THE WAY
UP!
Mount
Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro, a majestic snow-capped mountain in Tanzania, is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest point in Africa. Rising dramatically from the surrounding plains to a height of 19,341ft or 5,895 meters above sea level.
This impressive elevation makes it the highest peak in Africa and one of the "Seven Summits," the highest mountains on each of the seven continents.​The high altitude presents the most significant challenge, primarily due to hypoxia – a condition characterized by a lack of sufficient oxygen reaching the body's tissues.
As climbers ascend, the atmospheric pressure decreases, meaning there are fewer oxygen molecules in the air with each breath. This reduced oxygen availability triggers a cascade of physiological responses in the body. The body attempts to compensate by increasing breathing rate and heart rate to deliver more oxygen, but these mechanisms can only go so far.​ My hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro will take place in January 2026. There are many ways to hike up the mountain, but I will be taking the 8-DAY Lemosho Route.
The Lemosho Route
The Lemosho route is widely considered one of the most scenic and less crowded routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It's known for its gradual acclimatization profile, making it a good option for climbers who prioritize a slower ascent to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. This longer route allows the body more time to adjust to the thinning air at higher elevations.
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The Lemosho route typically begins on the western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate. From there, the trek traverses through lush rainforest and heathland before joining up with other routes, such as the Machame route, higher on the mountain. This western approach offers stunning views of the mountain's less-traveled side, including the Shira Plateau, a fascinating geological formation.
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One of the key advantages of the Lemosho route is its extended duration, usually taking between 7-9 days to complete. This extended time allows for better acclimatization, significantly increasing the chances of a successful summit attempt. While it's a longer trek, it's generally considered less strenuous day-to-day compared to some of the shorter, more direct routes.