FARTHER together

My Kilimanjaro Climb Begins After Months of Training and Preparation: Day One- Into the Rainforest

After finally getting through the pelting rain and muck of a “road” leading into the Lemosho Route starting gate, we finally arrived around 1:00pm. After our Landcruiser got stuck for over an hour I was wondering if we would even get started at all! But our team of 13 porters, the A-Team, saved the day and got us going again by digging us out of the deep rut.

After a quickly prepared lunch my guide Moses and our team were off on the trail to start our climb. I was anxious but very excited to get going; but it was a rough start to my Kilimanjaro adventure of Chasing the Leopard.

For today marked the beginning of my Kilimanjaro climb—Day One on the Lemosho Route—and what a start it was. The skies really opened up just as we left the Lemosho Gate, unleashing a steady, soaking rain that stayed with us most of the way. Our journey began at an altitude of 6,890 feet (2,100 meters) and ended at 8,695 feet (2,650 meters), covering 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) through thick, lush afromontane rainforest.

The trail was beautiful—steep in parts and constantly slick from the rain, which made every step a negotiation with gravity. One bad foot placement or misplaced hiking stick could end my bid so laser focus concentration was essential. I followed the Kilimanjaro mantra of “pole, pole” or “slowly, slowly”.

The forest was alive with the sounds of dripping leaves, the calls of birds, and, to my delight, monkeys swinging through the treetops, occasionally pausing to watch us pass like curious spectators. We were trespassing on their territory!

The vegetation was a tangle of ferns, moss-draped trees, and dense undergrowth. Giant fig and podocarpus trees arched overhead, creating a green tunnel that felt like something out of an ancient dream. But the rain transformed the rich, earthy trail into mud that clung to our boots, making the climb both physically demanding and mentally humbling.

Despite the slippery terrain and heavy rain, there was a kind of magic in it all—the mist curling through the trees, the scent of wet earth and leaves, and the quiet determination in each step forward. Thankfully I had a good rain jacket, pants, gaiters and boots. The temperature was moderate.

After several hours of steady trekking and a few challenging climbs, we arrived—wet, muddy, and exhilarated—at Forest Camp (also known as Mti Mkubwa Camp). We’re tucked into the forest now, surrounded by towering trees and the distant chatter of wildlife.

Day One is complete. My boots are soaked, my muscles are aching, but my spirit is soaring. It was dinner time and after the frenetic events of the day I was ready for a good night’s sleep.