The Lemosho route is widely regarded as one of Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful and effective trails, earning its stellar reputation among seasoned climbers and guides. It offers a winning combination: breathtaking, diverse scenery and an outstanding acclimatization profile. This intelligent design, which allows for a gradual ascent, is the primary reason for Lemosho’s exceptionally high summit success rates, making it a top choice for trekkers who prioritize both a safe ascent and a spectacular journey.
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The trek begins on Kilimanjaro’s quieter, more remote western slope. This starting point means you’ll spend the first few days away from the crowds found on other routes, hiking through a lush, pristine rainforest often visited by Colobus monkeys.
Lemosho is available in 6, 7, or 8-day itineraries.
7 and 8-Day Treks (Highly Recommended): These longer options are the key to the route’s success. The extra days are not “rest days”; they are active days with shorter hiking distances, allowing your body the crucial time it needs to adapt to the diminishing oxygen levels. This gradual approach significantly increases your chances of summiting successfully and feeling strong while doing it.
6-Day Trek: This is a very strenuous, fast-paced option that severely compresses the acclimatization schedule. It is generally discouraged unless you have prior high-altitude trekking experience.
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A signature experience of the Lemosho route is crossing the vast Shira Plateau. This expansive, high-altitude desert, located around 3,800 m (12,500 ft), is actually the collapsed caldera of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic cone. The sense of space and the views are magnificent.
While on the plateau, many itineraries include an acclimatization hike to the Shira Cathedral Peak (3,872 m / 12,703 ft). This excursion is a perfect example of the “climb high, sleep low” principle—pushing your body to a new altitude during the day before descending to a lower-altitude camp for the night. This process is one of the most effective ways to force your body to adapt and is rewarded with panoramic views across the plateau toward the main Kibo peak.
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As you ascend, the route feels like stepping into a lost, prehistoric world. This is thanks to its unique flora, particularly the Giant Groundsel (Dendrosenecio kilimanjari). These towering, alien-looking plants, often shrouded in the mountain mists, are endemic to Kilimanjaro, meaning they grow naturally nowhere else on Earth.
The Lemosho route’s superior acclimatization profile isn’t just theory; it’s proven by incredible feats of human endurance. This was the path chosen by Angela Vorobieva who, at the remarkable age of 86, reached the summit with Roots and Routes Africa Safaris. Her achievement set a Guinness World Record, making her the oldest person to ever successfully stand on the Roof of Africa and highlighting the route’s manageable and safe ascent profile.
At Roots and Routes Africa Safaris, we meticulously track our performance to provide our clients with transparent and accurate data. The summit success rates below are based on statistics from thousands of our climbers, detailing the percentage who successfully reach the Crater Rim (Stella Point) and the true summit, Uhuru Peak.
Lemosho 6-Day: 95.5% (Crater Rim) / 94.1% (Uhuru Peak)
Lemosho 7-Day: 96.5% (Crater Rim) / 94.9% (Uhuru Peak) – Our highest success rate!
Lemosho 8-Day: 95.0% (Crater Rim) / 93.8% (Uhuru Peak)
At first glance, it might seem puzzling that the 8-day itinerary has a slightly lower success rate than the 6-day option. This doesn’t mean the route is less effective; it’s a reflection of who chooses each trek.
The 6-Day Climber: The 6-day Lemosho is an extremely strenuous, fast-paced ascent. It is almost exclusively attempted by highly-trained hikers, seasoned mountaineers, or climbers who are already pre-acclimatized. Their high level of physical conditioning and experience is what bolsters this success rate, despite the intense physical demands and higher acclimatization risk.
The 8-Day Climber: In contrast, the 8-day Lemosho is our flagship recommendation for beginners and anyone new to high-altitude trekking. It attracts a much broader range of climbers, many of whom are attempting their first-ever serious trek. Therefore, its 93.8% success rate is an incredibly strong statistic, as it is achieved primarily by novices. This figure is a powerful testament to the 8-day route’s superior acclimatization profile.
Additionally, success statistics can be affected by group dynamics. Many people travel as couples or with friends. If one partner struggles with the altitude and decides to turn back, their companion often chooses to descend with them, even if they are feeling fine. This is recorded as two unsuccessful attempts, which skews the data.
In summary, the 94.1% rate for the 6-day trek is high because it reflects the performance of seasoned hikers. The 93.8% rate for the 8-day trek is exceptionally high because it reflects the success of beginners. For this reason, we consider the 8-day trip the gold standard for anyone making Kilimanjaro their first high-altitude adventure.
Our impressive summit success rates are not an accident. They are the direct result of our non-negotiable standards for safety and quality.
The Best Guides on the Mountain: We attract and retain the most elite guides, porters, and mountain crews in the Kilimanjaro region by offering the best salaries and working conditions. This ensures your team is experienced, professional, and fully invested in your success.
