Mt. Kilimanjaro

August 30th

I had two days in Mt. Kilimanjaro before I was to head out on a camping Safari in the great Serengeti. Not enough time to climb the highest mountain on the continent of Africa, but at least time to hike around the forest level. I stayed in Moshi Town, about a 30 minute drive to where I would begin my trek. Even though I wasn’t investing the seven days required to get to the top of the world, I still needed a permit and a guide for my three hour trek to the moorland level. Along the way we spotted loads of Blue and Calobos Monkeys, waterfalls and unique forest birds, including the Curocus. What really put me to shame was that fact that porters were passing me carrying tents and cooking gear on their backs. I was completely amazed by their stamina. When we reached the huts at Mandara we ate our lunch, relaxed, and enjoyed the view before heading back down. After our seven hour trekking mission was complete I saluted the mountaineers that take on Kilimanjaro from bottom to top as I rubbed my aching knees. That night I had Advil for dinner and Motrin for dessert and thought of my friend Fredrik who had just climbed Mt. Rwenzori, Mt. Kenya, AND Mt. Kilimanjaro all within four weeks. Show off.