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Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho route

Discover the Lemosho Route, one of the most scenic and successful paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 7-8 day trek offers excellent acclimatization, stunning views of the Shira Plateau, and a high success rate of around 90%. Explore the remote western slopes, spot wildlife in the rainforest, and challenge yourself on this epic Kilimanjaro adventure.

Guide to Lemosho Route: Kilimanjaro’s Most Beautiful Route

Departures: Scheduled departures throughout the year (private departures available)
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The Lemosho Route is a popular choice for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro due to its gradual ascent, scenic beauty, and high summit success rate. It offers a balanced combination of challenges and rewards, making it suitable for various fitness levels.

The 8-day Lemosho Route itinerary idea:

An 8-day Lemosho Route itinerary offers an additional day of acclimatization, which can enhance your chances of summit success. Here’s a possible plan:

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp

  • Distance: 7 km
  • Elevation Gain: 580 meters
  • Highlights: Trek through lush rainforest, encounter diverse wildlife.

Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira Camp 1

  • Distance: 6 km
  • Elevation Gain: 750 meters
  • Highlights: Continue through the rainforest, ascend to higher altitudes.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

  • Distance: 5 km
  • Elevation Gain: 400 meters
  • Highlights: Hike across the Shira Plateau, enjoy panoramic views of Kilimanjaro.

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  • Distance: 11 km
  • Elevation Gain: 730 meters
  • Highlights: Pass the Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Distance: 5 km
  • Elevation Gain: 270 meters
  • Highlights: Climb the Barranco Wall, reach Karanga Camp.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Distance: 5 km
  • Elevation Gain: 700 meters
  • Highlights: Ascend to Barafu Camp, prepare for the summit attempt.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

  • Distance: 19 km
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,890 meters
  • Highlights: Summit Mount Kilimanjaro at dawn, descend to Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  • Distance: 10 km
  • Elevation Loss: 1,640 meters
  • Highlights: Enjoy the descent, celebrate your achievement.

What is the Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho Route is one of the seven routes you can climb to submit to Mount Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro offers hikers a stunning accent to the iconic Uhuru Peak. This route provides an immersive and breathtaking experience with diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts.

Where is the Lemosho Route located?

The Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro is one of the most scenic and less crowded routes. The starting point of the Lemosho Route is at the Londorossi Gate, situated on the Western side of the mountain.

To reach the gateway of this route, you can fly into the Kilimanjaro International Airport, the closest airport to the mountain. From the airport, it is approximately a 2-hour drive to reach the Londorossi Gate.

Alternatively, if you are already in Tanzania, you can also travel to the Lemosho Route by road. The drive from popular tourist destinations like Arusha or Moshi to the Londorossi Gate takes around 3-4 hours.

Once you arrive at the gate, you will go through the necessary registration and permit procedures before starting your trek on the Lemosho Route.

It is advisable to hire an experienced guide and porters to assist you throughout the journey, ensuring your safety and comfort every step of the way. More about these details later on.

Pros and Cons of Climbing the Lemosho Route

If you are still not sure if the Lemosho Route is the best option for you to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro summit, here is a pros and cons summary that might help.

Pros:

– Scenic Beauty: The Lemosho Route offers stunning views of the untouched wilderness terrain, traversing various ecological zones, from lush rainforest to alpine desert. It is known for its spectacular scenery, making the climb a memorable experience.

High Success Rates: The Lemosho Route has higher success rates compared to other routes due to its longer duration and better acclimatization.

– Less Crowded: The Lemosho Route is less crowded than other popular routes like the Machame or Marangu routes. Which provides a more serene and peaceful climbing experience with fewer hikers on the trail.

– Better for Acclimatization: The longer duration and gradual ascent of this route allows for better acclimatization to the high altitude reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

Cons:

– Longer Duration: The Lemosho Route is one of the longest routes on Kilimanjaro, typically taking 7-8 days to complete, which requires more time commitment and can be a disadvantage for climbers who have limited vacation days.

– Higher Cost: Due to the longer duration and the need for additional permits, this Lemosho can be more expensive than other routes. It is important to budget accordingly and consider the additional costs involved.

– Challenging Terrain: The Lemosho Route includes some sections with challenging terrain, such as the Barranco Wall. Climbers need to be prepared for steep ascents and descents, as well as the potential for loose rocks and scree.

– Unpredictable Weather: Like any mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro has unpredictable weather conditions. The Lemosho Route is no exception, with the potential for rain, fog, and even snow.

– Remote Start: The Lemosho Route starts at the remote Londorossi Gate, which requires additional transportation to reach, which can add to the overall logistics and cost of the climb.

