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

We had a great first day on the trail. We departed the hotel early and had a two hour drive to the base of Kilimanjaro. We spent nearly the entire climb hiking in the rain forest, which was beautiful. During our hike we were entertained by a few monkeys in the trees as we made our way up the mountain. After a 12 mile climb we came to a clearing above the clouds. And then we got our first view of the top of the mountain. When we arrived at camp the amazing porters had set up our tents and started preparing our dinner. 

After a fantastic meal we headed to our tents for an early evening, hoping to get some sleep before our “knock-knock tea” at 6:30 the next morning. 

Journal Entry by Kevin Tierney