Lemosho Route

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Lemosho Route Overview

The Lemosho route can be done in as little as six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is ideally tackled over eight days (seven nights) for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. Access to the trail begins with a long drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate. This can take three to four hours. Londorossi Gate is located in the western base of the mountain.

The Lemosho route is approximately 70 km/ 42 miles from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience. However, we have many clients who tackle the route as their first real backpacking experience. The Londorossi Gate is a fair drive from the town of Moshi, and considerably further from Arusha. At the gate you will register with the authorities before being driven a further 12km to the starting point.

The Lemosho Route is another popular route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, often considered one of the most beautiful and varied routes on the mountain. Here’s a detailed overview:

Key Features:

  • Length and Duration:

    • The route is approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) long.
    • Typically, the climb takes 7-8 days, providing excellent acclimatization opportunities.

  • Starting Point:

    • The trek begins at Londorossi Gate, located at an altitude of about 2,100 meters (6,890 feet).

  • Major Campsites:

    • Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp: The first campsite, located at 2,650 meters (8,690 feet).
    • Shira 1 Camp: Situated at 3,610 meters (11,844 feet) on the western edge of the Shira Plateau.
    • Shira 2 Camp: At 3,850 meters (12,600 feet), offering expansive views of the plateau.
    • Barranco Camp: At 3,960 meters (13,000 feet), known for the Barranco Wall.
    • Karanga Camp: At 4,035 meters (13,235 feet), providing an extra acclimatization day.
    • Barafu Camp: The final camp before the summit push, located at 4,640 meters (15,223 feet).

  • Summit Attempt:

    • The summit push starts from Barafu Camp around midnight.
    • Climbers aim to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet) by sunrise.

  • Descent Route:

    • The descent is typically via the Mweka Route, similar to the Machame Route, offering a faster and more direct path down the mountain.

Highlights:

  • Scenic Beauty: The Lemosho Route is celebrated for its stunning vistas, passing through diverse landscapes including rainforest, heath, and alpine desert.
  • High Success Rate: With its longer itinerary, the route allows for better acclimatization, leading to a higher success rate for summiting.
  • Less Crowded: The route is less crowded at the start compared to other routes, providing a more tranquil trekking experience.

Preparation and Considerations:

  • Physical Fitness: Adequate physical preparation is essential due to the demanding nature of the climb.
  • Altitude Sickness: The longer duration helps with acclimatization, but climbers should still be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and take appropriate measures.
  • Gear and Equipment: Proper gear, including warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and a high-quality sleeping bag, is necessary.
  • Guides and Porters: Hiring experienced guides and porters is mandatory and enhances safety and the overall experience.

Typical Itinerary:

  1. Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
  2. Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
  3. Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
  4. Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
  5. Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
  6. Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
  7. Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
  8. Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Route Advantages:

  • Diverse Scenery: The route offers a wide variety of ecosystems and stunning views, making it one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro.
  • Acclimatization: The longer duration allows for a more gradual ascent, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
  • Less Traffic: The initial stages of the Lemosho Route are less crowded, providing a more serene hiking experience.

The Lemosho Route is ideal for climbers who have the time for a longer trek and are looking for a route that balances beautiful scenery with a high chance of successful summiting due to ample acclimatization time.

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