Lemosho Route in Mount Kilimanjaro

Lemosho Route in Mount Kilimanjaro

Lemosho Route in Mount Kilimanjaro

Hikers adore the relatively new Lemosho Route for Kilimanjaro because it strikes the perfect mix of gorgeous scenery, minimal crowds, and a high summit success rate. It is also a beautiful and remote route going up to Kilimanjaro

The Lemosho Route, which begins at the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro and offers panoramic views on several of its sides, is regarded as the most picturesque trail on the mountain. The path was presented as an option to the Shira path, which starts at a higher altitude and has additional difficulties.

It takes around an hour to drive from the town of Moshi and much longer from Arusha to reach the Londorossi Gate. Once there, you must register for the experience with the authorities before continuing your journey 12 kilometers more to the starting site.

Hikers may be fortunate enough to see buffalo, elephants, and huge antelopes on Kilimanjaro’s untamed western side.

Trekkers on the Lemosho Route must cross the Barranco Wall and then summit from Barafu Camp, just like on the Machame Route. The Lemosho Route joins the Machame Route at Lava Tower and descends toward Burranco Valley via the Southern Circuit. By way of the Mweka Route,.

Lemosho Route Map

Although it is not advised, climbs lasting seven or six days are available, most trekkers on the Lemosho course finish the course in eight days.

The 8-day version, which usually stops for a night in both Shira Camps 1 and 2, is excellent for acclimatization and naturally raises the likelihood of success. The eight-day trip returns to Karanga Camp for an additional day of acclimatization.

Lemosho Route itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) starting point: 2,360 meters

Approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.5 miles)

Time spent trekking: 3–4 hours

Zone: Forested

The Lemosho Route starts on the extreme west slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, and it takes around two hours from Moshi and a little longer from Arusha to reach the Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters). You will register with Kilimanjaro National Park officials at the entrance and then return to your car to be driven the last 12 kilometers from Londorossi to the starting location.

The track can become extremely impassable for cars during the rainy seasons in April and May, so you might have to walk the final few miles to the starting site. At this point, the majority of tour companies serve lunch before beginning the short hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters).

When you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, dinner will be provided. Trekkers may be fortunate enough to see enormous species, like as elephants and buffaloes.

Day 2: Shira Camp 1 (3,500 meters) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)

About 8 km (5 miles) in distance

Time spent trekking: 5–6 hours

Zone: Alpine lowland

The second day of the walk begins with a moderate stroll through the last remaining area of rainforest, before becoming steeper as you move closer to the low alpine moorland zone. From the starting point, it’s a short and easy hike of just over 8 kilometers to Shira Camp 1, located on the western border of the Shira Plateau.

Day 3: Moir Hut (4,200 m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,500 m)

Distance: 8.5 miles/14 kilometers

Time spent trekking: 5-7 hours

Zone: High-altitude / Low-altitude

On day three, the climb continues from Shira Camp across the Shira Plateau and up to Shira Camp 2, which is situated at 3,850 meters. Here, you will meet up with hikers from the Machame Route and take in the breathtaking views of the valley below and the Kilimanjaro Western Breach above.

Because of its exposure, the plateau can see strong winds and early morning temperatures minus zero.

The climb on Day 3 is lengthy and ends at a high altitude; if you get signs of altitude sickness, be careful to keep a close eye on yourself. Getting a good night’s sleep tonight will benefit you in the long run.

Day 4-Barranco Camp (3,900 meters) follows Moir Hut (4,200 meters) to Lava Tower (4,600 meters).

Distance: 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers

Time spent trekking: 6-7 hours

Zone: High-mountain region

Day 4: After lunch at Lava Tower, you will join the Southern Circuit trail that descends to Barranco Camo, 3,900 meters, where you will spend the night at a very similar elevation as the previous night. You will continue trekking through an area that resembles a desert as you approach Lava Tower and the Shark’s Tooth formation at 4,600 meters.

It is beneficial to ascend high and descend low to allow the body to adjust to the altitude.

Day 5: Travel from 3,900-meter Barranco Camp to 3,960-meter Karanga Camp

Distance: 4 miles / 7 kilometers

Four hours were spent trekking.

Zone: High-mountain region

The somewhat difficult Burranco “Breakfast” climb, a 257-meter crample up the Barranco Wall, awaits you on day 5 of the journey. As you climb the cliff to the summit of Karanga Valley, get ready to use all four limbs. From this point on, you will travel along a route that ascends and descends repeatedly before arriving at Karanga Camp (3,960 meters). This will be your camp, where you will spend the night if you are hiking for eight days.

After a quick lunch break, 7-day trekkers will proceed through the desolate desert terrain that leads to the Mweka trail and up to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).

Day 6: From Karanga Camp (3,960 meters) to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters)

Distance: 4 miles or 6 km

Three hours were spent trekking.

Zone: High-mountain region

The sixth day’s hike is comparatively short and straightforward, beginning at Karanga Camp and ascending to 4,680-meter Barafu base camp by a trail that soon joins the Mweka route.

It is advised that you take advantage of this easy day to take in the sights, relax your muscles, and mentally get ready for the summit push.

On day 7, go from Barafu Camp (4,680 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and finally Mweka Camp (3,100 meters).

About 4.5 km (3 miles) of elevation gain followed by an 11 km (7 miles) fall

Trekking time: 6–8 hours to reach the top, followed by 5–8 hours to reach Mweka

Zone: The glacial zone and every zone that came before it

Day 7 begins at midnight with hot tea, biscuits, and a strenuous, winding climb up the dense scree that covers Kibo’s high slopes. The hiking is very difficult and slow. To force yourself to reach the edge of the crater, you will have to work hard and make sure your pace stays steady.

You will arrive at Stella Point (5,739 m), after roughly 4–6 hours of hiking, where you can take a break and see the stunning dawn break across Tanzania’s countryside. At this point, it’s a good idea to have some hot cocoa or tea because you’ll need to gather your strength to walk for a further one to two hours around and up the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters).

Always remember to take one stride at a time and maintain your forward momentum. More than 60% of climbers give up at Stella Point, yet most may reach the summit if they can muster the willpower to continue. Should you encounter intense symptoms of AMS, you ought to descend right away.

After spending a short while at Uhuru Peak, capturing as many photos as you can, and celebrating your achievement, you will begin your journey back to Stella Point. Numerous hikers descend the steep slopes of Kino to Barafu Camo, where they can take a break before proceeding to Mweka Camp, situated at 3,100 meters. You should pace yourself and stay hydrated because you will be trekking for a total of 12 to 16 hours on day 1.

You will now be able to see the summit in the distance.

The summit can be seen in the distance at sunrise. It’s not too far to go now!

Day 8: From 3,100 meters at Mweka Camp to 1,640 meters at Mweka Gate

About 9 kilometers (5.5 miles)

Three to five hours for trekking

Zone: Forested

The eighth and final day of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a short but extremely exhausting walk because your knees will probably be hurting from the day before’s descent.

Ascend gradually and relish the breathtaking landscape of the jungle as you make your way to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). You will receive certificates at the gate for either Uhuru Peak or Stella Point, sign out with the authorities, give your trekking crew tips, and then leave for Moshi or Arusha.



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