Lemosho Route

Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is an increasingly popular trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its stunning scenery and high success rates. The trek is a fantastic way to experience the beauty and majesty of the highest mountain in Africa while taking a less-travelled path.

In this read, we'll explore the key aspects of the Lemosho Route, from its unique features to the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro and what you can expect during your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing via the Lemosho Route.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE KILIMANJARO LEMOSHO ROUTE

The Lemosho Route offers numerous advantages for those looking for Climbing Kilimanjaro. Some of the key highlights include:

• Beautiful and diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and dramatic volcanic features. Often considered the prettiest Route Up Kilimanjaro.
• A high success rate, thanks to the route's gradual ascent and longer duration, allows for better acclimatization.
• Fewer crowds compared to other popular Kilimanjaro Routes, such as the Marangu or Machame routes.
• The opportunity to traverse the scenic Shira Plateau and view the stunning Shira Cathedral.
• It is one of the newest routes and was laid down as an alternative to the Shira Route.

THE LEMOSHO ROUTE AT A GLANCE

• Duration: 7-8 days
• Distance: Approximately 70 kilometres (43 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Success Rate: High (mostly on the 8-day route)
• Height: The climb begins at an altitude of 2360 meters at Londorossi Gate.
• Location: The route approaches the summit from the west of the mountain.

UNIQUENESS

• The Lemosho Route is unique in its approach to Kilimanjaro, starting on the western side of the mountain and traversing across the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route on the southern circuit.
• This path allows climbers to experience a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems, from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts.
• Additionally, Climbing Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route offers a higher degree of solitude and a more remote feel compared to other routes, enhancing the overall experience for trekkers.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

The Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route is during the dry seasons, which occur from January to March and June to October. These months typically offer more stable weather conditions, making the trek more enjoyable and safer. However, it is essential to prepare for a range of temperatures and weather patterns, as the climate can vary dramatically depending on altitude and time of day.

SUCCESS RATES

The Lemosho trekking route boasts one of the highest rates of successful summit attempts among all the routes to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing. This is attributed to the route's unique approach of repeatedly leading climbers to higher altitudes before returning them to lower elevations for rest and sleep, facilitating proper acclimatization.

Although there are no official figures available, the average success rates reported by Kilimanjaro operators for the Lemosho Route 8 Days and 7 days stand at 90% and 85%, respectively. This makes Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route one of the popular choices among tourists.

CROWDS ON THE LEMOSHO ROUTE

Due to its scenic beauty, the Lemosho route tends to attract a significant number of climbers, making it a popular choice for those seeking Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing.

However, the first few days of the trek through the picturesque rainforest section are usually less crowded. It is only when the route joins the Machame path near the Lava Tower that the number of climbers may increase, particularly during peak season.

THE SCENERY ON THE LEMOSHO ROUTE

The Lemosho Route is renowned for its diverse and breathtaking scenery. Climbers will pass through lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, traverse the vast and picturesque Shira Plateau, and ascend the challenging Barranco Wall.

The route also provides stunning views of Kilimanjaro's famous glaciers, including the Rebmann, Decken, and Heim Glaciers. As trekkers approach the summit, they will experience the unique and otherworldly landscape of the alpine desert, a testament to Kilimanjaro's volcanic past.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS ON THE LEMOSHO ROUTE

The Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route offers tented campsites throughout the journey, providing trekkers with a more authentic and adventurous experience. High-quality tents, sleeping pads, and dining tents are typically provided by tour operators, ensuring a comfortable and well-supported trek. There are no hut accommodations available on the Lemosho Route, unlike the Marangu Route.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF LEMOSHO ROUTE ITINERARY

While it is possible to complete the Lemosho Route in just six days of hiking, it is recommended to tackle it over eight days for a more favourable altitude acclimatization schedule.

The initial two days of the trek involve traversing through the lush rainforest up to Shira Ridge, followed by a relatively flat hike towards the east, where encounters with other hikers are likely to be minimal.

It is only when the route merges with the Machame Route near the Lava Tower that larger crowds may be encountered, particularly during peak season.

From this point, the path takes a Southern Circuit underneath the icefields of Mount Kilimanjaro, culminating in a summit ascent from Barafu. The descent is typically made via the Mweka route to complete the journey.

Below is the summary of the Lemosho Route 8 Days Itinerary:

OUR IMPRESSION OF KILIMANJARO LEMOSHO ROUTE

The Lemosho Route is an excellent choice for climbers seeking a more remote and scenic experience during Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing. The route's gradual ascent and diverse landscapes make for a memorable and rewarding trek, while the high success rates provide an added incentive for choosing this path. However, it is essential to be prepared for the challenges that come with a more extended and demanding climb, such as ensuring proper acclimatization and physical fitness.

To wind things up, the Lemosho Route offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing in a less crowded and more authentic setting. With its high success rates and stunning scenery, this route is perfect for those looking to conquer Africa's highest peak while witnessing the best scenic sights in the world.