How long is the Lenosho Route?
The Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is approximately 70 kilometers (42 miles) long. This distance is generally covered over an 7 or 8 day trek
The Lemosho Route is often considered the most beautiful of all the trekking trails up Mount Kilimanjaro. It crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower.
It is one of the newer routes on the mountain and shares a portion of the same path as Machame route, although it holds a few advantages over that route that definitely make 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 lizard 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 Lemosho route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a good option for those seeking a beautiful and less crowded climb with a high chance of success, especially for those with some hiking experience. It's particularly well-suited for individuals prioritizing acclimatization and enjoying diverse scenery.
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Starting Point: Londorossi Gate 2,100m.
End Point: Mti Mkubwa Camp 2,650m.
Walking Duration: 3-4 Hours approx.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau
Starting Point: Mti Mkubwa 2,650m.
End Point: Shira 1 Camp 3610m .
Walking Duration: 5-6 Hours approx.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Your camp tonight is more exposed and will be windier and colder with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
Starting Point: Shira 1 Camp 3505m.
End Point: Moir Hut 4206m.
Walking Duration: 5-7 Hours approx.
Overnight: Moir Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Starting Point: Moir Hut 4206m.
Via: Lava Tower 4,600m.
End Point: Barranco Camp 3,900m.
Walking Duration: 6-8 Hours approx.
Overnight: Barranco Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
For clients trekking the Machame Route 7 Days today is an acclimatisation day with a short but steep hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp where you will spend the night.
Today you will continue your ascent along a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall and the Helm Glacier to the Karanga Valley Camp and on to Barafu Camp. You have now completed the Southern Circuit and the Barafu Camp is located on a narrow, rocky ridge with no barriers to block the wind but offers views of the summit from many angles. You can now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is and from now, all eyes are on the summit.
Tonight you will enjoy an early dinner and retire to your tent where you will prepare for your hike to the summit later tonight. At 11:30pm you will be woken with tea or coffee and a snack before making your way into the night.
Starting Point: Barranco Camp 3,850m.
End Point: Karanga Camp 3,995m.
Walking Duration 4-5 Hours approx.
Overnight: Karanga Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Starting Point: Karanga Camp 3,995m.
End Point: Barafu Camp 4,680m.
Walking Duration 4-5 Hours approx.
Overnight: Barafu Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak– the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa
Starting Point: Barafu Camp 4,680m.
Via: Uhuru Peak 5,895m.
End Point: Mweka Camp 3,100m.
Walking Duration: Time: 12-14 Hours approx.
Overnight: Mweka Camp,Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. The end of Lemosho Route 8 Days.
Meals: Breakfast.
The Lemosho Route is a scenic and less crowded path up Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its beautiful views and high success rate. It begins on the western side of the mountain, traversing through rainforest, across the Shira Plateau, and eventually joining the Machame route.
The Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is approximately 70 kilometers (42 miles) long. This distance is generally covered over an 7 or 8 day trek
The Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro is considered moderately difficult. While longer than some other routes, it offers excellent acclimatization opportunities, contributing to a higher success rate.
The best time to climb the Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October.
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