The Lemosho Route is one of the popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. It is known for its scenic beauty and relatively low traffic compared to some other routes. Here’s an overview of the Lemosho Route:
Distance:
The Lemosho Route is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) long. The exact distance may vary slightly depending on variations in the route and side trips.
Number of Days for Safaris:
The Lemosho Route typically takes 7 to 8 days to complete, which allows for better acclimatization to the high altitude. The longer duration increases your chances of successfully reaching the summit while minimizing the risk of altitude-related illnesses.
Climatic Conditions:
The route passes through multiple climatic zones due to its longer duration, offering a diverse range of landscapes and weather conditions. Here’s what you can expect in terms of climatic zones:
1. Rainforest Zone: The trek begins in the lush rainforest, where you’ll encounter high humidity and regular rainfall. The conditions are warm and tropical.
2. Heath and Moorland Zone: As you gain elevation, the landscape transitions to heath and moorland with more open terrain, and the weather becomes cooler and drier.
3. Highland Desert Zone: Further ascent takes you into the highland desert, where conditions are arid and temperatures can fluctuate significantly, especially during the day and night.
4. Alpine Desert Zone: The route passes through alpine desert terrain, characterized by rocky, barren landscapes and very cold temperatures, especially at night.
5. Arctic Zone: The final push to the summit takes you into the arctic zone, where conditions are extremely cold, and you may encounter snow and ice.
Why You Should Climb the Lemosho Route:
There are several reasons why the Lemosho Route is a popular choice for climbers:
– Scenic Beauty: The route is known for its breathtaking scenery, offering stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro from various angles and passing through diverse landscapes.
– Low Crowds: Compared to some other routes like the Marangu or Machame routes, Lemosho tends to have fewer climbers, providing a quieter and more remote experience.
– Better Acclimatization: The longer duration of the Lemosho Route increases the likelihood of successful acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and increasing your chances of reaching the summit.
– Wildlife: It is not uncommon to spot wildlife in the lower rainforest sections of the route, adding an element of adventure to your climb.
Nickname:
The Lemosho Route is sometimes referred to as the “Shira Plateau Route,” as it merges with the Shira Route near Shira Camp.
Best Time to Climb:
The best time to climb the Lemosho Route is during the dry seasons in Tanzania, which are generally from late June to October and from December to early March. These periods offer the most stable weather conditions, with clear skies and less rainfall, increasing your chances of a successful summit.
In summary, the Lemosho Route is a beautiful and less crowded option for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Its diverse landscapes, better acclimatization opportunities, and favorable weather conditions during the dry seasons make it a popular choice among trekkers.