7 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE KILIMANJARO

Route: Lemosho

KILIMANJARO

Price 2790pp

LEMOSHO ROUTE 7 DAYS HIGHLIGHTS

The Lemosho Route is often considered the most beautiful of all the trekking trails up Mount Kilimanjaro.

It is one of the newer routes on the mountain and shares a portion of the same path as the Machame route, although it holds a few advantages over that route that definitely make it worth considering, particularly for travelers who have some extra time.

Starting the western flanks of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate, the Lemosho Route wanders its way up one of the more remote sections of the mountain.

The trail takes hikers through a beautiful rain forest where they might have the chance to spot wildlife along the way. Black and white colobus monkeys are routinely seen in the forests, as are blue monkeys, small lizards, and a wide assortment of birds. From there, the path wanders out onto the Shira Plateau, crossing it from west to east on relatively flat and easy to walk terrain.

The early days on the Lemosho Route provides plenty of solitude, as this trail sees far less traffic than Machame route and Marangu route. This makes an already-great trekking adventure even more spectacular as at times it will feel like you have the entire mountain to yourself.

Eventually however, Lemosho route merges with Machame route, and the amount of traffic begins to increase. But if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet in the early going of the climb, this is a great option.

Because it follows the Machame Route for a portion of the climb, much of the same scenery is found on Lemosho route as well, including the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall. But, in those first few days this trail offers some unique views of the surrounding landscapes that aren’t visible from any other place on the mountain.

Travelers will get the chance to wander through pristine rain forests and hike up to the Shira Plateau, where once above the tree line stunning vistas await.

Because of its remote nature and lengthier route, Lemosho takes a few extra days to trek. Most people spend seven or eight days on this trial, which causes the success rate to increase fairly dramatically.

If you’re looking to maximize your chances of reaching the top of the mountain, this is certainly one of the best options to choose, particularly over Machame route and Marangu route. Despite the higher success rate however, it should be noted that Lemosho route is a more strenuous hike than the “Whiskey” and “Coca-Cola” routes.

There are certain sections of the trail that are steeper and more demanding, and of course, trekkers spend an extra night or two sleeping in tents as well. Still, the advantages of this route truly make it stand out from the others, making it an increasingly popular choice for adventurous travelers.

Climbing Kilimanjaro offers Lemosho as a 7 day or 8-day climb. The seven-day variation combines days five and six, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga.

Lemosho Route Detailed Itinerary

6 nights / 7 days Climb

ACCLIMATIZATION DAY

Mount Meru Day trip

Acclimatize during a day at Arusha National Park the foothills of Mount Meru (the second highest peak in Tanzania ). Spot wildlife on foot as you warm up for your climb accompanied by an armed ranger.

Overnight: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

TREK DAY 1

Arusha to Forest Camp

7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, 4 miles, approx. 3-4 hours

From Arusha, set out in vehicles for the long drive to the starting point of the Lemosho Trail, the Londorossi Gate. Approaching the mountain from the west, the Lemosho Route starts in the Afromontane Rainforest, which is the first of four ecological zones you encounter on Kilimanjaro. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set off at a leisurely pace while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. Lunch is taken on the trail and camp is reached mid-afternoon. Overnight at Forest Camp.