Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route in 8-Day Scenic with Acclimatization Success
Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route: 8-Day Scenic and Acclimatization Success
The Lemosho Route is regarded as one of the most beautiful and successful routes to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, thanks to its stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization opportunities. This 8-day trek offers a gradual ascent, fewer crowds, and diverse landscapes that range from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts, making it one of the most rewarding experiences for climbers aiming to reach the Roof of Africa.
Why Choose the Lemosho Route?
1. Unmatched Scenic Beauty
The Lemosho Route is known for its diverse and breathtaking scenery. You’ll trek through some of Kilimanjaro’s most pristine wilderness areas, including thick rainforests, moorlands, and the stunning Shira Plateau. This route offers the best views of Kibo Peak, distant Mount Meru, and panoramic landscapes throughout the climb.
2. Superior Acclimatization Profile
The 8-day itinerary is structured to allow for better acclimatization, which increases your chances of reaching the summit. The Lemosho Route uses the “climb high, sleep low” principle, where you ascend to higher altitudes during the day and descend to sleep at lower altitudes, helping your body adapt to the changing oxygen levels.
3. Less Crowded and Remote
Starting on the western side of Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route offers a more remote and peaceful trek during the first few days. This route avoids the crowds that are common on other popular routes, providing a more serene and intimate trekking experience in the early stages of the climb.
4. High Summit Success Rate
Due to its gradual ascent and longer duration, the Lemosho Route has one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro. The ample time for acclimatization and relatively smooth trails ensure that climbers can adapt to the altitude, making it a great choice for those concerned about altitude sickness.
8-Day Lemosho Route Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,100m to 2,820m
Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Begin your journey at Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete registration and start trekking through lush rainforests, rich with wildlife such as colobus monkeys and exotic birds. You’ll ascend steadily to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,820m to 3,500m
Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Terrain: Moorland
The landscape changes dramatically as you leave the rainforest and enter the open moorlands. You’ll cross ridges and valleys as you ascend to the Shira Plateau, with views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru in the distance. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp for an overnight stay under the stars.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m
Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Enjoy a relatively easy hike across the expansive Shira Plateau. The terrain is gentle, offering plenty of time to enjoy the panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and the surrounding landscapes. You’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the early afternoon, giving you time to rest and acclimatize.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,850m to 3,960m (via 4,630m)
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek is essential for acclimatization. You’ll ascend to the Lava Tower at 4,630m, where you’ll take a break and spend time adapting to the higher altitude. After lunch, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp at a lower altitude, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which helps your body adjust to the changing altitude and prepares you for the higher elevations ahead.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Start your day by scaling the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb that offers some of the most spectacular views of the entire trek. After conquering the wall, continue across a series of ridges and valleys to reach Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest and acclimatize further.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,680m
Distance: 4 km | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Terrain: Alpine Desert
The trail to Barafu Camp is steep but rewarding, as you move through a barren, rocky landscape. Barafu Camp is the basecamp for your summit attempt, and you’ll arrive in the early afternoon to prepare for the final push. Rest and hydrate, as you’ll begin the ascent to the summit just after midnight.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,680m to 5,895m (descent to 3,100m)
Distance: 19 km (6 km ascent, 13 km descent)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Summit Overview: Begin your summit attempt in the early hours of the morning. The ascent to Stella Point (5,739m) is steep and challenging, but the reward of reaching the crater rim is worth the effort. From Stella Point, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness the incredible sunrise over Kilimanjaro’s glaciers before descending back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest. Then, continue down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night after a long but rewarding day.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
The final descent takes you back through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Celebrate with your team before transferring back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
What’s Included in the 8-Day Lemosho Route Trek:
Professional Guides and Porters: Led by experienced, certified guides with extensive knowledge of the mountain.
All Meals: Enjoy nutritious meals prepared by mountain chefs to keep you energized throughout the climb.
Camping Gear: High-quality tents, sleeping mats, and other camping essentials are provided.
Park Fees: All Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees and permits are covered.
Pre- and Post-Climb Accommodations: Comfortable hotel stays in Moshi before and after the trek.
Is the Lemosho Route Right for You?
Perfect for First-Time Climbers: The longer duration and excellent acclimatization profile make this route ideal for those new to high-altitude trekking.
Ideal for Experienced Trekkers: Adventurers seeking a scenic and remote route will appreciate the diverse landscapes and fewer crowds.
Great for Photographers: The Lemosho Route offers some of the best scenic views on Kilimanjaro, from the Shira Plateau to the glaciers near the summit.
Best Time to Climb
The best time to climb the Lemosho Route is during the dry seasons, typically from June to October and December to March, when the weather is most favorable for trekking.
Book Your Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route: 8-Day Scenic and Acclimatization Success
Experience the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure and take on the challenge of the Lemosho Route in an 8-day journey designed for success. With breathtaking scenery and excellent acclimatization, this trek offers a truly unforgettable climb to the Roof of Africa. Book now for 2024, 2025, or 2026!