Lemosho Route Success Rate  

The Lemosho Route is considered one of the most successful routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, with a high success rate. The exact rate can vary, but it is generally reported to be over 85%. This is due to the route’s longer duration (typically 7-8 days), which allows climbers more time to acclimatize to the altitude, increasing their chances of reaching the summit. However, success can also depend on the climber’s physical condition, preparation, and the quality of their guide service.

Success rates

8 days: 80% to 90%

7 days: 70% to 85%

Starting point

West

Typical duration

6 to 9 days

Elevation of starting point

7,380 feet (2,250 meters)

This is a higher altitude than most routes.

Distance

42 miles (68 kilometers)

Views

Scenic views through a remote rainforest at the start of the climb.

Panoramic views at higher elevations.

Cost

Mid to high end range

Traffic

Quiet in the first half.

Crowded after it combines with the Machame Route halfway through.

Huts or tents

Tents

Difficulty

High.

Difficult terrains.

Involves climbing a steep wall (Barranco Wall).

Climb high sleep low

Possible.

Descending route

Mweka Route

lemosho route

Highlights of the Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is renowned for its stunning and diverse scenery on Mount Kilimanjaro. It starts from the west, traversing through lush rainforests filled with colobus monkeys and exotic birds, before reaching the Shira Plateau with its expansive moorlands. As climbers ascend, they encounter a variety of landscapes including alpine desert, with views of the spectacular Barranco Wall and the Southern Icefields. The route culminates with the arctic conditions of the summit, offering breathtaking views of the African plains below.

How difficult is it to climb the Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro?

The Lemosho Route is considered a moderately difficult route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a longer Kilimanjaro route, typically taking 7 to 8 days, which allows for better acclimatization and thus a higher success rate. However, it involves trekking through various terrains, including rainforests, alpine deserts, and arctic zones, and reaching high altitudes, which can be physically demanding. Despite the challenges, it is favored by many climbers for its scenic beauty and lower crowds.

How long is the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route?

It’s one of the longer routes, spanning approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles).

The Lemosho Route provides a longer and more gradual ascent, giving climbers a better chance to adjust to the altitude, reduce the risk of altitude sickness, and increase their chances of reaching the iconic Uhuru Peak.

How many days do you need to climb the Lemosho Route?

The number of days it takes to climb the Lemosho Route can vary depending on your preference and level of fitness.

The standard itinerary for the Lemosho Route usually takes 8 to 9 days to complete, including time for an acclimatization hike. However, there are also optional itineraries that allow you to complete the trek in 6 or 7 days.

Choosing to climb the Lemosho Route in 6 days is a more challenging option and is generally recommended for experienced hikers who are already acclimatized to high altitudes. This itinerary involves longer and more strenuous days of hiking, with less time for acclimatization.

It is important to note that attempting to summit Kilimanjaro in such a short timeframe significantly increases the risk of altitude sickness and reduces the chances of reaching the summit successfully.

On the other hand, opting for the 7-day itinerary provides a slightly more relaxed pace and an extra day for acclimatization.

It is important to note that attempting to summit Kilimanjaro in such a short timeframe significantly increases the risk of altitude sickness and reduces the chances of reaching the summit successfully.

On the other hand, opting for the 7-day itinerary provides a slightly more relaxed pace and an extra day for acclimatization.

The standard 8-day itinerary is the most recommended option for most climbers. This itinerary includes shorter hiking days, allowing climbers to gradually adjust to the altitude and enjoy the stunning views along the way.

Day

Daily Activities

1

Arrival Day: Before your big adventure begins, we pick you up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive you to the resort where you may meet your team and unwind. Everyone receives a briefing tonight from the main guide regarding the forthcoming hike.

2

Rainforest Hike: You are registered with the Kilimanjaro National Park at the Londorossi Park Gate. After that, you are driven for a further hour to the trailhead at Lemosho Gate (2,100 metres). The distance to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,895 m), also known as Big Tree Camp, is three hours by foot from here. This is your first time spending the night in tents outside.

3

Moorland Hike: You leave the rainforest after an early breakfast and enter the area of heather and moors. On your way to Shira 1 Camp, you cross a lot of streams (3,505 m). Some of the trek’s most beautiful vistas can be found today and tomorrow. Today, you walked for five to six hours.

4

Shira Plateau Hike: You proceed today along the Shira Plateau, which provides a magnificent view of the Western Breach, a crater-shaped opening created by lava flow, and glaciers. You can anticipate seeing enormous lobelias, senecios, and groundsels. A night is spent in Moir Hut (4,206 m). You hiked today for a total of six to seven hours.

