Day 3: Climb to Machame Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

Our group will start climbing after registering in the National Park’s Climber Log and eating lunch. They’ll start hiking on a forest road through the rain forest – which is why it’s wet and humid climate where they start climbing. To the right and left of the road are Mount Kilimanjaro’s giant red germs and impatiens. The path will get narrower and steeper as it winds through the rainforest. After another hour of hiking, the landscape will start changing as they enter the moorland zone and approach their first camp. Upon arriving at camp, porters will welcome them with a tent that’s already pitched and hot tea with biscuits. After resting, they’ll debrief about the following day’s climb and eat dinner. If the weather is good, they’ll see a beautiful sunset and catch a glimpse of the first snow-capped peak of Kibo!!

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 6,000 feet

Ending elevation 9,900 feet

Elevation gain 3,900 feet

Distance hiked 6 miles

Average hiking time 6 to 7 hours

By now, it has been 4 days since I slept in my own bed, 3 days since we fought our way through a snowstorm to meet our group at the airport, 2 days since we met some lovely staff from Qatar airways in our time of need, and 1 day since we arrived in Tanzania to begin our final preparations for our trek.

And yes, yes that means today, by God’s providential hand, is the day that our real adventure begins. And as we lovingly joked at the Machame Gate, “today is the point of no return.”

But let’s take a few steps back. I would be remiss to neglect mentioning some critical points of our time in Tanzania prior to arriving at the Kilimanjaro National Park.

Obviously, going through customs of any country is worthy of note, especially during the continuing stages of a global pandemic. From there, we got our first exposure to Tanzanian culture while driving the hour commute to our hotel, the Mt. Meru Hotel. Seeing glimpses into the daily lives of the locals from the windows of our van revealed a group of people who are vibrant - in clothing, in expression, and in livelihood. Upon arriving at the hotel, we were greeted with hospitality and open arms…and a green drink that I never learned the name of but thoroughly enjoyed! After a brief nap, the group gathered together for a late lunch and our briefing for final gear check. We all passed our gear checks and had the pleasure of enjoying dinner with Papa Deo, a local religious leader who is closely intertwined with Beyond Adventure’s work in Tanzania. During the dinner, he offered us counsel, encouragement, prayer, and most of all fellowship.

With our bellies and spirits filled, we retired for one final sleep before the real adventure begins.

For those of you who haven’t been able to wake up in Africa and enjoy a feast of a breakfast on a veranda looking out into a lush tropical landscape, you need to schedule your trip! Like NOW!

It was a pristine and peaceful way to start to our day, looking out into God’s glorious creation and reveling in the blessings we each have. After thanking the hotel staff for their wonderful hospitality and a team photo, we embarked on the 2 hour bus ride to the national park. If Sunday, the day of rest, revealed a vibrant culture, then Monday only doubled down on that truth. The streets, shops, and roadside houses were teeming with life, as people went about their days while we got closer and closer to the beginning of the adventure of a lifetime.

Now, where were we? Oh yes! The Machame Gate! It was so fun seeing all the different trekking groups from all across the world gathered to embark on the same challenging and humbling hike. The trailhead offered a pavilion where all the groups had space to eat and exchange a little about each other’s life. After lunch and a quick check in with park rangers, we were finally off on the adventure!

The first day of hiking is filled with lush rainforests. Growing up in TN and living in DC, I have had my fair share of time in the Shenandoah Valley and the Great Smoky Mountains. More than once, I caught myself thinking that I was simply hiking the Appalachian Trail. Until I heard a monkey or saw a giant fern, then It was indisputable that we were actually in Africa, climbing one of the worlds greatest peaks.

Throughout the trail, we encountered groups and various porters making their own way up the mountain. Our group tried our hands at some Swahili phrases, some better than others. As the day wore on so did the fatigue but our spirits never faltered. Our guides are experts with literal decades of experience doing just this. They have taught us about their homes, their “office” (aka. the mountain path), and their lives while making sure we remain safe and hydrated…always hydrated.

After hours of hiking, it was incredibly gratifying to arrive at Machame Camp. The first day is rumored to be one of the hardest as it covers the most altitude and one of the longest overall treks. Sitting down to warm food after dropping our gear at our tents, we felt our muscles relax and our hearts grow light as we laughed over the funny occurrences of the day. Needless to say, we all slept heavily under the African stars, eager to see what the Lord had in store for us on day two!

We are having an amazing time; we are grateful for your continued prayers and support; we are sending all our love to you too; and we are blessed!

Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. (He who trusts the Lord lacks nothing.)

Go with God, and GO DAWGS! (Sorry not sorry Bama fans.)

-Greg

Nina Barnett