Unmatched Medical Support: Our guides conduct thorough medical check-ups twice every day to monitor your vitals and track your acclimatization. This proactive approach allows us to catch any potential issues hours before they become serious.
Superior Oxygen Systems: Roots and Routes Africa Safaris maintains more emergency oxygen systems than all other operators on the mountain combined. We uniquely use our oxygen proactively—not just for emergencies—to help boost acclimatization and relieve mild altitude sickness symptoms at camp, which dramatically improves your chances of feeling strong on summit night.
Advanced Training and Equipment: All our guides are certified in high-altitude first-aid, and every expedition is equipped with extensive, expedition-grade medical kits to manage any situation that may arise on the mountain.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), where you will meet an our representative, and transfer to the hotel at the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group’s arrival and departure times.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel. Then you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance: Londorossi Gate. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group continues upwards towards their drop-off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,414 m / 11,200 ft). Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.
The route from your drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp, Shira 2, features a moderate gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. Due to this, you will be able to properly begin the process of acclimatization. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have already prepared everything necessary, put up the tents, and begun preparing dinner.
PLEASE NOTE:Â This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Trekking time:
Distance:After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 Camp and start your hike to the key point of the route: Lava Tower. This section of the route features numerous ascents and descents, culminating in a camp at an elevation of over 4,600 m (15,091 ft). Portions of the trek may be challenging, and it is common to experience some discomfort. However, to successfully acclimate to the altitude, you must spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where you will enjoy your lunch.
Then, you will descend to Barranco Camp. Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day, you will be climbing it, but don’t worry: it features a very simple hiking trail and is not intimidating at all.
Trekking time:Distance:This day you will wake up early and enjoy a filling breakfast before starting to climb Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 300 m (984 ft) gain in altitude and then descend back down to the camp.
PLEASE NOTE:The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
Change in Elevation:Hiking distance:Hiking time:Trekking time:Distance:In the morning, after a warm and hearty breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp is the starting point for the final night summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft) – your end goal. Our team will set up camp ahead of time, so when you arrive your tents and sleeping bags will already be prepared, meaning you can just relax and rest when you reach Barafu Summit Camp. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.
Trekking time:Distance:Your team will depart from Barafu Camp at night and begin the final summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude, which makes even regular physical activity feel strenuous. Each pair of climbers will be under the care of a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental condition.Â
After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and enjoy a 2-hour rest before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp.
PLEASE NOTE:Remember that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay close attention to your footing, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Trekking time:Distance:Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to your hotel.
Trekking time:Distance:Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), where you will meet an our representative, and transfer to the hotel at the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group’s arrival and departure times.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel. Then you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance: Londorossi Gate. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group continues upwards towards their drop-off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,414 m / 11,200 ft). Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.
The route from your drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp, Shira 2, features a moderate gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. Due to this, you will be able to properly begin the process of acclimatization. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have already prepared everything necessary, put up the tents, and begun preparing dinner.
PLEASE NOTE:Â This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Trekking time:Distance:On this day you will depart from Shira 1 Camp in the morning and complete a light trek toward the second high-altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp. This trek is not difficult and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of African savannahs and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa and second-highest in Tanzania), weather permitting.
During the trek between camps, our guides will offer ascending Cathedral Peak – 3,872 m (12,703 ft), one of the highest points of the extinct Shira volcano. Besides the captivating hiking experience, reaching the summit of Cathedral Peak on a clear day offers breathtaking views down into the valley. In our decade of experience working on the mountain, the valley below resembling a lost world is among our favourite views. This is a straightforward hike with no technical challenges. Although the peak may be shrouded in clouds at times, there’s a stella providing an opportunity for a memorable photograph. If you prefer to skip this ascent or encounter unfavorable weather, heading directly to Shira 2 is an option. This choice doesn’t impact acclimatization since Shira 2 and Cathedral Peak stand at a similar elevation. Nevertheless, we believe the hike to Cathedral Peak is worth it and wholeheartedly recommend it.
When you arrive at the camp you will have lunch, and after a two-hour rest, everyone will complete an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 200 m (656 ft) gain in altitude.
PLEASE NOTE:The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
Change in Elevation:Hiking distance:Hiking time:Trekking time:Distance:After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 Camp and start your hike to the key point of the route: Lava Tower. This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end at a camp at over 4,600 m (15,091 ft) above sea level. It might be difficult, and it is common to feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here. For that reason, your group will enjoy your lunch at the top of Lava Tower, in order to help you acclimatize better.
Then you will descend to Barranco Camp. There you will see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day you will be climbing it, but don’t worry, it features a very simple hiking trail and is not intimidating at all.
Â
Trekking time:Distance:On this day your group will make an early start and after a filling breakfast, begin to hike Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents on the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch.
