Lemosho Route





Lemosho Route
ROUTE OVERVIEW:
Lemosho is a classic trail that has gained much popularity in recent years. From its amazing views, a great acclimatization profile, and highest summit success rates among routes. From the western slope of Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho route can offer one 3 itineraries: from 6, 7, and 8 days to the mountain. One among Lemosho highlights is the Cathedral Peak – one of the highest points of the Shira Volcano 3,872 m (12,703 ft.). You’ll have a chance of acclimatization hike to Cathedral Peak and enjoy the best views Kilimanjaro has to offer. Another iconic feature of Lemosho are huge alien-looking plants Dendrosenecio kilimanjari. which only found on this mountain. With Lemosho route the Guinness World Record of oldest person to ever climb Kilimanjaro is written. Angela Vorobeva holds the distinction of being the oldest person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, on October 29, 2015, at the age of 86 years and 267 days. As recognized by Guinness World Records.
RECOMMENDATION:
Lemosho is our favorite route. Its stunning scenery and smooth acclimatization profile make it the top choice for those planning their first Kilimanjaro climbing trip.
As Tanzania Wildhog Safaris we crafted three itineraries for you as for 6, 7, and 8 days. Most climber’s wonder which is the best for them. The best choice for you is as follows 6 Days Itinerary: This is ideal for those with high-altitude experience above 4,000 m (13,100 ft.). To consider the 6-day Lemosho trekking route, we recommend completing a multi-day hike at this elevation within three months of your Kilimanjaro trip. 7 Days Itinerary is ideal for climbers with outdoor trekking experience but little to no high-altitude exposure. You’ll pass thorough a part of tropical forest, as our vehicle takes you directly to 3,414 m (11,200 ft.). The first two days feature relatively easy hikes with minimal altitude gain, allowing you to conserve energy for more challenging sections ahead.
Most climbers without any hiking experience choose this route and have high summiting rates. Lemosho is our most popular route, and we conduct over 50% through this route. 8 days itinerary to Lemosho is the best for those who are new to the mountains. It is an excellent choice for those who haven’t participated in such hikes before to maximize their chances of reaching at Uhuru Peak. The extra day at the beginning helps acclimatization and adjust to the trekking routine. Unlike the shorter variations, the Lemosho 8 days trekking begins in a tropical forest, offering more scenic experiences. Regardless of the route, Kilimanjaro requires at least an average fitness level even for the beginner-friendly 8 days Lemosho trekking. The reason that Lemosho is better for beginners lies on the type of people it attracts. Many trained hikers due to their trekking skills choose the 6 days and reach the summit despite the greater difficulty compare to 8 days itinerary which is famous to people with no trekking experience at high altitudes. This lack of experience makes trekking more challenging for them, even on the route option that offers a better acclimatization chances.
For example most couple’s trekkers are partners and so when one decides to turn back, the other often does the same, affecting overall climbing success statistics.
During summary, around 85-90% success rate for Lemosho 6 days trekking primarily reflects the experiences of seasoned climbers. In comparison to big percent success rate for 8 days option that comes from beginners, to who Kilimanjaro is the first trekking for them. The success rate is still remarkably high for 8 days compared to the other. We consider it as the best option for those Kilimanjaro is their first high-altitude trekking.
There are several key reasons why we at Tanzania Wildhog Safaris, unlike other operators, can boast such impressive summit success rates in practice. Firstly, we offer the best working conditions and salaries to our Kilimanjaro trekking team, attracting the best guides, mountain crews, and operations specialists. Also the well-being of our Guests is taken very seriously as the crew always take enough oxygen systems for boosting acclimatization and address symptoms of altitude sickness. Our guides conduct medical check-ups every day to make sure that your acclimatization process is going smoothly. At Tanzania Wildhog Safaris, guides are well-trained in mountain first-aid, and all our expeditions are equipped with extensive medical kits.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Here you will meet a Tanzania Wildhog Safaris representative, after your visa control then transfer to the hotel for rest and overnight. The hotel normally provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay. In the evening or any time depending on your arrival time and our guides plan there will be a briefing time which will make you ready for your next day expedition.
