Day 3: Climb to Machame Gate

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

Greetings from 10,000 feet.

Day 1 of the hike started with a scenic bus ride to the mountain, with many in the group still marveling at the great skill exhibited in Frank’s 50th birthday speech.

The group tackled day 1 through the rain forest with minimal set backs encountered... We enjoyed two delicious hot meals on the mountain together today.

All in all, day 1 was a big success.

One step at a time.

~ Gill Clements