The tourist industry, along with the economy, hinges on the success of these efforts. Quickly locating a friendly, comfortable lodging, we catch our breath after the long bus ride across the border. Our first order of business is booking a climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. We select a reliable guide company, get our cold weather gear in order and head uphill. It feels very strange, selecting ski parkas, double lined boots, full-face headgear and heavy gloves while standing in the sweltering heat of a tropical rain forest.
Air temperature is a factor of altitude.
Even though we're right near the equator, there are glaciers on this 18,000 foot mountain. Since we'll do the most strenuous part of the final climb in the dark of night and early morning, we must be prepared for cold. Black monkeys watch from low slung vegetation lining the trail the first day, while birds and lizards accompany us the second. We learn that the mountain is home to many African animals, but they typically stay well away from this very populous route up the slope. Resting After 2 days of steadily steeper hiking, we arrive at Horombo Hut, an encampment at 11,500 feet.