8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trek

The Lemosho Route is widely considered to be the best route for Mount Kilimanjaro climb and when you have your Kilimanjaro Trek with Kilibound Adventures will be amazing and full of adventures . This route is also less  frequently used and also the longest route to the summit. After beautiful forests and moorlands, it crosses the Shira Plateau to meet up with the Machame Route. The south circuit is then followed, offering superb views of the southern ice fields, past the Barranco Huts then onto Barafu and finally the summit. Descent is via the Mweka Route.

Accommodation during this Kilimanjaro trek is in tents which the porters will pitch for you. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles.We will also be providing showers in between trekking days. This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. The route can also be used to get onto the Western Breach for those who want to challenge themselves with an ‘extreme’ adventure. You are accompanied by an armed ranger on the first day, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other big game animals.

When trekking this route, the terrain passes from a tropical to an arctic climate in just a few days. The encircling rain forest ensures the fertility of the lower lying farms and is rich in birdlife. Above the rain forest lie the alpine meadows and beautiful moorland, offering many splendid views. Exotic plants such as giant lobelia and the fork-like groundsel can be seen. The latter blooming once every 50 – 70 years. After you leave the alpine meadows we enter the alpine desert and finally the snows of Kilimanjaro and the summit itself.

Lemosho Route Highlights

The Lemosho Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. It is often favored for its stunning views, gradual ascent, and higher success rate due to its longer duration, which allows climbers more time to acclimatize to the altitude. Here are some key highlights of the Lemosho Route:

1. Scenic Views:
The route offers breathtaking landscapes, including lush rainforests, heath and moorland zones, and alpine deserts. It provides panoramic views of the mountain, the surrounding plains, and often a glimpse of the majestic summit.

2. Gradual Ascent:
The Lemosho Route is known for its gradual ascent, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. This slow pace, combined with its 7 to 9-day duration, helps climbers adjust better to the increasing altitude.

3. Less Crowded:
Compared to other popular routes like the Marangu or Machame, the Lemosho Route tends to be less crowded, providing a more peaceful and immersive experience on the mountain.

4. Route Profile:
The Lemosho route begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro, at the Lemosho Gate, and ascends through several unique ecological zones. It is typically considered a 7-day trek, but some trekkers opt for a longer 8- or 9-day itinerary to ensure better acclimatization.

5. Variety of Terrain:
You’ll experience diverse terrain, from the dense tropical forest at lower altitudes to the barren rocky areas at higher elevations. As you ascend, the vegetation changes, and you’ll notice different ecosystems as you pass through the rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert zones.

6. Summit Day:
The final push to the summit is done via the Barafu Camp (also the summit day for the Machame route), where climbers typically depart around midnight to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. The descent is made via the Mweka route, providing a loop that gives you a different perspective on the mountain.

7. Wildlife:
The rainforest section of the route is home to various wildlife, such as monkeys and birds, although sightings are not guaranteed. It gives a sense of the wilderness before transitioning into the higher, more barren parts of the mountain.

8. Difficulty:
The Lemosho Route is considered moderate in difficulty due to its length and gradual climb. However, it is still a strenuous journey, requiring a good level of fitness and preparation for the altitude.

9. Summit Success Rate:
The route’s longer duration increases your chance of successfully reaching the summit compared to shorter routes. The extra time spent on the mountain allows for better acclimatization and can make a significant difference in avoiding altitude sickness.

10. Accessibility:
The route starts from the Lemosho Gate, which is accessible from Moshi or Arusha and can be reached by car or jeep. Depending on the itinerary, the route can also connect with the Machame or Mweka routes on the summit day.

If you’re planning a Kilimanjaro climb and are looking for a scenic and less crowded option that allows for better acclimatization, the Lemosho Route is an excellent choice!

