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Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho route

The Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a popular and scenic 7- to 8-day climb that starts in the west, travels through a remote rainforest, crosses the Shira Plateau, and then joins the Machame Route for the final ascent. It is highly recommended for its beautiful scenery, higher summit success rates, and excellent acclimatization opportunities. The route can be completed in a minimum of 6 days, but a 7- or 8-day climb is strongly advised to improve acclimatization and reduce the risk of altitude sickness
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Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re planning the Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro, you’re selecting one of the most scenic and successful paths to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s tallest summit at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route starts remotely on the western side, offering pristine rainforests, the vast Shira Plateau, and superior acclimatization for high summit rates. This guide details the Lemosho Route Kili, including the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 8 days itinerary, difficulty, success rates, costs, and tips. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced hiker curious about how hard is Lemosho Route, this trail provides wildlife sightings, diverse habitats, and a gradual ascent for an epic adventure.

What is the Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro?

The Lemosho Route begins at Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western flank, spanning 71 km (43 miles) with about 4,000m (13,000 ft) elevation gain. This camping route traverses rainforests, heath zones, and alpine deserts, merging with Machame after Shira Plateau for the Barranco Wall and southern summit approach, descending via Mweka Gate. Newer and remote, it offers solitude early on, with potential colobus monkey and bird sightings. It’s 6-9 days, but 8-9 recommended for acclimatization. No technical skills needed, but fitness is key for steeps and altitude.

Lemosho Route Itinerary: Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 8 Days Breakdown

The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 8 days enhances acclimatization with “climb high, sleep low.” Here’s a day-by-day for climbs (add hotel nights):

DayStageDistanceElevation Gain/LossHiking TimeHabitat
1Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp6 km (4 mi)+650m (2,350m to 2,895m)3-4 hoursRainforest
2Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp8 km (5 mi)+610m (2,895m to 3,505m)5-6 hoursRainforest/Moorland
3Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (or Moir Hut)7 km (4 mi)+395m (3,505m to 3,900m)3-5 hoursMoorland
4Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp10 km (6 mi)+700m up, -650m down (3,900m to 4,600m to 3,950m)6-8 hoursSemi-Desert
5Barranco to Karanga Camp5 km (3 mi)+50m (3,950m to 4,000m)4-5 hoursAlpine Desert
6Karanga to Barafu Camp4 km (2 mi)+600m (4,000m to 4,600m)3-4 hoursAlpine Desert
7Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp12 km (7 mi)+1,295m up, -2,795m down (4,600m to 5,895m to 3,100m)10-14 hoursArctic Summit/Moorland
8Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate10 km (6 mi)-1,300m (3,100m to 1,800m)3-4 hoursRainforest
 

Shorter options combine days but lower success.

 
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Difficulty and Mount Kilimanjaro Success Rate on Lemosho Route

How hard is Lemosho Route? Moderate (3/5), with challenges from length, Barranco Wall scramble, and altitude, but easier than Umbwe due to gradual ascent. Good fitness recommended; no technical climbing.

Lemosho route success: 85% for 7 days, 90-95% for 8 days (company rates up to 92-95%). Overall Kilimanjaro 65-80%, Lemosho tops due to acclimatization.

Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Dry seasons: June-October (stable, peak crowds) or December-March (warmer, fewer people). Avoid April-May rains, as remote start may be inaccessible.

Costs of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Lemosho route cost from, group 8-day: $2,800-$3,500; private from $2,599 (12+ people) to $5,579 (solo). Includes fees, camping, meals, porters. Budget options $1,700-$2,200 for 7 days. Add gear $200-500, insurance $100-200, tips $200-300, flights $650-1,500.

Preparation Tips for Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro

  • Training: 4-6 months cardio/hikes.
  • Gear: -15°C bag, layers, poles.
  • Health: Diamox, vaccines.
  • Booking: Ethical operators.
  • Sustainability: Leave No Trace.
 

Pros and Cons of the Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Pros:

  • Scenic, remote, wildlife.
  • High success/acclimatization.
  • Varied landscapes.

Cons:

  • Longer/expensive.
  • Remote access.
  • Merges with crowded paths.

FAQs About Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro

How Long is the Lemosho Route?

7-9 days on mountain; 71 km (43 miles).

How Many Miles is the Lemosho Route?

43 miles.

How Hard is Lemosho Route?

Moderate; good fitness needed.

What is the Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Map?

Western start, Shira Plateau, south merge.

What is the Mount Kilimanjaro Elevation?

5,895m; Kilimanjaro elevation gain ~4,000m.

How Many Miles to Climb Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route?

43 miles.

Plan your Climbing Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route at the Mount Kilimanjaro Guide.

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