Centering around massive Kilimanjaro (Africa's highest peak and the world's tallest free-standing mountain, rising to nearly 20,000 feet), the national park protects the area above 8,850 feet. On ascent, the mountain's foothills morph into lush forests, serving as home to elephants, leopard and buffalo. Further up are moorlands covered in giant heather, then alpine desert land. Higher still come the ice and snow that make Kilimanjaro famous. Hikes to the top (Uhuru Peak) take six to seven days.