Tuesday, 9/17/2019: Arusha to the Foothills of Kilimanjaro

Hello, readers! The communication from our trekkers in Kilimanjaro has hit a glitch, but hopefully this information Ruthanna left behind will help keep all of us up to speed on their progress!

After breakfast, and a briefing, trekkers will make the way to the scenic foothills of Kilimanjaro and take a day to acclimatize while walking the plains and woodlands with a guide. The foothills cover a diverse terrain of acacia-covered savannah, open grasslands, forests, farms, and mountain villages. Wildlife might include anything from giraffe on the plains to blue monkeys in the trees. This is a day to stretch the limbs, enjoy the surroundings, and relax to be all the more prepared for the trek up Kilimanjaro.

Trek Briefing
The last chance to collect any rental gear, try on and inspect each item and make sure it is comfortable and that all the features are known. This is the last chance to modify, exchange, or add gear.

Nature Walk at Ndarakwai Ranch
Take a guided walk on the 11,000-acre ranch focusing on birdlife and large mammals. Over 350 bird species and 65 mammal species can be seen on the ranch as a direct result of the conversation work that has been going on here since 1994.

Wildlife Viewing from Ndarakwai Treehouse
A treehouse in the forests of Ndarakwai offers excellent expansive views and looks down toward a waterhole where elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife come to drink.