One of the most beautiful and less travelled routes to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, is the Lemosho Route. Climbers frequently choose it because of its amazing vistas and variety of landscapes. The 9-day Lemosho Route is regarded as one of the best options for acclimatization, increasing the chances of a successful summit. Beginning on Kilimanjaro's western flank, the Lemosho Route heads south towards the summit. Because it is a longer route than some others, success rates are higher and acclimatization is better. The additional days also give you more time to take in the breathtaking scenery and fauna you encounter along the journey.
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The climb begins at the Londorossi Gate, located at an altitude of around 2,100 meters (6,890 feet). From here, you will trek through lush rainforests filled with various flora and fauna. The first day's hike is relatively easy and serves as a warm-up for the days ahead. You will reach the Mti Mkubwa Campsite at approximately 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) for overnight camping.
On this day, you will continue through the rainforest until you reach the Shira Plateau. As you ascend, the vegetation changes from rainforest to heathland and moorland. The hike takes you to an altitude of around 3,800 meters (12,467 feet), where you will camp at the Shira 1 Campsite.
From Shira 1 Campsite, you will trek across the Shira Plateau towards Shira 2 Campsite. This part of the route offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The altitude increases gradually as you reach an elevation of approximately 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) at Shira 2 Campsite.
On this day, you will leave the Shira Plateau and head towards the Lava Tower, which stands at an altitude of about 4,600 meters (15,092 feet). This is a crucial acclimatization day as you will hike high and sleep low. After reaching the Lava Tower, you will descend to the Barranco Campsite at around 3,950 meters (12,959 feet) for overnight camping.
The trek from Barranco Campsite to Karanga Campsite involves traversing the famous Barranco Wall. This section requires some scrambling but is not technically difficult. The route then continues through alpine desert terrain until you reach Karanga Campsite at approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet).
From Karanga Campsite, you will ascend to Barafu Campsite at an altitude of about 4,600 meters (15,092 feet). This is the base camp for the summit attempt and offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers. Rest and preparation are essential on this day as you will be attempting the summit in the early hours of the next morning.
The summit attempt begins around midnight from Barafu Campsite. You will climb through steep scree slopes and rocky sections to reach Stella Point, located at an elevation of about 5,700 meters (18,701 feet). From Stella Point, it is another hour or so to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you will descend back to Barafu Campsite for a well-deserved rest.
The descent continues from Barafu Campsite to Mweka Campsite at an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). This part of the route takes you through various ecological zones, including moorland and rainforest. The descent can be challenging on the knees, so it is important to take it slow and steady.
On the final day, you will descend from Mweka Campsite to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. From there, you will be transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Lemosho Route Kilimanjanjaro Climbing - Request for a free quote, sent direct to your e-mail address
Lemosho Route Kilimanjanjaro Climbing
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