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THE SNOWS OF KILIMANJARO
Where: Tanzania
What's at stake: Other than being the defining image of one of Hemingway's best short stories, Kilimanjaro is the only one of the "seven summits" (the highest peak on each continent) that can be climbed by everyday Joes. The snows of Kilimanjaro are disappearing rapidly, however, and while scientists can't agree on exactly why, global warming is considered one of the culprits. Ironically, the very fact that its snowfield are endangered means people are rushing to climb Kilimanjaro now, before the glaciers melt entirely—meaning even more pressure on the fragile mountain and the nearby Serengeti Plain.
Get thee to: The Marangu Hotel, in the nearby town of Moshi, which has beautiful views of the mountain and will organize your Kilimanjaro trek either "fully equipped" or "the hard way." Don't expect the Western idea of luxury near Kilimanjaro, but the Marangu does have a pool and well-kept grounds.
Marangu Hotel
Tel: 255 27 275 6594
Doubles, including breakfast and dinner, from $120
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