NB: Check-in time for the hotels starts at 2:00 PM.
Day 2: Hotel-Londorossi Gate then to shira 2 camp
This morning after breakfast your guide and a mountain support crew will meet you at the hotel held a short briefing and then you will travel by vehicle for around 4 hours to Kilimanjaro National Park's Gate which is in the western side (Londorossi Gate). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the drive continues upwards towards the drop-off point by vehicles till (3,414 m / 11,200 ft.). Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time. The route from your drop-off point to Shira 2 Camp, features a moderate gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. Due to that, you will be able to properly begin the process of acclimatization. When you reach at the camp, our professional mountain crew will have already prepared everything necessary, the tents will be already up, and start dinner preparation.
Trekking time: 6 hours
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to lava tower and then descent to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you will leave the Camp and keep the hike to the key point of the route: Lava Tower. This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 m (15,091 ft.). Parts of the trek here may be a bit challenging, and it is common to experience some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimatize to the altitude you have to spend at least 2 hours here, enjoy lunch and rest. After this time spend here, descend to Barranco Camp for overnight. Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, its massive size and steepness is impressive! Which you will climb it the next day, worry out: it features a very simple hiking trail and is not intimidating at all.
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)
Day 4: Trekking from Barranco camp to Karanga camp
Early morning of this day you will wake up, enjoy an English breakfast there after start to climb Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds from other groups, which may slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take time for photos in front of Kibo peak volcano. There after you will continue to a more difficult hike which takes you to Karanga Camp, this features numerous ascents and descents during the climb, no worries: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. Warm lunch awaits you at your arrival in the Camp. After a couple of hours in an acclimatization you hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 300 m (984 ft.) gain in altitude and then descend back down to the camp.
Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft.)
Rout to Barafu Camp destination Point (3,995 m/13,106ft.)
Hiking Distance: 2.5 km (1.5 miles)
Hiking time: 2 hour.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Day 5: Trekking from Karanga camp to Barafu camp
In this morning, after a warm and heavy breakfast, you will keep your hike to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp is the starting point for the final night summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft.) your goal destination point. Our team will set up camp ahead of time, so when you arrive your tents and sleeping bags will already be prepared, meaning you can just relax and rest when you reach Barafu Summit Camp. It is better to spend the remaining of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.
Trekking time 4 -5 hours
Distance: 6 km (3.7miles)
Day 6: Ascent to Uhuru peak and Descent to Millennium camp
You will depart from Barafu Camp around 2am at night and start the final summit to Uhuru Peak which is the Kilimanjaro highest point (5,895 m / 19,340 ft.). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, at this high altitude, even regular physical activity can feel strenuous. Therefore, every two climbers will be paired with a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental well-being more closely. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp.
Trekking time: 8-12 hours
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Day 7: Descent from Millennium camp to Mweka gate – Hotel.
Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will keep decent down to the park's exit gate (Mweka Gate). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)
Day 8: Resting and departure day accompanied by transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
What’s Included:
- All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
- All camping fees.
- Hotel before and after the hike in (bed and breakfast bases).
- Camping equipment (special tents, sleeping mats, camping tables, chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.
- 3 Fresh Meals on the hike.
- Professional guides, cooks and porters
- Certificate for successful summiting attempt.
- Portable Oxygen tanks.
- Oxy-meter carried by all chief guides
- Qualified first Aid respond guides and Fully-loaded medical kits.
- 3-4 litters of mineral drinking water provided daily during the climb
- Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees
- All park fees and taxes
- Dedicated support team
- Storage for remaining luggage that you won’t need on hike.
- The local communities giving back.
What’s Excluded:
- International flights and Local flights
- Item of personal natural
- Tips to the climbing crew
- Personal medicine and snacks.
