We retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gate. The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contract the summit day, and it really makes you realize how varied Kilimanjaro is. [5-6 hours walking].
The National Park Gate (1,830m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through attractive and unspoilt forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Huts (2,700m.) The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well. (3-5 hours walking ).