September 16, 2026
Max Bond reports that the crew had a nice hike today, and everyone is ensconced at Machame Camp. After driving to the park entrance station at Machame Gate, they got checked in with the rangers, connected with our local Chagga team, and then started the climb. The first day is almost entirely in the forest, with some peekaboo views and monkeys along the way. Then, at about 9,500 feet, the trees start to thin out and are replaced by the first of the high-altitude tropical species, like the giant heather plants. Soon the camp comes into view, and from there the summit is visible! The team had the tents all set up for them, and they soon enjoyed a fresh home cooked meal from our great cooks. All’s well on Kilimanjaro!
The sign at Machame trailhead (Max Bond)
Machame Camp (Max Bond)
Heading up into the forest from Machame Gate (Eric Simonson)
Monkey in a tree (Max Bond)