Kilimanjaro Hiking Routes - Lemosho Route: Information & Tips

Lemosho is widely famous for its beautiful scenery and its great acclimatization profile. Lemosho route approaches the mountain from the west and crosses its way from the Shira ridge to Shira camp. The route experiences low traffic on its starting point until it joins the Machame route. After that the route follows the same trail as the Machame through lava tower, Barranco and Barrafu base camp.

Kilimanjaro Peak

We highly recommend Lemosho route for its great scenery, balanced traffic and high summit success rate.

Recommended hiking time

Lemosho route can be hiked from six to eight days but we recommend at least seven or eight options to improve acclimatization. Seven days option is the most popular choice in Lemosho and requires minimum physical effort with good acclimatization although we still recommend the eight days itinerary for the best acclimatization and its high success rate. The 6 days option is only advised to experienced hikers and does not have the same success rate as the 7 and 8 days option.

Difficulty level

The difficulty level in this route is medium. The trail goes through various up and downs and the only accommodation offered is camping. The more the altitude increases so does the level of oxygen drops, your guide will keep a close eye to your health and it is important to consume as much food as you will be offered even when you feel nauseated.
The first days are more accessible and has low gradient which may count as a benefit to climbers.

Topography

Lemosho route is very popular for its diverse landscape and amazing flora and fauna throughout its trail to the summit. the first two days navigates the lush green forest followed by alpine heath and moorland heading to the arid alpine desert which will take you the arctic zone which is below 6000meters right on the equator. Just an amazing experience!
The Lemosho route camping points offers some of the most beautiful sunrise and sunset on Kilimanjaro. Apart from its mesmerizing scenery Lemosho route has a great acclimatization profile and the success rate is pretty high and for the beginners we recommend the eight days option.

Trail condition

All routes to Mount Kilimanjaro are fairly accessible and no technical skills are required. On this route some few spots may require the help of both hands and feet while climbing such as the famous Barranco wall and the lava tower climb which is optional but besides that the trail can be easily walked. The last part of hiking to uhuru peak is always extra demanding and can be slippery so walking sticks can come in handy here. frequents weather changing is common while hiking so all climbers must prepare to climb though rain, snow, fog, and the land can be dusty, muddy , wet , icy, snowy and any type of weather change can affect the surroundings.

The lavatory facilities are offered at every campsite and mainly consist of long drop toilets, this may not be preferred by every climber so private toilets can be offered on request before commencing your hiking.

Frequently asked questions about Lemosho route

How hard is the Lemosho route?

Generally climbing Kilimanjaro on any route cannot be considered easy but Lemosho is one of the recommended routes because of its great acclimatization profile which makes it easier. With the right support and preparation anyone can reach the summit using this route; even beginners. The route offers the climb high and sleeps low chance which reduces the risk of getting altitude sickness.

What is the route's success rate?

Overall the route has high success rate, with its longer day's options leading with over 90% success rate followed by 85% for the seven days option. The trick in this route is its great acclimatization profile facilitated by climbing high and sleeping low choice in most days.

How busy is the Lemosho route?

Lemosho route experiences less crowds in the first couple of days , as the trails leads through the lush green forest , the trails later joins with the machame route near the lava tower which may increase the number of people especially in high season.

Why choose Lemosho route to hike Mount Kilimanjaro?

Lemosho is famous for its magnificent scenery and is considered the most beautiful Kilimanjaro route. the beginning of this trail passes through the thick green forest and animals like antelopes can be spotted (although not very common) , the route offers great acclimatization options and gives you a chance to hike the largest high altitude plateaus in the world –shira plateau.

How many days is the Lemosho route?

Lemosho route can be tackled in six days, however it is advised to be done in at least 7 – 9 days for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. Opting to climb the mountain in more than eight days increases your chance of reaching the top up to 90%.