Check out our top 5 reasons why the 8-Day Lemosho Route Is the Best Kilimanjaro Climb. It’s so simple! Do very targeted and specific training and pick 8 days on the Lemosho Route using Kosovo Camp and you give yourself a 95% chance at getting to the summit safely and back down again.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into five compelling reasons why opting for the 8-day Lemosho Route can enhance your Kilimanjaro adventure. Check out our upcoming trips.
Success Rates on Kilimanjaro
The overall success rate on Kilimanjaro is approximately 60% these dates. The importance of acclimatization should be your number 1 priority. If you decide to pick a 5 day Kilimanjaro trek you give yourself a 30% chance at safety and success. If you pick and 8 day Kilimanjaro trek using Kosovo Camp you give yourself a 85%+ chance of success.
A 6 day route offers you 45%. 7 days on Kilimanjaro offers a 65% success rate. 8 days offers you a 85% chance to success and 8 days using Kosovo Camp offers us a 95% success rate. Longer trips are more expensive and cost a lot more, but you will have a terrible experience and run the risk of getting sick.
PRO TIP: After doing this for 20 years and watching thousands of people attempt Kilimanjaro give yourself more time. It will make all the difference.
Key Point to Remember with Success Rates
We have varying rates of success depending on how people show us physically for the trip. I have seen people bail out on day 3 on Kilimanjaro as they have read that they didn’t need to train that hard for this trip. I have had people say ‘I thought this was the easiest of the 7 summits’. That is true Kilimanjaro is the easiest of the 7 summits, but you still need to be prepared, it is not easy.
Ultimately, picking the 8 day Lemosho route using Kosovo Camp sets you up for success if you come with the specific training. Learn more about our head guide, who was voted the best guide on Kilimanjaro in 2019.
Let’s Talk More About Training
There is never a one size fits all when it comes to training. The grade of the routes are different, the amount of days you spend on the mountain. The pace at which you hike on the mountain? distances and elevation gains you need to cover. Are you a hiker, runners, cyclist? Maybe you are starting from scratch and have no idea how to prepare. Read more about the the best training for Kilimanjaro. Contact us and learn from our experience.
Training for the Downhill is extremely important. Review the elevations gains on our 8 day Lemosho route trip here. There is a lot of steep downhill on Kilimanjaro and you need to be training specifically for this. Learn more about our advice on training for downhill hiking.
1). Optimal Acclimatization
The first reason and the most important reason to pick 8 days on the Lemosho Route is acclimatization. The 8-day Lemosho Route provides ample time for proper acclimatization, significantly increasing your chances of reaching the summit successfully.
Acclimatization is crucial when ascending to high altitudes to prevent altitude sickness and ensure a safe and enjoyable climb. With additional days built into the itinerary, climbers have more opportunities to adjust to the altitude gradually, reducing the risk of altitude-related issues and increasing their overall comfort during the ascent.
2). Scenic Diversity
Kilimanjaro is a geological paradise, on day 4 we can see a unique array of landscapes, from the moorland, to Alpine desert and close up on the western side of Kilimanjaro.
One of the highlights of the Lemosho Route is its remarkable scenic diversity.
Over the course of eight days, climbers traverse various ecological zones, from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts. The route offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, expansive valleys, and diverse flora and fauna. Longer trekking days allow for more time to appreciate the ever-changing landscapes and capture memorable moments along the way. Each day brings new sights and experiences, adding depth and richness to the journey.
3). Less Crowded Trails
Compared to some of the more popular routes like the Machame or Marangu, the Lemosho Route sees fewer climbers, especially on the longer itineraries. This means less congestion on the trails and a more peaceful and immersive experience in nature.
With fewer trekkers on the route, you’ll have a greater sense of solitude and tranquility, allowing you to fully connect with the awe-inspiring surroundings of Kilimanjaro. Additionally, less crowded campsites provide a more relaxed atmosphere for rest and reflection after each day of trekking.
4). Increased Success Rate
Extend the duration of your Kilimanjaro climb. Choose the 8-day Lemosho Route using Kosovo Camp as high camp. I am saying this for my benefit, I want to see people get the best Kilimanjaro experience possible. This route using Kosovo Camp, can significantly improve your chances of reaching the summit.
The slower pace and extra acclimatization days give your body more time to adjust to the altitude. This will reduce the risk of altitude sickness and increasing your overall strength and endurance for the summit attempt.
Climbers on the 8-day itinerary are typically better prepared physically and mentally for the challenges of summit day. After 20 years of doing this we see higher success rates compared to shorter routes with less time for acclimatization.
5). Unique Wildlife Encounters
It is not unusual to see Giraffe’s by the side of the road as you drive towards the Lemosho Gate. The Lemosho Route offers opportunities for unique wildlife encounters that add an extra dimension to your Kilimanjaro adventure. I love waking up at 6am on the first morning on the mountain to the amazing sound of the Colobus monkey. The sound echo’s through the campsite, it’s a sound you will never forget.
