The flora on Kilimanjaro varies
greatly as the altitude changes.
The lowest reaches of the mountain are heavily forested, particularly
on the wetter southern and eastern slopes.
Some wildlife can still be
found on the mountain,
including monkeys, elephants, and buffalo but apparently this is
nothing near what the mountain once
supported due to hunting over the past thirty years by the local
people for food.
We were often passed by many
locals, often kids, carrying huge
bundles of wood and kindling back down the mountain trail on their
heads.
We reached Mandara Hut (2700 m)
after four or so hours walk under the forest canopy
-- just as the afternoon showers began.
But the showers ended quickly and the sky cleared again in time for sunset.
