Like the Shira route, the Lemosho route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and then joins the Machame route. Hence everything that has been said about the Machame climb route also applies to the Lemosho route.
The first two days on the Lemosho route take you through beautiful and very remote rainforest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. The start of the trail is also known as the Lemosho Glades.
Lemosho is usually a longer trek, seven or eight days, and there are many variations of it. Which one you take depends on the operator. (A really good operator will also time their departure and stagger their camps in a way that avoids the heaviest traffic on the Machame trail.)
The length, the remoteness, and the added transport cost make Lemosho a rather expensive option.
However, the longer itinerary and the fact that there are no budget operators (you can’t do this route on a budget) lead to excellent success rates on this route and it has become quite a popular one.
It is a route for people who are confident in their ability to hike in difficult terrain and camp out for extended periods, who want a superb wilderness experience, and for whom cost is not the main consideration.
This makes an already-great trekking adventure even more spectacular as at times it will feel like you have the entire mountain to yourself.
Eventually, however, the Lemosho route merges with the Machame route, and the amount of traffic begins to increase. But if you’re looking for a little peace in the early going of the climb, this is a great option.
Because it follows the Machame Route for a portion of the climb, much of the same scenery is found on the Lemosho route as well, including the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall. But, in those first few days, this trail offers some unique views of the surrounding landscapes that aren’t visible from any other place on the mountain.
Travelers will get the chance to wander through pristine rain forests and hike up to the Shira Plateau, where once above the tree line stunning vistas await.
Because of its remote nature and lengthier route, Lemosho takes a few extra days to trek. Most people spend seven or eight days on this trail, which causes the success rate to increase fairly dramatically.
If you’re looking to maximize your chances of reaching the top of the mountain, this is certainly one of the best options to choose, particularly over the Machame route and Marangu route. Despite the higher success rate, however, it should be noted that the Lemosho route is a more strenuous hike than the “Whiskey” and “Coca-Cola” routes.
Certain sections of the trail are steeper and more demanding, and of course, trekkers spend an extra night or two sleeping in tents as well. Still, the advantages of this route truly make it stand out from the others, making it an increasingly popular choice for adventurous travelers
