainforest on the first couple of days.
The route also gives you the experience of hiking across the spectacular Shira Plateau. The plateau offers fantastic views of the mountain, particularly on the southern circuit.
HOW BUSY IS THE LEMOSHO ROUTE?
The Lemosho route is generally less busy than the other Kilimanjaro routes. Well, at least that’s the case in the first couple of days. When you join the Machame route near Lava Tower, is when the crowds can get a little bigger.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT CAMPS ON THE LEMOSHO ROUTE?
- Big Tree Camp and Millennium Camps
This camp is sat on the tree line and has a number of campsites set in small clearings in the forest. It has a central ranger station here. It is quite easy to descend back to the gate from here, if necessary.
- Shira Plateau 1 & 2
Shira Plateau 1 & 2 are situated on different sides of the vast Shira plateau. These camps are open, exposed and dusty with small, fragile plants growing amongst the rocks.
- Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp is situated in a big clearing at the head of the steep valley at the Umbwe route. It has dramatic cliffs all around and is just right below the ice fields of Kibo.
- Karanga Camp
It is an open camp on the side of a hillside with great views of the summit. Karanga is actually a bit of a halfway stop, but there is still a Ranger hut here.
- Barafu
The Barafu camp is cold and rocky and exposed. The altitude here is high and you can expect snow and sometimes high wind.
WHAT CLOTHES DO YOU NEED FOR CLIMBING THE LEMOSHO ROUTE?
Tents and mattresses and all the kitchen tent equipment will be provided to you. All you need to bring are clothes, good boots, and a sleeping bag.
During the seven or eight days you will experience a variety of weather. So make sure you pack according to it. This means packing carefully because every day you will wear something different and carry different items in your bag.
In the rainforest, don’t forget to bring shorts and a T-shirt and an umbrella with you. Up higher, you need to have long-sleeved warm clothing with you. And on summit night it’s all about being warm so keep some warm clothes in your bag.
Also make sure you have proper boots and don’t forget to protect your skin.
While Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho route is famous for its scenic views along with the wildlife during trekking.
At Jerry Tanzania Tours, we’re committed to providing our clients with the best experience while climbing through the Lemosho route with us.
Let us help you experience your Kilimanjaro dreams. To know more, visit us today.