As you trek through the lower rainforest zones, keep an eye out for native species such as colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and various bird species. The diverse ecosystems along the route support a rich array of wildlife, providing memorable sightings and photo opportunities throughout the journey.
These encounters not only enhance the trekking experience but also foster a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of Kilimanjaro and its surrounding ecosystems.
How do I Choose a Kilimanjaro route?
Listen to the experts! I have climbed Kilimanjaro almost 50 times and there is a reason we pretty only run 8 day Lemosho route trips using Kosovo Camp. This itinerary offers you a better experience, better safety and better chance to reaching the summit.
Why Summit Kilimanjaro to Early?
There are number of reasons to summit early in the morning.
1). Limit the time higher up and getting hydrated when its warmer.
2). It can be hard to sleep at altitude so best to get moving early.
3). More time to act in datelight if there is an issue on the summit night.
4). There’s is a lot of ground to cover on summit night / day.
5). All water at high Camps must be carried up from Karanga Camp
6). Sunrise from the summit ridge is unique and views on the way down are best early in morning.
You will be hiking for around 13/14 hours from Kosovo Camp to the summit and back to Mweka Camp in the same day.
Kosovo Camp v Barafu Hut
It does cost an additional $120 to stay in Kosovo Camp. Yes you also need more staff and support team to carry enough water up to Kosovo Camp. We are interested in safety and success on Mount Kilimanjaro. Kosovo Camp offers a much better experience for our clients than Barafu hut.
Barafu hut is a noisy and smelly camp and more challenging to reach the summit from here. We time it so that we have the best views and best lighting for mountain viewing on the way up and way down. We don’t want to deal with clouds that can build up after sunrise.
Once the sun comes up the lighting and views are not great. We don’t deal with warmer temperatures which require everyone to carry more water. We have dialed this in over 17 years of managing Kilimanjaro trips.
Better Visibility on Kilimanjaro
When you start Kilimanjaro Climb under the illuminating midnight sky, chances are you’ll get crystal clear skies by the time you reach Uhuru Peak. Because the mountain attracts clouds later in the morning, that can limit your view to a great extent. The best views off the summit are between 6:30am and 7:30am. The colors are literally breath taking!
You will begin your summit attempt at around 1am from Kosovo Camp. This is because you have lots of climbing to do in a day, and reaching the summit just after sunrise is glorious! Read more about our approach to summit night and why we climb at a very specific time.
From a mental perspective it is much easier to climb at night. You can not see what’s ahead of you so you can focus on two things. Where you are putting your feet and dialing in the correct breathing. Breath deep in through your nose and fast out through your mouth.
What is the Most Beautiful Route on Kilimanjaro?
I have climbed on all the routes up Kilimanjaro and the most beautiful route is the Lemosho Route. The Machame route is a nice route, but cuts acclimatization going up to 4,620m (15,157 ft) on Day 3. In my opinion this is a little too quick and can take out 20% of a team in the first few days. The Lemosho route is the most beautiful route and meets the Machame route on day 4. When it comes to tough, the Umbwe route is pretty amazing, but the most challenging route on Kilimanjaro.
Is the Lemosho Route 7 or 8 days?
We prefer 8 days over 7 days on the Lemosho Route so we have enough acclimatization lower down. One of the key acclimatization days on the Lemosho route, is hiking from Shira Camp 1 3,500m/ 11,500 feet to Shira Camp 2 3,900m/ 12,795 feet.
If you pick the 7 day Lemosho route option you hike from Big tree Camp 9,186 feet to Shira Camp 2 3,900m/ 12,795 feet on day 2. From my experience this a a big jump in altitude early in the acclimatization process. It is much better to hike from Big tree Camp 9,186 feet to Shira Camp 1 (11,500 feet) on day 2. Then move gradually up to Shira Camp 2 3,900m/ 12,795 feet on day 3.
In additional to this, using Kosovo Camp 4,900m/ 16,000 feet as High Camp maybe be too much for people with not enough acclimatization at lower elevations.
Kilimanjaro is an Adventure of Discovery
Embarking on a journey to summit Mount Kilimanjaro is a dream for many adventurers. As the highest peak in Africa, Kilimanjaro offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.
When it comes to selecting a route for your ascent, the Lemosho Route stands above all the rest. The Lemosho route is one of the most scenic and rewarding options. Remember is a once in a lifetime, life changing adventure. Don’t cut corners, pick the 8 day Lemosho route itinerary using Kosovo Camp as High Camp.
In Conclusion
It’s a no brainer, choosing the 8-day Lemosho Route for your Kilimanjaro adventure. I can guarantee this route offers a multitude of benefits, from optimal acclimatization and stunning scenery. Alongside these benefits you have a higher success rate with unique wildlife encounters.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or embarking on your first high-altitude climb. The Lemosho Route provides an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, nature, and personal growth. We have the best service and team on Kimanjaro, led by Kilimanjaro’s Number 1 Guide and the dream team.
By selecting this route, you’ll not only increase your chances of reaching the summit. You are creating lasting memories that will stay with you long after you descend from Africa’s highest peak.