As I got out of my hut in the morning, I saw changing hues in sky which were an indication that sunrise will be soon. I waited while gazing at the sky. In next few minutes whole Mandara Hut campsite was sunlit. The beautiful view of Mandara Hut bathing in golden rays of sunrise freshened me up. I captured splendid view in my camera and went inside dinning hall. Stoked me up with heavy breakfast full of carbohydrates and protein. And raring to go for day’s long trek.
In fact I had woken up quite early when I heard my cook calling me for breakfast. He left bowl of warm water for brushing and washing.
Trekking distance to Horombo Hut, second day’s night stay, was longer than first day and at higher elevation, too. Brief stretch of trail passed through dense forest, again, though vegetation was different.
But all changed soon, landscape transitioned into moorland. Wild exotic plants all around.
And the phenomenal Senacio Kilimanjari, that grows only on Kilimanjaro Moorland. I was so excited while clicking those massive plants.Then the first clear view of fabulous Mt Kilimanjaro, it was a fantastic feel that enthralled me.
During last stretch of trek weather played spoilsport with heavy rains and storms.
Inspite of my rain gears I got little wet. After seven hours of trek I reached Horombo Hut. After registration, I obtained my hut key and changed quickly so that my damp attire and shoes get dry by next morning.
Horombo Hut campsite comprised of similar A shaped small huts as at Mandara with solar generated lighting just to light one bulb in each hut. Water from streams and springs piped into the camp with flush toilets for each block of huts. The only difference was the higher capacity for night stay with more huts. Because Horombo Hut is the place on Marangu route where climbers spend extra day for acclimatization.
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