5

Lava Tower: You ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 m), a magnificent rock formation, after breakfast. It is here that you have lunch. The group then makes a small descent to Barranco Camp (3,967 m), which is located at the base of the renowned Barranco Wall. This implies that today you “climb high, sleep low,” which is fantastic for acclimatization. Today’s hike should take six to nine hours.

6

Barranco Wall: It’s time to climb the steep granite wall known as Barranco Wall after an early breakfast. Despite its frightening appearance, hikers frequently report that the trail is simpler than they had anticipated. You have fantastic views of the southern ice fields and summit from the wall’s summit, where you are above the clouds. Uphill and downhill travel until Karanga Camp (3,995 m). The four to five-hour hike today takes place.

7

Alphine Desert: It’s getting real! You’re now very close to the summit and have some amazing views of the mountain during your ascent of three hours to Barafu Camp (4,600 m). You go to bed early tonight as tomorrow’s summit hike starts in at midnight. This is partly to enjoy the sunrise from up high, and partly because of the long hours of trekking required.

8

Summit Day: The big push is here! The journey today consists of two parts: a six to eight-hour predawn ascent to Uhuru Peak and a further six to eight-hour ascent to Mweka Camp (3,068 m). Dig deep both intellectually and physically at this time. Imagine yourself at the highest point in Africa, next to the Uhuru Peak sign (5,895 m), your efforts having paid off.

9

Last Day on Mountain: Today you do the final three-hour hike down through the breathtaking jungle to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), where your driver is waiting for you. Lifetime achievement: accomplished! It’s time to celebrate with the tipping ceremony, then have some fun and drink some cold beer before getting some well-deserved rest in a cosy bed.

10

Departure Day: Your daily activities has well-deserved over and a well deserved rest is in order. Today, we will say goodbye to Kili.

9 DAYS CLIMBING THE KILIMANJARO – LEMOSHO ROUTE IN 7 DAYS VIA STELLA POINT

The 7 Day Lemosho Route Itinerary via Stella Point is a popular trekking route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The journey begins at the Lemosho gate and gradually ascends through diverse ecosystems, including rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone. The route offers stunning panoramic views and a high success rate due to its longer acclimatization period. The trek culminates with a challenging overnight climb to Stella Point, followed by a short hike to the summit. The descent is typically via the Mweka route.

Day 1
On arrival in Kilimanjaro airport you’ll be driven to the base hotel. This evening you’ll have a briefing where you’ll be given details about the forthcoming climb and have a chance to ask any questions.

Day 2
We set out in vehicles to the starting point of the Lemosho trail. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set off at a leisurely pace into montane forest. Lunch is taken on trail and camp is reached mid afternoon. Overnight Forest Camp – 2,860m

Day 3
From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on trail and you arrive in camp mid afternoon. Overnight Shira 1 Camp – 3,560m

Day 4
After a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain yesterday, today is a short day and you arrive in Shira 2 camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatisation with the option of an afternoon walks with your guides. Overnight Shira 2 Camp – 3,850m

Day 5
Today is a walk high sleep low day. You ascend into alpine desert and for those that are feeling strong you can even head up to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco camp. Lunch is taken as a picnic lunch on route. This is long day but pays dividends later on – great acclimatisation day! Overnight Barranco Camp – 3,910m

Day 6
From Barranco camp, famous for its giant groundsels (Dendrosenecio species), you ascend the Barranco wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga camp. Lunch is taken at Karanga valley before heading to Barafu in the afternoon. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the evening. Overnight Barafu – 4,600m

Day 7
This is it – summit day! You’ll be woken at about midnight with a hot drink before you set out, torch in hand, for the initial climb to Stella Point. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach Stella Point on the crater rim at around dawn. It’s then a relatively short final push to the summit, Uhuru Peak – The Roof of Africa!. You’ll see the glaciers and if the weather is clear may get wonderful views of the plains far below. Having achieved your goal, it’s time to head back down to Mweka Camp. You’ll arrive, exhausted but elated, by mid-afternoon.
This is a seriously long day with 12 – 16 hours hiking time. – 4,600m – 5,895m – 3,600m

Day 8
After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and around mid day after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transfer back to your hotel for a well deserved shower!

Day 9
Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport or your onward travels.

