After breakfast, we will depart from our hotel at approximately 8:30 AM for the Machame village with a lunch box for you to sporadically bite on you trek. From the park entrance gate (Machame), you will walk for about two to three hours trek through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation.
A stop for lunch will be made halfway to this evening's campsite. As you continue your ascent, you will find that the tropical forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking on a ridge, to the left of which is the Semira stream, and on the right, the Weru.
Depending on the pace of the climbers, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Your camp is set up near some old metals huts, which were once used for shelter. This initial stage of the climb is tranquil and relatively easy.
There is no point in rushing to get to the camp, as there is little to do there. Guides tend to recommend a slow ascent, even at this point, for gradual acclimatisation. Do not try to keep up with your porters, who will usually bound ahead. Instead, take time to admire the beauty of the African mountain forest.
Walking distance: 11 km
Walking time: 5-7 hours
Altitude gain: 1180 m
Activities
Accommodation
Machame Camp