The name is so evocative, bringing to mind exotic locales and great novels. The mountain itself is equally stunning, rising more than 19,000 feet (5,895 meters) over the plains in stark white and gray. But Kilimanjaro has also soared in climbing popularity. The word is out that even though it's no cake walk, this non-technical climb (no pitons or ropes required) can be accomplished by mere mortals. And experienced guides and porters ease the way. Our trip takes the Machame route up, by consensus the most beautiful, and the more crowded Marengu route back down, giving you two distinct views of Tanzania and Kenya. You will do some scrambling, some altitude walking, mostly hearty hiking, through four distinct ecosystems. We start in the rainforest, with its hanging moss, lichens, and orchids. Definitely plan on getting damp, if not totally wet, when walking through the tall trees. This is not a prime game-watching area, but elephant, leopard, forest hogs, and numerous birds are about. At roughly 8,500 feet (2,700 meters), the rainforest gives way to open moorlands with short grass, the famous Kilimanjaro lobelia plants, and alpine vegetation. It's here that the vistas open up; on a clear day, you can see the peaks, spurring you on. The grasses thin eventually to bare scree, rocks, and snow. Animal life is scarce up here (though there are reports of a leopard close to the top). This is high country, so acclimatizing yourself to the altitude is critical. At least six nights to get used to the heights will reduce the risk of altitude sickness, and make your chance of summiting much higher.