7 DAYS – LEMOSHO ROUTE PARK FEES

 

Kilimanjaro  National Park Fees

Conservation fees

 USD 70 per day

Camping fees 

USD 50 per day 

Rescue fees 

 USD 20 per hiker

Guide and porter entrance fees 

USD 2 per supporting crew

Forestry entry fees  

 USD 10 per hiker

Forestry vehicles entry fees

 USD 20 per vehicle 

Tourism added tax ( VAT)

 18%

Retail value tax added 

18%

Total

USD 1.194.68

9 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO – LEMOSHO ROUTE IN 7 DAYS – PRICES AND SERVICES

GROUP SIZE

PRICE PER PERSON

1 person

$ 2938/person

2-4 people

$ 2,513/person

5-9 people

$ 2,313/person

10 + people

$ 2,050/person

10 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO – LEMOSHO ROUTE IN 8 DAYS VIA STELLA POINT

The 8 Days Lemosho Route Itinerary via Stella Point is a popular trekking route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The journey begins at the Londorossi Gate and gradually ascends through diverse ecosystems, including rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zones. The route offers stunning panoramic views and a high success rate due to its longer duration, which allows for better acclimatization. The trek culminates with a challenging overnight climb to Stella Point, followed by a short hike to the summit. The descent is typically via the Mweka route.

Day 1
On arrival in Kilimanjaro airport you’ll be driven to the base hotel. This evening you’ll have a briefing where you’ll be given details about the forthcoming climb and have a chance to ask any questions.

Day 2
We set out in vehicles to the starting point of the Lemosho trail. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set off at a leisurely pace into montane forest. Lunch is taken on trail and camp is reached mid afternoon. Overnight Forest Camp 2,860m

Day 3
From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on trail and you arrive in camp mid afternoon. Overnight Shira 1 Camp – 3,560m

Day 4
After a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain yesterday, today is a short day and you arrive in Shira 2 camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatisation with the option of an afternoon walks with your guides. Overnight Shira 2 Camp – 3,850m

Day 5
Today is a walk high sleep low day. You ascend into alpine desert and for those that are feeling strong you can even head up to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco camp. Lunch is taken as a picnic lunch on route. This is long day but pays dividends later on – great acclimatisation day! Overnight Barranco Camp – 3,910m

Day 6
From Barranco camp, famous for its giant groundsels, you ascend the Barranco wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga Valley. Today is a relatively short day hiking and lunch is taken at Karanga camp. In the afternoon a walk can be taken with your guides for great views of the southern walls of Kibo and deep glacial valleys. Overnight Karanga Camp. It’s just 4-5 hours walking today giving you plenty of time for acclimatisation. – 4,100m

Day 7
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. You are in desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp. But on the plus side you get great views of Mawenzi peak. An early dinner before heading to rest for a few hours. Overnight at Barafu Camp. It’s just 4-5 hours walking today but you’ll be gald of the rest before a big day tomorrow. – 4,600m

Day 8
Unlike other routes with a night time ascent, your hike selection affords you a day time ascent to Kibo crater. The going is slow but with constant encourangement from your climb team the rim of Kibo is reached before decending a little way into the caldera to Crater camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing and short walks can be taken with one of your guides. Overnight Kibo Crater Camp – 5,750m

Day 9
This is it – summit day! After a night in the crater you now have the shortest final summit bid of any route. With such a short distance to the summit from the crater (around 1 hour) means that timing arrival with the sunrise is much easier and quite spectacular. The summit of Kilimanjaro is the top of the highest freestanding mountain in the world. After your summit bid you then descend for a final night on the mountain at Mweka Camp passing back through the heath zone. Overnight Mweka Camp – 5,750m – 5,895m – 3,600m

Day 10
After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and around mid day after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transfer back to your hotel for a well deserved shower!

Day 11
Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport or your onward travels.

8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE PARK FEES 

 

Kilimanjaro  National Park Fees

Conservation fees

 USD 70 per day

Camping fees 

USD 50 per day 

Rescue fees 

 USD 20 per hiker

Guide and porter entrance fees 

USD 2 per supporting crew

Forestry entry fees  

 USD 10 per hiker

Forestry vehicles entry fees

 USD 20 per vehicle 

Tourism added tax ( VAT)

 18%

Retail value tax added 

18%

Total

USD 1361.77

10 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO – LEMOSHO ROUTE IN 8 DAYS  – PRICES AND SERVICES

GROUP SIZE

PRICE PER PERSON

1 person

$ 3228/person

2-4 people

$ 2773/person

5-9 people

$ 2568/person

10 + people

$ 2350/person

What’s included

  • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
  • 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Arusha on a twin-share basis
  • 7 nights of fully supported camping on a twin share tent basis
  • Group camping equipment including a tent (sleeping bag and mat not included – can be hired locally)
  • Experienced local mountain guides, cooks, and camp crew
  • Porters to carry personal and group equipment
  • Emergency Oxygen

What’s not included

  • International or domestic flights
  • Arrival or departure transfers in Arusha
  • Sleeping bags and mats
  • Aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Tips
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
 
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