The Lemosho route is one of the most beautiful and scenic routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also a newly established route. The success rate of reaching the summit using the Lemosho route is high because the route takes 7 to 8 days, giving climbers more time to acclimatize.
The climb starts at Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain. The Lemosho route takes hikers through rainforests, offering many chances to see wildlife, especially primates and birds. When the route merges with the Machame route, trekkers encounter notable features such as the lava tower, Shira plateau, Barranco wall, southern ice field, and more.
This route is ideal for trekkers who want a great wilderness experience, as it is less crowded until it merges with the Machame route.
Lemosho Climbing Itinerary
- Day 1: The hike begins at Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Hikers spend 3 to 4 hours walking through lush green rainforests to Forest Camp, where they stay overnight.
- Day 2: The trek moves from the montane forest to the Hagenia zone, where Kibo Peak is visible on clear days. This hike takes 6 to 9 hours, passing through ridges and valleys before reaching Shira 1 Camp for the night.
- Day 3: The hike lasts 5 to 6 hours and traverses the Shira plateau, with a picnic lunch at Scott Fisher’s memorial camp. The trek continues on the western side of the Kibo massif to Moir Camp. In the afternoon, acclimatization hikes can be arranged, depending on the weather.
- Day 4: This day involves a 4 to 6-hour hike through the alpine zone past Lava Camp to the scenic Barranco Valley for an overnight stay.
- Day 5: The hike is more challenging as trekkers climb the Barranco Valley wall. They are greeted by views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields while ascending and descending ridges. The day ends at Karanga Camp, with the hike lasting 3 to 5 hours.
- Day 6: Hikers spend 3 to 5 hours trekking through ridges and valleys to reach Barafu Camp, where they rest for a few hours in preparation for the summit attempt.
- Day 7: The most challenging day begins at midnight from Barafu Camp. The goal is to reach the peak at sunrise. The ascent to Stella Point takes 6 to 7 hours, followed by an additional 1 to 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak. At the peak, trekkers have a short time to take photos, celebrate, and enjoy the views before descending to Barafu Camp for lunch. Afterward, they continue descending to Mweka Camp for an overnight stay.
- Day 8: The final descent takes 3 to 5 hours from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. At the finish point, there is a celebration dance, including a Kilimanjaro song. Trekkers can tip their guides and porters, have lunch, and then depart to their hotel or the airport.
