Lemosho Route / Day 8

We’re almost done. But first, we have some things to take care of.

We’ll be saying goodbye to most of the crew at Mweka Camp. They’ll be packing up and heading down, going home. Some will probably be heading back up the mountain within days, working on another expedition. Heading back up isn’t exactly high on our list of things to do right now. For the umpteenth time, we marvel at their stamina and proficiency. And we’ve gotten to know a few of them along the way, something that has really made the climb that much more interesting. Right from the get-go, we have nothing but respect and awe for them.

After a fun rendition of the Kilimanjaro song, we gear up for the climb’s last walk. We still have a few hours’ walk to get down to the park exit.

We’re well and truly back into the rainforest by now, with thick mists, giant ferns, and tall trees. It’s warm and muggy, and although the track is the best-kept we’ve seen the whole time, the mud is slippery and the path steep. With knees and thighs that hadn’t yet recovered from yesterday, there’s still some grimacing to do.

Once we hit the emergency evacuation road, it’s clear we’re on the final stretch. And then, round a bend, we see a parking lot and signs for “Visa taken here.” We’re done.

Climbing Kilimanjaro

This is part of a climb diary I put together with photos from each day on the Lemosho Route. You can find the other posts below. I’ve also included some gear tips for climbing Kilimanjaro and some ideas on what to expect from your climb.

• Lemosho Route / Day 1
• Lemosho Route / Day 2
• Lemosho Route / Day 3
• Lemosho Route / Day 4
• Lemosho Route / Day 5
• Lemosho Route / Day 6
• Lemosho Route / Day 7
• Lemosho Route / Day 8
• Tips, Gear Recommendations, and What to Expect When Climbing Kilimanjaro

W8JG+JMW, Gilman’s Point, Tanzania

Uhuru Peak, Tanzania

Tanzania

W8HP+29V, Gilman’s Point, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

Unnamed Road, Tanzania

T K Lemosho Trail, Tanzania

X4XM+HPJ, Matadi, Tanzania

Shira Evacuation Rd, Tanzania

2538+F93, Matadi, Tanzania