After a couple of hours, you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200 m (656 ft) gain in altitude, and then descent back down to the camp.
.
Change in Elevation:Hiking distance:Hiking time:Trekking time:Distance:In the morning, after a warm and hearty breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp is the starting point for the final night summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft) – your end goal. Our team will set up camp ahead of time, so when you arrive your tents and sleeping bags will already be prepared, meaning you can just relax and rest when you reach Barafu Summit Camp. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.
Trekking time:Distance:Your group will depart from Barafu Camp at night and start the final summit to Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro (5,895 m / 19,340 ft). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple, however, at high altitude, even regular physical activity can feel strenuous. Therefore, climbers will be paired into twos, under the care of a personal guide for the entire ascent, this is to monitor your physical and mental well-being more closely. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and, after a 2-hour rest, continue your descent to Millennium Camp.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Trekking time:Distance:Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the national park’s exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.
Trekking time:Distance:Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), where you will meet an our representative, and transfer to the hotel at the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group’s arrival and departure times.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
A guide and the mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3-4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,250 m / 7,381 ft). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking towards the first camp of the route: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). Raincoats are necessary on this day in particular, as you will be walking through a rainforest. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have prepared everything necessary, put up the tents, and begun preparing lunch. After lunch, the group will depart on an acclimatization hike towards Shira 1 Campthat features a 300 m (984 ft) gain in altitude, after which you will hike back down to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where a hot dinner will be served.
PLEASE NOTE: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude, done to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of climbing Kilimanjaro successfully and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended that you heed the following instructions from this point on:
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude, because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness
.
Change in Elevation:Hiking distance:Hiking time:Trekking time:Distance:On this day you will wake up early and enjoy a filling breakfast, then start trekking. Your group will reach an altitude of 3,610 m (11,843 ft). At that point, you will be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano for the first time.
On the whole, the passage from Mti Mkubwa Camp to the second high-altitude camp, Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,843 ft), is rather easy and takes about 5-6 hours. This will allow you to start the acclimatization process gradually, which is a mainstay of good trekking. When you reach the camp, your team of specialists will cook lunch and you will have the chance to rest in your tent or walk around the nearby area.
Trekking time:Distance:On this day you will depart from Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,843 ft) and trek towards the second high-altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). This trek is not difficult, and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the African savannah, the unique flora of Kilimanjaro, and the surrounding area. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa and second-highest in Tanzania), weather permitting.
During the trek between camps, our guides will offer ascending Cathedral Peak – 3,872 m (12,703 ft), one of the highest points of the extinct Shira volcano. Besides the captivating hiking experience, reaching the summit of Cathedral Peak on a clear day offers breathtaking views down into the valley. In our decade of experience working on the mountain, the valley below resembling a lost world is among our favourite views. This is a straightforward hike with no technical challenges. Although the peak may be shrouded in clouds at times, there’s a stella providing an opportunity for a memorable photograph. If you prefer to skip this ascent or encounter unfavorable weather, heading directly to Shira 2 is an option. This choice doesn’t impact acclimatization since Shira 2 and Cathedral Peak stand at a similar elevation. Nevertheless, we believe the hike to Cathedral Peak is worth it and wholeheartedly recommend it.
When you arrive at the camp, you will have lunch, and after a two-hour rest, everyone will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 300 m (984 ft) gain in altitude.
.
Change in Elevation:Hiking distance:Hiking time:Trekking time:Distance:After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,091 ft). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents. Some parts of the trek might be difficult, and it is common to experience some discomfort, but to successfully acclimate to the altitude, you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where you will enjoy your lunch.
Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). There you will see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day, you will be climbing it, but don’t worry: it features a very simple hiking trail that is not intimidating at all.
Trekking time:Distance:You will have an early start and a filling breakfast before beginning to hike the Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups, which could slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp, you will be offered a warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200 m (656 ft) gain in altitude and then descend back down to the camp.
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Change in Elevation:Hiking distance:Hiking time:Trekking time:Distance:In the morning, after a warm and hearty breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp is the starting point for the final night summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft) – your end goal. Our team will set up camp ahead of time, so when you arrive, your tents and sleeping bags will already be prepared, meaning you can just relax and rest when you reach Barafu Summit Camp. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.
Trekking time:Distance:Your group will depart from Barafu Camp (4,673 m / 15,331 ft) at night and start the final summit toward the highest point of Kilimanjaro – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, given the high altitude, even normal physical activity can feel strenuous. For this reason, every two climbers will be paired with a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental well-being more closely. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak – the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and the final point of the climb on the Lemosho Route, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp for a 2-hour rest before continuing your descent to Millenium Camp (3,950 m / 12,959 ft).
PLEASE NOTE: Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Trekking time:Distance:The Millenium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.
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Trekking time:Distance:Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
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