The Lemosho Route, Success Rates, Distance, Map, Elevation

The Lemosho Route, Success Rates, Distance, Map, Elevation.

Many hikers believe the Lemosho Route to be the most picturesque path up Kilimanjaro. On a lovely, mostly level trek, it traverses the whole Shira Plateau from west to east. Near Lava Tower, when the road meets the Machame route, the crowds begin to build.

It is one of the more recent mountain routes and follows a section of the same way as the Machame route; nonetheless, there are a few benefits to this route that make it worthwhile to consider, especially for hikers with more time to spare.

The Lemosho Route begins at the Londorossi Gate on Mount Kilimanjaro’s western flanks and winds its way up a less travelled part of the mountain.

Hikers may see wildlife as they traverse the path through a picturesque rain forest. In addition to a large variety of birds, small lizards, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and other monkeys are common sights in the woods. Following this, the trail meanders out into the Shira Plateau, which it follows east to west on flat, easy-to-walk terrain.

The Lemosho Route

Because the Lemosho Route is less popular than the Machame and Marangu routes, hikers can enjoy much peace and quiet in the beginning stages of the trek. Because of this, an already amazing hiking journey will be even more breathtaking, since you will occasionally feel as though the whole mountain is yours to explore.

But as time goes on, the Lemosho route combines with the Machame route, and traffic starts to get worse. On the other hand, this is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking some solitude for the initial ascent.

Much of the same scenery, including the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall, can be found on Lemosho path as well, since it follows the Machame route for part of the climb. On the other hand, this path provides first-day hikers with breathtaking vistas of the mountain’s sceneries that cannot be seen from anywhere else.

Guests will get the opportunity to explore virgin rain forests and climb to the Shira Plateau, where breathtaking views await once they are above the tree line.

A few extra days are required to trek Lemosho because to its more isolated location and longer route. Since most hikers spend at least a week on this path, the success rate is naturally somewhat high.


Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route


Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route, Tanzania

Lemosho Route Map

This is a great alternative to the Machame and Marangu routes if you want to increase your chances of reaching the peak of the mountain. It should be mentioned that the Lemosho route is a more challenging hike compared to the “Whiskey” and “Coca-Cola” routes, even though it has a greater success rate.

Of course, hikers also spend an additional night or two in tents due to the harder and steeper portions of the walk. An increasing number of daring travelers are opting for this route because of its many benefits, which set it apart from the others.

You can choose between a 7- or 8-day ascent of Lemosho when you climb Kilimanjaro. Combining days five and six, this seven-day variant skips Karanga entirely and travels straight from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp.

The Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro

The Lemosho Route Frequently Asked Questions

This section contains Lemosho-specific questions and answers.

How difficult is the lemosho Route

Because of its longer itinerary, which permits better acclimatization, the Lemosho route is thought of as one of the easier Kilimanjaro climbs. Still, on summit night, hikers must climb steeply up the Barranco Wall. Although technical climbing skills are not necessary, it is strongly advised to have a decent degree of fitness. In order to be well-prepared, you can learn more about Kilimanjaro climbing training and check out our Kilimanjaro training program website.

What is the distance of the Lemosho Route and how many days does it take

The Lemosho Route is precisely 71 kilometers (43 miles) long. While 7 days is the bare minimum for the Lemosho Route, including arrival and departure days brings the total to 10. On the other hand, to maximize your chances of success, it is actually recommended to spread it out over 8 or 9 days due to the significantly longer approach route.

What is the Lemosho Route Summit Success Rate

The Lemosho route has one of the greatest summit success rates on the peak because of its longer length profile. Although official figures are unavailable, it is worth noting that the 8-day trek has an average success rate of 90% and the 7-day trek of 85% across all operators. But the 8-day Lemosho approach has a success rate of more than 95% and the 7-day option has a success rate of 92%. If you want to know why we suggest lengthier journeys, read up on how many days it takes to climb Kilimanjaro.

What is the Scenery like on the Lemosho Route

When it comes to breathtaking scenery, few routes can compare to the Lemosho. Beginning on the mountain’s western flank, hikers will traverse verdant jungle on their way to the Lemosho Route, which will carry them over the breathtaking Shira Plateau. Especially along the southern circuit, the vistas are breathtaking as the path winds its way around the mountain from both the west and south.