•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft •Distance: 11 km •Hiking Time: 5-7 hours •Habitat: Rain Forest The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.