Kilimanjaro stands 205 miles south of the equator, in Tanzania's northern border with Kenya. It is the highest mountain on the African continent, standing 19,340 ft high and is composed of three volcanoes; Kibo (19,340ft), Mawenzi (16,896 ft), and Shira (13,000 ft).

It is also one of the world's highest free-standing mountains, looming over the plains below. The journey up begins through a belt of tropical forest, which receives over 80 inches of rain per year.

At about 10,000 ft, the trees are replaced by heather. The peak becomes clearly visible at about 13,000. At about 15,000 ft conditions are too harsh to support much flora or fauna. And the summit zone above 18,000 ft is a barren wasteland of loose volcanic rock.