Thousands of climbers attempt to summit the roof of Africa each year. At 19,341 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro in northeastern Tanzania is the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. Climbing one of the Seven Summits is no small feat, as hikers wrestle with altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro treks that typically span five to nine days. I should know—I was one of them. My favorite part of this tiring but worthwhile experience was passing through five distinct ecological climate zones on the way to the top. Here’s what you need to know about each.

Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure

Cultivation Zone

Altitude range: 2,600 to 6,000 ft

Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure

My climbing partner and I began our journey in Marangu, on the southeastern slopes, where Marangu Hotel arranged our 7-day trek and, as required by Kilimanjaro National Park, helped us find a licensed guide.…