Day 4: 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

Day 1: The Journey Begins!

Mambo Djambo! Today we set out from Machame Gate (after eating an amazing 5 course meal...for lunch!). Excitement was at an all time high and we could not wait to get on the mountain.

Leg 1 did not disappoint. Imagine walking through the forest from Jurassic Park. Giant tree canopies supported by towering trunks clothed in lush green moss shaded our path. The undergrowth were plants of all different shape sizes and shades of green, reds and yellows. The scenery was the perfect distraction from the reality that we needed to hike to elev. 10,000'. We crested the tree line just in time to catch a glimpse of the of the mountain we came to climb just before the sun went down. A prize for the work we all did today.

We are now settling into camp for night one and enjoying snack, warm drinks and best of all the fellowship of the best of friends. The tales of the days conquests are already flowing and laughter is erupting from the meal tent. I can already sense that while it is the mountain the brought us here, it will be this experience and friendship that bonds us all for the rest of our lives.

Special thank you to Kevin, one of our lead guides today who set the pace and got us here with energy to spare. "Pole-Pole" (po-lay po-lay) =slowly, slowly.

Brian Flegel