At 5895m above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, standing majestically on the border of two great countries; this dormant volcano is the dream of many. Its snow-capped peak is usually veiled by clouds, but on clear days the mountaintop is one of the most arresting sights in Africa. This is because Kilimanjaro is the largest free-standing mountain in the world, rising from the surrounding plains for more than five vertical kilometres.