Lemosho Route Full Moon Climbs
When should I summit Lemosho on a moon light
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho Route is already an amazing adventure, but doing it under a full moon makes it extra special. The Lemosho trek takes 7-8 days, and the final push to the summit happens at night, starting around midnight. Here’s why a full moon climb is so cool, how it works, and when you can catch one in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
What’s Different About a Full Moon Climb?
Normally, the summit night is super dark. You rely on your headlamp to see the rocky path up to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s top at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). But with a full moon, the sky lights up! The moonlight bounces off the glaciers, making them sparkle, and turns the clouds below into a glowing sea. It’s easier to see where you’re stepping, and the views are jaw-dropping. You start at midnight to hit the summit by sunrise—a tough stretch that tests your body and mind. The moon makes it feel magical.
Why Do People Love Climbing on Full Moons?
- Gorgeous Views: The bright moon lights up the mountain like a spotlight. The icy glaciers shine, and you can see Kibo (the main peak) glowing from most camps along Lemosho’s western route.
- Better Sight: That extra light helps you spot the trail, especially on the steep climb from Barafu Camp to the top. You might not even need your headlamp much.
- Nighttime Beauty: Even before summit night, the full moon makes every camp stop prettier, with Kibo standing out against the starry sky.
It’s like adding a bonus to an already awesome trip. Lots of climbers say it’s one of the best times to go!
What’s a Full Moon Anyway?
A full moon happens when the Earth sits right between the Sun and Moon, making the Moon look big, round, and super bright from here. It shows up every 29 days or so—12 or 13 times a year. For Lemosho, timing your summit night with that brightness turns a hard climb into a stunning memory.
The Glaciers Bonus
Kilimanjaro’s icy tops are a big deal—they’ve been there for over 11,000 years, even though the mountain’s near the equator. They used to be huge, stretching far from the peak, but they’re melting fast because of warmer weather. Some say they might disappear by 2050. Seeing them glow under moonlight on Lemosho is a rare treat—don’t wait too long to catch it!
What It’s Like
Imagine this: You step out of your tent at midnight on summit day, and the full moon lights up the whole mountain. The path to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak shines, and the glaciers look like they’re sparkling just for you. Climbers who’ve done it say it’s unforgettable. One said, “The moonlight made the glaciers glow—it was the best view ever!” It’s tough, but the beauty keeps you going.
The Catch
Full moon climbs are popular, so the Lemosho Route gets busier on those nights. If you like quiet trails, it might feel crowded. You can dodge this by aiming a day or two before or after the full moon—still bright, less packed. Or pick Lemosho anyway—it’s less crowded than routes like Machame, even during peak times.
Timing It Right for Lemosho
For a 7-day Lemosho trek, you’d start 5 days before the full moon to summit under its light. Day 6 is usually summit night, starting from Barafu Camp around midnight and reaching the top by dawn. The moon’s high early in the night, so a day after full might work better—keeps it behind you, lighting the glaciers without blinding you. Check a site like timeanddate.com for exact moon times in Tanzania.
Full Moon Dates for 2025-2027
Here’s when the full moon hits for planning your Lemosho climb. These are best guesses—weather sites might tweak them a bit, so double-check before booking!
- 2025 Lemosho Full Moon Climbs:
- January 13
- February 12
- March 13
- April 12
- May 11
- June 10
- July 10
- August 8
- September 7
- October 6
- November 5
- December 4
- 2026 Lemosho Full Moon Climbs:
- January 3
- February 1
- March 3
- April 1
- May 1 & 30 (two full moons!)
- June 29
- July 29
- August 27
- September 26
- October 25
- November 24
- December 23
- 2027 Lemosho Full Moon Climbs:
- January 22
- February 20
- March 22
- April 20
- May 20
- June 18
- July 18
- August 16
- September 15
- October 14
- November 13
- December 13
Tips for a Full Moon Lemosho Climb
- Book Early: These dates fill up fast, especially in dry months (June-October, January-March).
- Pick Your Style: Love company? Go right on the full moon. Want space? Shift a day off.
- Weather Check: Dry season’s best—rain can hide the moon. Lemosho’s western start loves clear skies.
- Gear Up: Even with moonlight, bring a headlamp—just in case clouds roll in.