From Rainforest to Roof of Africa: Our Kilimanjaro Expedition
Our eight-day expedition up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route took ten reservists and four regulars from 158 & 162 Regiment RLC through five dramatic climate zones, testing our mental resilience, teamwork and determination at every stage. We began at Lemosho Gate, trekking seven kilometres through dense rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m), surrounded by towering trees and monkeys in the canopy. 
Day two took us from rainforest to moorland as we climbed the challenging Elephant’s Spine to Shira 1 Camp (3,610m), where we were rewarded with incredible views of Uhuru Peak. From Shira 1, we covered 10 kilometres to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m), stopping at Cathedral Point (3,872m) for acclimatisation. That evening brought some of the best stargazing many of us had ever experienced. 
Day four proved especially demanding as we crossed harsh alpine desert to Barranco Camp (3,900m), climbing to Lava Tower (4,600m) to aid acclimatisation. The heat, dust and rugged volcanic terrain made this one of the toughest days, though stunning views of Mount Meru lifted spirits. Day five brought the formidable Barranco Wall, a steep climb demanding patience and trust in one another, before descending to Karanga Camp (3,995m). A shorter walk on day six took us to Kosovo Camp, strategically positioning us for summit night and allowing precious rest.
At midnight on day seven, we began our summit push in pitch darkness. With wind chill reaching minus 20 degrees Celsius, every step became a battle against cold, exhaustion and altitude. Guided by head torches and the constant encouragement of our outstanding guides and porters, whose calls of “pole pole” reminded us to keep moving steadily, morale remained high. Their warmth, care and endless singing of Hakuna Matata kept spirits lifted throughout the expedition.
At 0600 hours we reached Stella Point (5,756m), before making the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), arriving at 0730. Standing together on Africa’s highest point, surrounded by snow and glaciers, was overwhelming, exhausting and unforgettable. After descending to Kosovo for lunch and then High Camp to rest, our final day took us 13 kilometres down to Mweka Gate through slippery rainforest trails, where we were welcomed by our porters with singing and celebration. Kilimanjaro showed us that success comes one step at a time, together. 
I personally came away with a deeper sense of perspective, a renewed connection to nature and a lasting appreciation for the African spirit that carried us, step by step, to the summit. The hardest parts pushed us to dig deep and find it within ourselves to keep going, as our bodies were driven to limits by the altitude in a way rarely experienced in normal life, and the benefits were undeniable: working as a team, building everlasting friendships through shared experiences, and gaining a greater understanding of Tanzanian culture and gratitude for the warmth of its welcoming people.
Cpl Lamb, 294 Sqn, 158 RLC
