Kilimanjaro: Team Reaches Machame Camp
We woke to clear skies at the Rivertrees Inn. Previously it had been overcast and even drizzly in the mornings. The team was done with breakfast and packed up right on schedule. We boarded the bus just after 8 AM and got on the road to Kilimanjaro. The mountain was visible from the highway but the view got better as we approached and had less smoke and haze. The Machame Gate to the National Park was bustling and busy. It was a relief to have all paperwork and permitting done and to finally get walking, which we did shortly after 11 AM. It was a stair master day as we started at 6000 ft bound for 10,000 ft. The trail was in fine condition and it was clear that the National Park had been taking on major improvement projects. We were lucky to see several families of black and white Colobus monkeys playing in the big trees as we walked. It was hot and sweaty at first, but eventually things clouded over and the air cooled as we approached 10,000 ft. We managed the walk in 5.5 hours. It was a true pleasure to come into a perfectly constructed and completed camp. Our staff greeted us cheerfully and showed us our tent home.
We moved in and then got together for tea time and a 6:30 PM sumptuous dinner in the dining tent. Judging by the laughter, the day hadn’t been so difficult for our team. We went over plans for getting going to new heights tomorrow and headed for bed at 8 PM, pausing -of course- to see the southern cross and a few other unfamiliar southern hemisphere constellations.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave & Team
