Like a huge crown on the vast green lands of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro rises high and majestic above the rural and impoverished human-scape below.
Countless people climb the lower slopes every day equiped only with street shoes and a bottle of water.
More serious climbers take a week for the journey up and back, accompanied by porters (young men) each carrying 25 kilo loads of tents, food and supplies.
Our trek was only on the lower rainforest slopes–8 km each way–up to the first camp.

At the foot of the mountain are several hotels in the tiny village of Marangu.
We stayed at the Kibo Hotel–and slept very well the night after our ‘climb’ since we were not conditioned mountain walkers.
We went for a walk around Marangu to see the shops. market and scenery.
On departure we awaited our bus in ‘central’ Marangu (about 8 rickety shops) including the World Trade Centre.

Animal stall in a village farm house in the forest
Sawing planks by hand along the village road in Marangu. As
Building along the village road in Marangu -- one half
Busy village road in Marangu with colorfully clothed women.
Closing up market for the day in Marangu.
Bar in Marangu.
Furniture shop in the forest of Marangu.
On the trail to Kilasiya waterfall in the forest of
View of Mountain Peak through forest of Marangu.
Stream in the forest of Marangu.
Village farm house in the forest of Marangu.
Sawing planks by hand in Marangu.
Village farm houses in the forest of Marangu.
In the forest of Marangu.
In the forest of Marangu.
Holiday home of an European in the village of Marangu.
Waiting for the bus from Marangu to Arusha.
Sign in the village of Marangu
Marika grocery store in the village of Marangu
Going up or down?
Intersection in the village of Marangu
Village store in Marangu
On the trail from Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro rises high and majestic above the rural and
Photo of Kibo summit (foreground - 5,895 meters (19,340 ft)
Kibo Hotel entry
Sign at Kibo Hotel
Kibo Hotel front facade and gardens.
Wall decorations in the Kibo Hotel restaurant.
Fertile land around Mount Kilimanjaro
Farm houses near Mount Kilimanjaro
Entrance to Mount Kilimanjaro
Entrance to Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro rises high and majestic above the rural and
Waterfall along the trail to Kilimanjaro
Porters carrying supplies down the trail from Kilimanjaro
Porters carrying supplies down the trail from Kilimanjaro
Porters' primitive sleeping lodge at first base camp on the
First base camp on the trail to Kilimanjaro
Resting at the first base camp (Mandara, 2720 meters above
On the trail to Kilimanjaro
Monkey in the trees on the trail up Kilimanjaro
Market store in Marangu near Kibo Hotel

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