In April the rain season looms as a spoiler for trekkers in this intriguing month, especially along the Lemosho Route. This period plunges you into the heart of the mountain’s long rainy season (mid-March through May), where relentless downpours, muddy trails, and obscured vistas define the experience. While it’s widely considered the wettest month—and one most climbers avoid—the Lemosho Route, a 70-kilometer odyssey across Kilimanjaro’s western slopes, offers a gritty, solitary trek for those willing to brave the elements. In this expansive guide, we’ll explore the realities of climbing Lemosho in April, weigh its rare pros against its many cons, and provide a thorough blueprint for preparation to tackle this soggy ascent.

Why April is a Tough Sell for the Lemosho Route
April sits squarely in Kilimanjaro’s long rainy season, a time when the mountain dons a cloak of clouds and unleashes daily deluges that transform trails into quagmires. For the Lemosho Route—known for its scenic splendor across rainforests, the Shira Plateau, and alpine deserts—this month trades panoramic rewards for a test of endurance. Rain hammers the lower slopes, snow dusts the summit, and thunder rumbles through the afternoons, making it a far cry from the dry-season bliss of January or February. Yet, for the intrepid few, April’s near-empty trails and lush, rain-fed landscapes hold a rugged allure. Most operators steer clear, advising the drier Rongai Route on the northern slopes if you must climb now, but Lemosho’s diehards embrace the challenge.
The Lemosho Route in April: A Soaked Saga
Stretching from Kilimanjaro’s western base, the Lemosho Route winds through dripping rainforests, sodden heathlands, and the misty Shira Plateau before tackling the Barranco Wall and summit push via Barafu Camp. In April, this path morphs into a waterlogged gauntlet—lower zones bloom with vibrant, rain-drenched greenery, while higher camps like Barafu (4,673 m) may see snow or fog. The route’s gradual ascent remains a lifeline for acclimatization, but wet conditions slow progress, turning scrambles into slippery feats and summit night into an icy, muddy marathon. If luck strikes and clouds part, you might glimpse the Southern Ice Fields or Mawenzi’s jagged silhouette—a fleeting reward amid the deluge.
Defining Moments:
Rainforests alive with moisture, their canopies echoing with birdlife muffled by rain.
The Shira Plateau’s ghostly expanse, veiled in mist and mystery.
The Barranco Wall’s wet, heart-pounding ascent and a summit softened by fresh snow, glimpsed through rare clearings.
Preparing for an April Climb
Climbing Lemosho in April is less about comfort and more about survival—gear, fitness, and mental toughness must align to conquer the wettest month.
Packing for the Downpour
Clothing: Layer with waterproof mastery—quick-dry base layers, insulated mid-layers (fleece or down), and a premium waterproof/breathable shell (Gore-Tex or equivalent) for ceaseless rain. Waterproof gloves, gaiters, and a hood are non-negotiable.
Footwear: Top-tier waterproof boots with aggressive tread and ankle support—test them on wet terrain beforehand. Pack multiple pairs of wool socks to rotate when soaked.
Gear: A sleeping bag rated for -15°C (5°F) or below, a four-season tent with a bombproof rainfly, and trekking poles for muddy stability. A 3-4L hydration system fights humidity’s dehydrating grip.
Extras: Dry bags for all gear, a fast-drying camp towel, and a high-lumen headlamp for foggy nights. Sunglasses and SPF 50+ are backups for fleeting sunbreaks.
Physical and Mental Resilience
Training: Prep for 4-5 months with cardio (cycling, swimming), muddy hill hikes, and strength work (lunges, squats) to mimic Lemosho’s slick demands. Waterproof gear tests are a must.
Acclimatization: Lemosho’s extra days (e.g., Shira 2 at 3,850 m, Karanga at 3,995 m) are your edge—linger to adjust, hydrate obsessively (4-5L daily), and eat despite damp appetites.
Mindset: Steel yourself for wet misery—soggy clothes, thunderclaps, and summit snow require grit. Know altitude sickness cues (nausea, headaches) and push through with unwavering focus.
Weather and Challenges in April
Conditions: April drowns Kilimanjaro in rain—expect daily showers, heaviest in the rainforest zone, with snow above 4,000 m and thunderstorms rattling the afternoons. Clouds shroud the mountain, slashing visibility and drenching trails into muddy slicks. Temps range from humid lows (15–25°C / 59–77°F) to frigid heights (-10°C / 14°F).
Challenges: Wet rock turns the Barranco Wall into a slippery beast, mud slows every step, and altitude sickness risks spike with cold, damp stress. Thunder and lightning loom as hazards, while wet gear weighs you down—drying out is a fantasy without sun. Views vanish, testing your resolve against nature’s full force.
Pros of Climbing Lemosho in April
Solitude: April empties the trails—Lemosho’s length ensures near-total isolation, a stark contrast to January’s bustle.
Lush Vistas: Rain paints the rainforest and heathlands a vivid green, a vibrant frame for the snow-dusted summit if clouds relent.
Snowy Summit: Fresh snow above Barafu crafts a wintery crown, a rare sight if you catch a clear moment.
Cons of Climbing in April
Relentless Wet: Muddy trails and soaked gear sap comfort and raise injury risks—slips are constant threats.
Poor Visibility: Clouds erase Kilimanjaro’s famed views, from Shira’s expanse to Uhuru’s sunrise.
Safety Risks: Thunderstorms bring lightning danger, and trail erosion can close sections, derailing plans.
Wildlife Scarcity: Rain drives animals into hiding, dimming biodiversity sightings.

Accommodation and Logistics
Pre/Post-Climb: Lodges in Arusha or Moshi (e.g., Keys Hotel) offer dry havens before and after—hot showers and warm beds frame the wet trek.
On Route: Tented camps (Mti Mkubwa, Shira 2, Barafu) are basic—your crew battles rain to pitch them, but leaks test your setup. A thick sleeping pad fights the damp ground.
Permits and Fees
Cost: $800-$1,000 per person for park fees (entry, camping, rescue), plus $1,500-$2,000 total with a guide/porter team—April’s low demand might trim prices slightly.
Process: Secure via a licensed operator; Lemosho permits hold year-round, rain or shine.
Why April on Lemosho Beckons the Bold
April casts the Lemosho Route as a crucible—wet, wild, and nearly deserted. The rainforest thrives, the summit glistens with snow, and the solitude is profound, but rain and clouds steal the views that define drier months. For those who prize raw adventure over postcard perfection, it’s a chance to wrestle Kilimanjaro at its moodiest. Most shy away—Rongai’s drier north calls instead—but Lemosho’s April warriors claim a tale few can match.