Animals tough it out on Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is known to be a harsh area, so it may surprise travelers to the region when they glimpse animals while trekking up the mountain. There are a number of animals that call the mountain home, most of which live in the forest-covered lower slopes. However, the animals that you'll find at Kilimanjaro are not the typical African wildlife that may come to mind - you probably won't see any elephants or giraffes in this section of Tanzania. However, there are more than 140 species of mammals on the mountain, including seven different primates, 25 carnivorous species and, incredibly, 24 species of bat. The colobus monkey is one of the most intriguing animal travelers may come across in this region. These primates have long, agile tails, and their black and white coloring make them stand out. Visitors will most likely glimpse these animals above the Mandara Huts at the start of the Rongai Route. Bird-watchers should also keep their binoculars handy, as there are a number of unique avian species to be seen in this area. The scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird is a colorful member of the wildlife of Kilimanjaro, and it can sometimes be seen hovering above the high grass, feeding off of flowers' nectar.