The Up's and Down's of Mt. Kilimanjaro - Part 4

8 February 2016, Monday

Moshi Town – Machame Gate – Machame Camp

5hrs40min climbing, about 10km

Start: 1743m (5718ft) , End: 2980m (9776ft)

D-day!

A hearty breakfast at the hotel and then time to pack.

We got a group “before”photo in front of the flags the hotel had raised; they had one representing each nationality of the guests in the hotel. Really cool.

 

All packed and ready to go!

At 09:00 we were off on a shuttle to Machame Gate, 45-60 minutes away. The wheels on the bus…

 

Turn off to Machame Gate

We had only just set off when we were pulling into a parking lot. This doesn't seem right. Is this one of those operators who seem legit, and then wind up telling you that the trip has been cancelled and there is no refund? Oh no, oh no.

We climbed two flights of stairs to an office, and were all out of breath. Good start.

And nope, it wasn't a scam. They had just had some trouble with catering and were running a bit behind schedule. We were there to collect a guide, and our lunch.

The drive to the gate was stunning, with winding roads lined with banana trees. All very rural, like taking a very big step back in time.

After arriving at the gate, we registered and waited. And waited. And took some photos. And waited. C’mon! We just want to go now!

There were people from all over the world dressed in all sorts of climbing gear, waiting to tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro. The vibe was excited, but a lot of people looked a little nervous. It was like I was back in Cape Town, waiting to start the Cape Argus.

There were probably close to 100 climbers, and that was just for this route!

 

Entrance to the Gate

Everyone was chattering away, crows squawked, clouds floated by, and then thunder rumbled. The mountain is angry. It was a flurry of activity as packs were zipped open and rain gear pulled out.

 

First of many crows. They followed us up to over 15 000ft.

It’s cool with a few drops of rain. I think I’ll hold off on the sweat-suit (waterproof pants).

We are surrounded by a bright green rainforest. I nibble some lunch from the box they provided, but save a beef and egg burger for later, knowing it won’t be long before I am hungry.

Groups are called forward every 10 minutes or so. We wait, and wait, and finally it is our turn. Here we go!

…5hrs40min later…

That is how long we hiked. A few level and slightly-downhill areas, but mostly uphill. And a lot of steps. The steps killed my knees, so whenever possible, I went around the steps and walked in a drainage ditch instead. At least it alleviated some pain.

Rain-soaked vegetation

Steps going up, up, up!

Macro-shot

A little waterfall

The guides were good and we went slowly with lots of stops. We met our third guide at the gate, and the fourth one enroute.

Naturally, as we climbed our packs got lighter as we drank water, so it got easier despite the muscles getting a little tired.

It was a welcome sight to see the campsite; the rainforest suddenly gave way to moorland, and in it was a sea of tents of all colours, their owners scurrying around doing whatever it is you do at a campsite at 2980m above sea level.

 

Approaching the campsite, the Mountain shows its face.

Camp site was busy! And this was just Machame Route

Home for the next week

After we registered we went to our tents, and I changed out of my wet clothes (despite wearing shorts and a t-shirt, I had worked up quite a sweat) and strung them across the inside of my tent to dry.

We were summoned to a tea of Milo and popcorn. Are those angels I hear?

I had eaten my burger about halfway into the climb, but the popcorn was very well received.

The crew says tonight will be cooler than normal, due to a nasty wind. The tents are pretty solid though.

Apart from my shoulders and knees being a little iffy, I am otherwise okay. My feet hurt, I’m cold, I am already developing a dry cough, and every now and then my fingers tingle. But I’m okay.

We are at 2980m. Weird concept.

I can’t wait for some hot show, med-lemon, my book and my bed!

…some time later...

Dinner was good. Leek soup, bread, veggies, boiled potatoes, fish, avocado and fruit. And Milo with a dash of coffee. And to think these guys carry all this stuff up here!

It was a long day. The shoulder is still a little stiff, and my knees hate me even after some rest. But what a climb- stunning rainforest, good path, fresh air, nature all around you.

The campsite is a little cramped, and guarded by a guy with an AK-47 and handcuffs.

The wind is dying down.

I survived Day 1.

Looking back down the path we had just climbed