Day 3: Climb to Machame Gate

The drive to the Machame Gate was nothing short of surreal. Passing through the villages, we soaked in the views while sharing a bus with some of our porters for the first time- learning their names, exchanging smiles, and feeling the excitement build!! 

At the gate, we enjoyed lunch and finalized some last details before stepping foot on the trail. Today’s route was through the forest, a perfect way to start our climb, and we absolutely needed to see a monkey. Gabo and Eunice reminded us it wasn’t guaranteed, but the possibility kept us scanning the treetops! 

We stopped often, peppering Gabriel and Eunice with questions- little did they know this was just the beginning of our trail banter! As the sun began to set, we realized most other groups had passed us. We laughed about it big time- already breaking out our headlamps and gloves on day one, and embraced it. The last stretch had everyone READY to reach camp, which is when our running joke “Haracca, Haracca” was born - the opposite of “Pole, Pole” (slowly, slowly).

We arrived at Machame Camp in the dark, greeted by more of our incredible porters, who good-naturedly teased us about being the last group in… Friendships were already forming, and despite the long, tiring trek, the day ended with laughter, camaraderie, and a little bit of worry for what was ahead!

Oh yeah, and we saw tons of monkeys!! 

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