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How Far is the Lemosho Route? Complete Distance Breakdown
The Kilimanjaro Lemosho route distance covers approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) roundtrip, making it one of the longer paths to Uhuru Peak. This in-depth Mount Kilimanjaro guide provides a detailed breakdown of daily distances, elevation gains, and what these numbers mean for your trekking experience on Kilimanjaro’s most scenic route.
Lemosho Route Distance Overview
Key Distance Statistics
Total Roundtrip Distance: 70 km (43.5 miles)
Ascent Distance: 42 km (26 miles)
Descent Distance: 28 km (17.5 miles)
Longest Day: Summit day (21 km/13 miles)
Shortest Day: Day 1 (6 km/3.7 miles)
Note: Actual hiking distance often exceeds these figures due to:
Campsite positioning
Acclimatization hikes
Switchbacks and trail variations
Daily Distance Breakdown (7-Day Itinerary)
| Day | Route Section | Distance (km) | Distance (miles) | Elevation Gain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Londorossi Gate → Big Tree Camp | 6 km | 3.7 miles | +700m |
| 2 | Big Tree → Shira 1 Camp | 8 km | 5 miles | +950m |
| 3 | Shira 1 → Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp | 11 km | 6.8 miles | +790m (net) |
| 4 | Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp | 5 km | 3.1 miles | +250m |
| 5 | Karanga → Barafu Camp | 4 km | 2.5 miles | +600m |
| 6 | Summit Day (Barafu → Uhuru → Mweka Camp) | 21 km | 13 miles | +1,295m/-2,795m |
| 7 | Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate | 15 km | 9.3 miles | -1,600m |
Understanding the Lemosho Route Distance
Why Distance Matters Less Than You Think
While 70km sounds substantial, Kilimanjaro’s challenge comes from:
✔ Altitude gain (4,000m total ascent)
✔ Elevation effects (oxygen levels drop 50%)
✔ Summit night endurance (12+ hours continuous)
Pro Tip: Focus training on elevation gain rather than flat distance – climbing 1,000m with a pack is better prep than 20km on flat ground.
Lemosho vs Other Routes: Distance Comparison
| Route | Total Distance | Ascent Profile | Summit Day Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemosho | 70 km | Gradual | 21 km |
| Machame | 62 km | Steeper | 17 km |
| Marangu | 72 km | Rapid | 19 km |
| Northern Circuit | 98 km | Very Gradual | 16 km |
Key Insight: Lemosho’s extra distance provides better acclimatization than shorter routes, contributing to its 85-90% success rate.
What the Distance Feels Like Day-by-Day
Day 1-2: Gentle Introduction
6-8 km/day through rainforest and moorland
Pace: Leisurely 3-5 hours hiking
Terrain: Well-maintained trails
Day 3-4: Increasing Challenge
11 km with Lava Tower acclimatization
Barranco Wall scramble (steep but short)
Altitude effects become noticeable
Summit Day: The Ultimate Test
21 km over 12-16 hours
Midnight start in freezing temperatures
Final 1 km takes 60-90 minutes at altitude
Training for Lemosho Route Distances
12-Week Preparation Plan
Weeks 1-4: Build to 10km daily walks
Weeks 5-8: Add elevation (500m+ gain)
Weeks 9-12: Back-to-back 15km hike days
Essential Workouts:
Stair climbing with 10kg pack
Downhill hiking (prep for descent)
6+ hour endurance walks
Packing for the Distance
Distance-Specific Gear Tips:
Footwear: Well-broken boots + spare laces
Socks: 1 pair per 20km (7+ pairs total)
Trekking poles: Save 30% knee strain
Hydration: 3L capacity minimum
FAQs About Lemosho Route Distance
Q: How many steps is the Lemosho route?
A: Approximately 150,000-175,000 steps roundtrip (varies by stride length).
Q: Is the distance the same on 7-day vs 8-day Lemosho?
A: Nearly identical – the 8-day adds an acclimatization hike (extra 4km) but same core route.
Q: What’s the hardest kilometer?
A: The final 1km to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) where altitude hits hardest.
Q: Can GPS trackers measure exact distance?
A: Yes, but expect 5-10% more than official distances due to switchbacks.
Why Lemosho’s Distance is Ideal
The Kilimanjaro Lemosho route distance creates the perfect balance:
✔ Enough mileage for proper acclimatization
✔ Not so long as to cause exhaustion
✔ Well-paced daily segments
✔ Gradual approach to summit
Ready to take on Lemosho’s 70km challenge? Start training with elevation gain today for your best chance at summit success!
