Climbing Kilimanjaro: Lemosho Route

Date Added: Aug 31, 2017

The Machame Route and the Marangu Route were designed to improve acclimatization for the climbers through covering long distances, extensive periods of ascent and shorter passages.

“The Sparkling Mountain” - this is the loose translation of how the Swahili people call Africa’s highest mountain - Kilimanjaro (5895 meters above the sea level). The mountain is a part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and the climbers’ top ascent destination. It’s Africa’s potentially active stratovolcano, and even though there’s no documented record of volcanic eruptions, local legends contain references to volcanic activity 150-200 years ago.

Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones, which are Kibo, the highest (5895 meters), Mawenzi at 5149 meters above the sea level and Shira the shortest at 4,005 metres. Uhuru is the highest peak on Kibo’s crater ridge. It attracts people from all over the world. Climbing mount Kilimanjaro can be done in any season, but it is believed that the best time for climbing are the periods from August to October and January to March. One of the amazing features of Lemosho Route is that the Kilimanjaro climb goes through absolutely all types of climate, from humid tropics to glacial peaks.

Peculiarities of the Lemosho Route

Lemosho Route is widely considered to be the best choice among all known for climbing Kilimanjaro. It starts with a heather moore, goes all the way through the alpine valley and moonlit landscapes and comes to the end in famous Kilimanjaro glaciers. The descent route leads through a tropical forest. Most operators recommend the 7 or 8 day Lemosho route and advise against 6 day tours. As a rule, 90% of climbers reach the summit in 8 day tours, and only 65% succeed in 6 days.

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Proper acclimatization as the key to conquering Kilimanjaro

There is no point in taking the short route for sake of economy. 6 day tours are hardly a good option for beginners who climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route. This economy can cost the mountaineer’s health, if not life! After all 25% of climbers do not reach Kilimanjaro’s peak  due to poor acclimatization to altitude, however, many operators considerately pass it over.

Proper acclimatization, which is only attainable given longer itineraries, could reduce this percentage to 2-3% and even less. In order for your ascent to be successful, try to stick to the schedule, which assumes gradual adaptation and altitude gain. This way you will most probably avoid symptoms of altitude sickness, such as dizziness, nausea, somnolence, weakness, and conquer Africa’s highest peak - mount Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.satprnews.com/2017/08/30/climbing-kilimanjaro-lemosho-route/