- Meals which are not specified in the Hotels.
- Visa fee
- Personal gear rentals
- Single supplement
- Travel insurance
- Portable toilet
- Lunch and dinner in the hotel.
Price:
DURATION | 1 PAX | 2-4 PAX | 5-7 PAX | 8-12 PAX |
8 Days tour (6 Days Trekking) | $2,590
| $2,300 | $2,250
| $2,160
|
9 Days Tour (7 Days Trekking) | $2,653
| $2,455
| $2,350
| $2,220
|
10 Days Tour ( 8 Days Trekking) | $2,760
| $2,570
| $2,455
| $2,300
|
LEMOSHO IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Lemosho 7 day’s vs. Lemosho 8 days.
You might wonder which Lemosho itinerary is more suitable for your expedition: the 7days or 8 days variation. The 7days itinerary begins at an altitude of about 3,414 m (11,200 ft.), jump-starting your acclimatization. This way, you can benefit from more days on the altitude, yet this rapid altitude gain might be uncomfortable for some hikers. In addition, the first two days of this itinerary are fairly easy hikes with not much altitude gain.
In contrast, the 8 days route starts at the altitude of 2,100 m (6,889 ft.) and features a more challenging first day. However, starting lower, you’ll get to experience a more gradual acclimatization and enjoy hiking through a rainforest. Overall, both routes are highly recommended for climbers of all levels. They offer great acclimatization profiles and successful summit and rank among the most attractive routes on Kilimanjaro.
Lemosho 8 days vs. Northern circuit
The Lemosho 8 days route offers stunning scenery and similarly to Northern Circuit 8 days, a favorable acclimatization profile. In contrast, the Northern Circuit provides views of Kilimanjaro from all four sides but is generally considered less scenic. This is mainly because the northern slopes receive less rainfall and therefore have less abundant and diverse vegetation. Another factor to consider is that the Northern Circuit is significantly less crowded, whereas Lemosho currently ranks among the top three busiest routes on Kilimanjaro. Given its length, the Northern Circuit is better suited for hikers with greater strength who don’t mind longer daily treks. Moreover, if you really prefer to bypass the BarrancoWall, the Northern Circuit offers that. Both routes are accessible with need of technical skills or extensive training and offer excellent acclimatization. The summit success rate is higher on Lemosho mainly due to the fact that a small percentage of hikers get tired during the longer trail of the Northern Circuit.
The Lemosho route miles:
The 8 days Lemosho route itinerary spans approximately 70 km (43 miles), while the 6 and 7 days variations cover around 56 km (35 miles). This makes Lemosho to be in the middle, if we consider the length of other Kilimanjaro trekking routes.
Lemosho route starting point
The 8 days variation begins at Londorossi Gate (2,250 m / 7,381 ft.), whereas the 6 and 7 days options launch with a vehicle drop-off at 3,414 m (11,200 ft.) on the Shira Plateau.
Lemosho and the barranco wall.
Lemosho route goes via the Barranco Wall. Yet, its appearance can be more daunting than the actual experience. Even many seniors have successfully navigated it without significant difficulty!
Lemosho Route compared to other routes.
The climb is not hard but moderately challenging, it’s well within reach for the average person in decent shape. Remarkably, it stands out as the top choice for beginners which boasting the highest success rates.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORD BOOK:
Angela Vorobeva from Russia is the oldest person documented to have successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route. She achieved this remarkable feat on October 29, 2015, at the age of 86 years and 267 days. Her ascent began on October 23, 2015, from Londorossi Gate, and she reached Uhuru Peak six days later. Vorobeva’s accomplishment is recognized by Guinness World Records.
While Anne Lorimor holds the overall record as the oldest person to summit Kilimanjaro—reaching the peak at 89 years and 37 days on July 18, 2019—she ascended via the Rongai Route, not the Lemosho Route. Therefore, Angela Vorobeva holds the distinction of being the oldest person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, as recognized by Guinness World Records.