Lemosho, a newer Kilimanjaro trail, serves as a less challenging alternative to the Shira route due to its lower starting altitude. Its untamed starting point and day-to-day changing landscapes make it particularly stunning. The Lemosho Route can be conquered in a week or eight days, with the latter having one of the highest summit success rates among all Kilimanjaro Routes. This makes Lemosho highly recommendable for adventurers.
A Comprehensive Overview
While taking a journey on the Lemosho Route, climbers confront a span of roughly 70 kilometres. This journey gives hikers on Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing expeditions ample time to adjust to the increasing altitude. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect from the Lemosho Route:
- Distance: Approximately 70 kilometres
- Duration: 7-8 days
- Difficulty: Moderate, due to extended duration and varying terrain
- Crowds: Lemosho is a busy route as everyone wants to catch a glimpse of the most scenic route up to Kilimanjaro. Starting 2 days see a lower turnout of crowds which later increases as the route merges the Machame Route.
- Trails Condition: The initial segment of the trail winds its way through the lush rainforest, leading to the magnificent Shira Plateau. As the journey progresses, it traverses icy fields and lofty alpine deserts. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, the Lemosho route showcases expansive panoramas from the majestic mountain.
Scenic Highlights
The Lemosho Route is rich with fascinating attractions and views. From dense rainforests to the remarkable geological formations of the Shira Plateau and the Lava Tower, there’s a feast for the eyes at every turn: Enthralling Attractions: Rainforests, moorlands, Shira Plateau, and Lava Tower. Impressive Views: Dramatic vistas of southern ice fields and the Kibo summit as the trail merges with the Machame Route.
Concise Itinerary
The Lemosho journey unfolds in a series of memorable stages, each offering unique experiences and challenges:
Start: Begins at Londorossi Gate, ascending through lush rainforest to Shira Ridge
Acclimatization: Days 3-5 are for acclimatization hikes around Shira, Lava Tower, and the Barranco Wall
Summit Push: The final push to the summit passes through Barafu and Stella Point to Uhuru Peak
Descent: The journey concludes with a descent through Mweka
Essential Insights
With an impressive success rate, the Lemosho Route promises a rewarding climb. Additionally, there are optimal periods in the year to undertake this adventure: Success Rate: Approximately 85% for 7-day trek and 90% for 8-day trek. Best Time to Climb: Dry seasons, namely January-March and June-October
Balancing the Pros and Cons
Every route has its strengths and drawbacks, and Lemosho is no exception. Here are some considerations:
Pros: High success rate, diverse scenery, optimal acclimatization, and lower crowd levels at the start
Cons: Higher cost due to longer duration and crowded trails after merging with the Machame Route
Route-Specific Tips
The below tips are meant to enhance your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience via Lemosho Route and increase your chances of a successful summit.
- Walking at a slow and steady pace that allows for conversation with fellow hikers ensures you don’t exhaust yourself too quickly.
- Bringing along snacks is essential to break up the journey and provide a much-needed energy boost when fatigue sets in.
- Hydration is key to mitigating the effects of altitude sickness. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the trek.
If possible, engage in short treks or regular exercise before embarking on your Kilimanjaro adventure.
The Lemosho Route, offering diverse landscapes, a high success rate, and a well-paced ascent, is an exciting choice for climbers with a reasonable fitness level and a love for multi-day treks.
Despite its higher cost, the Lemosho Route’s unique blend of scenic beauty and sense of accomplishment makes it a highly recommended choice for a memorable Kilimanjaro Climb.
