Your journey at a glance
The Lemosho Route takes a total of 8 Days. Expert mountain guides consider this route to be one of the most beautiful and effective ways to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. This is built on 2 principles: the best acclimatization and the best range of views. Unlike most other routes, the Lemosho route starts on the western side of the mountain, taking a longer and gradual route to the top. This greatly improves the climber’s chances of acclimatizing to the high altitude. The slow and gradual approach is the most important factor for summit success in this route. This is one of the few routes that boasts a complete ecological traverse., The journey starts and is best. The journey starts and is best. The journey starts in the lush, primate-filled Lemosho Glades rainforest. The trek lasts 8 days and takes you through five different climate zones. These include the giant heather of the moorland, the surreal alpine desert, and the arctic conditions of the summit glacier.
In the beginning, the trip has fewer hikers, allowing for a more personal and calm remote wilderness feeling. It comes to the mountain from the west and, after a few days, joins the popular Machame Route at the Shira Plateau. A significant aspect of the Lemosho itinerary is the ‘extra’ acclimatization day at Barranco Camp, under the notorious Barranco Wall. Here, trekkers enjoy a full day of ‘climb high, sleep low’ by going for a short hike to a high altitude, and then back to camp to sleep. This is a basic principle of high altitude climbing, and is well incorporated into this itinerary. The trail provides panoramic views all around, from the West Kilimanjaro plains to the southern ice fields. For those who value personal connection with the mountain’s many aspects and landscapes, the 8-day Lemosho Route is by far the best option.
The Lemosho Route is regarded as a tough trek in terms of hiking. It is described as not technically challenging. It will still require stamina in both altitude and distance. Expect to hike between 4 to 8 hours a day. There is also a 12-16-hour hike on summit day, which is a long stretch. There is a mix of forest, rocky, and scrub trails. Finishing the trek will require good cardiovascular fitness and strong legs.
An 8-day Kilimanjaro trip is the gold standard for an acclimatizing trek. An 8-day trip allows the body to adjust to the higher elevations, and the climber will lose oxygen. It allows the body to gain more red blood cells to adapt and also minimizes the chances of getting altitude sickness. For trekkers who are well prepared, the 8-day Lemosho Route has a success rate of 90% or more. This is due to altitude acclimatization. Finally, the increased travel time to the peak is more enjoyable. The climber will experience less exhaustion and be able to soak in the beautiful scenery.
