KILIMANJARO 2009 - DAY 6

 FEBRUARY 19

After an early morning breakfast, it is time to return back to the valleys. It is time to relax and watch the locals peacefully taking care of their business.

The characteristic shape of Kilimanjaro covers most of the horizon. We all hope to reach its summit in the next eight days. As the trail descends down to the Plains of Arusha, we stop often to admire the scenery and take a sip of water. Our guides and porters pass us and are quickly out of sight. For them, the expedition is over and they want to go home.

Joseph stops to tell us the story of his life as a ranger in the Arusha Park and the story of the Park.

After a few hours we reach the plains and stop by the river. The skull of a buffalo, a lonely sentinel watches over the trail. We still have a few minutes to admire Mount Meru. But all too soon we are crossing the river and reach the park headquarters. There is also a few minutes to get together with our guides and porters before returning back to the Moivaro Lodge.