ARRIVING 

Our Kilimanjaro adventure with Kilibound Adventures starts the Moment you land at Kilimanjaro international Airport, You will be met by our staff at the airport and transferred to Arusha in the peaceful surrounds of our comfortable pre and post trek accommodation in Arusha from where there are great views of the mountain. You can relax by the pool before your briefing with the Guides, who will provide the essential information for your Kilimanjaro Trek to the roof of Africa.

DAY 1: LONDOROSSI GATE TO FOREST CAMP (MTI MKUBA)

• Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
• Distance: 6 kms
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain forest

After breakfast you are driven from your hotel to the edge of the National Park Forest. From here we walk through the undisturbed forest to the Mti Mkubwa campsite for dinner and overnight camping. With luck you will be able to see colobus monkeys and signs of elephants

DAY 2:FOREST CAMP (MTI MKUBA) TO SHIRA CAMP 1 

• Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
• Distance: 8 kms
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland.

Take your time to walk through the forest which boasts plentiful game and bird life. You will pass through the mountain forest and hagenia zones. Dinner and overnight camping is at Shira campsite.

DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP 1 TO SHIRA 2

• Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
• Distance: 14 kms
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast we hike up Lava Tower. The is in the alpine zone. The only plant life being the hardiest of grasses and lichen. Here you will have a spectacular view of our final ascent route up to the western breach.

DAY 4: SHIRA 2 TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP

• Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
• Distance: 7 kms
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Semi desert

With the western breach ascent route in view, we spend a few hours climbing to the base of the route where we make your camp near Arrow Glacier. There is an afternoon hike further up the route before relaxing back down at camp. This extra hike will help you acclimatize and improve your performance tomorrow.

DAY 5:BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

• Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
• Distance: 5 kms
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Wind your way up the western breach. It’s a non – technical climbing route and it will take us about six hours to reach the crater rim. We explore the inner crater and ash pit before pitching camp on the crater floor.

DAY 6: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

• Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
• Distance: 4 kms
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Summit day: You start your ascent to the summit early enough in the morning to reach the summit by 10 a.m. You descend via Barafu Huts and onwards down to Mweka camp for dinner and overnight camping.

DAY 7:BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA HUT

• Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
• Distance: 5 kms ascent / 12 kms descent
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 3-4 hours descent
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.

DAY 8:MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE

Elevation: (3100m) to (1980m)

• Distance: 10 kms descent

• Hiking Time: 3 hours descent

• Habitat: Forest

After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short three hour scenic hike back to the park gate. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot lunch. You now drive back to Moshi or Arusha for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!

It takes about 3 to 4 hours to make the descent to the road. After your lunch you bid goodbye to your porters and are transferred to your hotel for a well earned hot shower. You spend the night here. And this will mark the end of our Kilimanjaro Climb with Kilibound Adventures.

DAY9: DEPARTURE
Departure day. If you would like to book additional nights please inform us as early as possible. We will arrange for you to be transferred to the airport or you may join a Kilibound Adventures safari and continue your holiday with us and visit the world famous game parks of Tanzania.

What Makes the Lemosho Route Unique?

The Lemosho route is a scenic and less crowded alternative to popular trails like Machame and Marangu. It showcases diverse landscapes and boasts one of the highest summit success rates.

How Long is the Lemosho Route?

Stretching about 70 km (44 miles), the Lemosho route typically requires seven to nine days to complete.

What is the Success Rate of the Lemosho Route?

With proper acclimatization, the success rate is around 90% to 95%, influenced by weather conditions and individual fitness levels.

What is the Terrain Like?

The route offers varied landscapes, transitioning from lush rainforests to heathland, alpine desert, and arctic conditions near the summit. Though well-maintained, certain sections feature steep and rocky terrain.

How Should I Prepare Physically?

A good level of physical fitness and endurance is essential for this trek. A structured training program beforehand is highly recommended to improve stamina and overall performance.

Can I Shower When Climbing Kilimanjaro?

What sets Kilibound Adventures apart from other outfitters is our unique offering of showers on the mountain. We provide a portable shower tent and washroom tent, ensuring a more comfortable experience during your trek.

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON ARUSHA HOTEL