The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its high success rate. This route offers a more gradual ascent compared to other paths, allowing climbers to better acclimatize to the increasing altitude. The success rate for climbers following the Lemosho Route is around 85-90%, one of the highest for Kilimanjaro routes.

Why Lemosho Route: Acclimatization and Diverse Landscapes

The route’s higher success rate can be attributed to its longer duration—typically 7 to 8 days—which allows ample time for acclimatization. This reduces the risk of altitude sickness. It also offers diverse landscapes, making the trek an unforgettable experience. However, success is not guaranteed and depends on various factors, such as physical fitness, mental preparation, the ability to handle altitude, and weather conditions.

Preparing for the Trek

Climbers who train properly, stay hydrated, maintain a steady pace, and follow their guides’ advice are more likely to reach the summit. Although the Lemosho Route has a gradual incline, the challenge lies in the high altitude and mental strength needed to complete the trek.

Maximizing Success on the Lemosho Route

To maximize your chances of success on the Lemosho Route, climbers should:

• Properly prepare for the climb
• Hire experienced guides
• Choose the best season to avoid heavy rain or extreme weather conditions

With the right preparation, the Lemosho Route offers a great opportunity to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro and experience the thrill of standing on Africa’s highest peak.

Lemosho Route 8-Day Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Lemosho Glades

After breakfast at your lodge, we’ll drive to the Londorosi gate, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, a few hours from Arusha. From here, we start our hike at the Lemosho trailhead. If the weather is rainy or muddy, we may need to hike a bit further to the trailhead. After a picnic lunch, we’ll hike for about 3-4 hours to Forest Camp. Along the way, we may spot Black and White Colobus monkeys and signs of elephants. We’ll spend the night at Forest Camp.

• Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~9,498’

Day 2 – Shira Plateau

On Day 2, we’ll leave the Montane Forest and enter the Hagenia zone. As we ascend, we’ll get our first view of Kibo Peak. We’ll hike through ridges and reach the highest point of the day at 11,500’ before descending to Shira 1 Camp.

• Hiking Duration: 6-9 hours
• Overnight Altitude: 11,500’

Day 3 – Moir Camp

Today, we’ll traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau, ascending the western slope of the Kibo Massif. After a picnic lunch at Scott Fischer Memorial Camp, we’ll continue to the upper Heath zone, reaching Moir Camp. If weather permits, we’ll do an afternoon acclimatization hike.

• Hiking Duration: 5-6 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~13,650’

Day 4 – Barranco Camp

We’ll leave the Heath zone and enter the alpine zone, passing Lava Camp (14,300’) with its volcanic landscape. We’ll then descend slightly into the scenic Barranco Valley, where we’ll set up camp for the night.

• Hiking Duration: 4-6 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~13,044’

Day 5 – Karanga Camp

We’ll ascend the Great Barranco Wall, enjoying stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields. After crossing small valleys, we’ll arrive at Karanga Camp.

• Hiking Duration: 3-5 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~13,106’

Day 6 – Barafu Camp

Our hike to Barafu Camp will take 3-5 hours. After arrival, we’ll have a briefing on safety equipment, including the Gamow (hyperbaric) bag and oxygen. After an early dinner, we’ll rest in preparation for the summit ascent, which begins around 11:00 PM or midnight.

• Hiking Duration: 3-5 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~15,100’

Day 7 – Summit and Mweka Camp

Summit day! We’ll start around midnight or 11:00 PM and aim to reach the summit by sunrise. After a brief celebration at Uhuru Peak, we’ll descend to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp for the night.

• Hiking Duration: 12-17 hours (up and down)
• Summit Altitude: 19,341’
• Overnight Altitude: 10,448’

Day 8 – Mweka Park Gate

On the final day, we’ll descend to the trailhead in 3-5 hours. After lunch, we’ll head back to town, typically arriving at the lodge between 3-5 PM.

• Hiking Duration: 3-5 hours