You’ve probably heard of famous peaks like Mount Kilimanjaro, but do you know which mountains make up the highest 10 in Africa? Even if you’re a geography buff, you may be surprised by some of the massive summits that dominate the continent’s sky-high landscape.
Get ready for a virtual trek through rugged terrain to reach Africa’s loftiest heights. From the snow-capped roof of Africa to the stunning volcanic massifs of the Great Rift Valley, we’ll ascend to breathtaking vistas and learn fascinating facts about each peak over 4,000 meters. We will take you on an adventure to the highest mountains in Africa.
What is the Highest Mountain in Africa?
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. At 5,895 meters high, its snow-capped summit rises high above the plains of Tanzania.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is no easy feat but the rewards are breathtaking vistas and bragging rights to scaling the continent’s rooftop. Most treks take between 5 to 9 days round trip. You’ll hike through lush rainforest, alpine desert, and arctic climate zones on your way to the top.
Uhuru Peak is the highest free-standing peak in Africa located on the volcanic cone Kibo. At dawn, witness a sunrise illuminating the ice fields and furrowed cliffs of the summit. The views stretch as far as Kenya and beyond.
The Top 10 Highest Mountains in Africa
Africa is home to some of the tallest mountains on the planet. The highest peaks are found in the east and north of the continent, many with year-round snow cover. Some are challenging to climb due to remote locations and extreme weather. The top 10 highest mountains in Africa are a sight to behold, ranging from the iconic snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro to the jagged peaks of the Atlas Mountains.
MOUNT KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA – 5895M
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and a dormant volcano. At 19,340 feet high, it has three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. The mountain is famous for its stunning beauty and attracts many climbers each year seeking the challenge of reaching Africa’s rooftop.
Despite being nearly on the equator, Kilimanjaro’s peaks are snow-capped due to its immense height. The lower slopes are forested, giving way to a moorland zone at around 12,000 feet. Above 15,000 feet is an alpine desert, which leads to the high elevation volcanic peaks with ice fields and glaciers. The glaciers have receded over the years due to climate change but the mountain remains stunning.
Reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest summit, is a challenging trek taking 5 to 9 days round trip. The rewards are immense though, with unparalleled views and the sense of accomplishment from conquering Africa’s highest peak. For many, climbing Kilimanjaro is a once in a lifetime adventure!
MOUNT KENYA, KENYA – 5199M
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. It is a dormant volcano, with its last activity dating back between 2.6 million and 3.1 million years ago. The mountain has three peaks: Batian (5,199 meters), Nelion (5,188 meters) and Point Lenana (4,985 meters).
Only the fittest and most experienced climbers reach Batian and Nelion peaks unlike the third peak called Point Lenana which is a trekking peak. Most trekkers ascend Lenana Peak, which offers stunning views of the mountain. The diverse vegetation of Mount Kenya includes rainforest, bamboo forest, moorland, and high alpine zones with giant heather and tussock grass. It is home to elephants, buffalos and hyenas, as well as rare species like the Mount Kenya hyrax, mole shrew and sunbirds.
Mount Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological significance. The mountain has spiritual importance for the Kikuyu people, who believe that God, Murungu, lives at the top. Climbing the mountain is a rite of passage for Kikuyu boys transitioning to adulthood.
MOUNT STANLEY, UGANDA AND DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO – 5109M
Mount Stanley or Mount Ngaliema is situated along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Stanley is the highest mountain in the Ruwenzori Range and the third highest in Africa. At 5,109 meters high, its snow-capped peak dominates the surrounding landscape. However, its remote location means only experienced mountaineers venture to scale its rocky cliffs and traverse its glaciers. For those seeking an epic African adventure in a stunning setting, ascending the slopes of Mount Stanley will reward you with views (and bragging rights) like no other.
MOUNT SPEKE, UGANDA – 4890M
Mount Speke is Uganda’s second highest mountain located in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. At 4,890m high, its slopes are covered with dense tropical rainforest and giant heathers. Reaching the summit requires hiking through muddy trails and camping along the way. The hike typically takes 3-5 days round trip. The trail passes beautiful lakes and waterfalls, with stunning views from the peak. Climbing Mount Speke is challenging but rewarding, offering a glimpse into a pristine African wilderness.
MOUNT BAKER, UGANDA – 4844M
Mount Baker, also known as Kiyanja, is a mountain in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains National Park, about 2.8 kilometres (1.7 miles) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo border. It is the fifth Highest Mountain in Africa’s, standing at 4,844 metres (15,892 feet) tall. Together with Mount Stanley and Mount Speke, it forms a triangle that encloses the upper Bujuku Valley. Mount Stanley is the nearest peak, located 2.26 kilometers (1.40 miles) to the west. The mountains are located in an area known as “The Mountains of the Moon”.
Several hiking routes lead to the summit of Mount Baker, but they can be difficult to navigate. The mountain is home to many unique plant and animal species, including the endangered eastern gorilla. Mount Baker is located within Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is popular for mountain climbing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing.
MOUNT EMIN, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO – 4798M
Mount Emin is the DRC’s second-highest summit. It is situated close to the Ugandan border. It is the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s third tallest peak and part of the Rwenzori mountain range. The mountain is named after Mohammed Emin Pasha, a German doctor who is recognized for spreading scientific and geographical knowledge about Central Africa while exploring the region. The ridges of the mountain are extremely narrow and rough. Individuals from Zaire and Mutsori live on the mountain’s lower plain and serve as guides.
The mountain has two summits, Umberto (1574ft) and Kraepelin (15,720ft), which are positioned between the borders of Uganda and Congo, making access easier from the Congo side. Reaching the summit requires several days of strenuous hiking through dense rainforest and high-altitude grasslands. The challenging terrain and political instability in the region mean Emin remains largely unclimbed. For the intrepid mountaineers who make the trek, the reward is a pristine Afro-alpine environment and views stretching to Lake Tanganyika.
MOUNT GESSI, UGANDA – 4715M
Mount Gessi is Uganda’s third highest mountain, a massive peak rising to 4,715 meters (15,466 feet) high. This peak is named after Romulo Gessi (1831 to 1881) who was an Italian explorer of the source of the Nile
To reach the summit, you’ll trek through tropical rainforests and afro-alpine meadows with giant lobelias and groundsels. The hike typically takes 3 to 5 days round trip, depending on your fitness level and experience.
The trail starts at the village of Karamoja, winding upwards through forests of podocarpus and juniper trees. You may spot chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and over 200 bird species along the way. The higher you climb, the more stunning the views become over the savanna and towards Mount Elgon.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Virunga Volcanoes in nearby Democratic Republic of Congo and Mount Elgon straddling the Uganda-Kenya border. The top of Gessi is often covered in snow, especially from December to February, adding to the thrill of conquering this peak. The hike requires camping gear as there are no facilities on the mountain, but the natural beauty makes it worth the effort. The Mount Gessi offers a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers seeking solitude and adventure in the Ugandan wilderness.
MOUNT MERU, TANZANIA – 4566M
Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano located in northern Tanzania. At 4,566 meters (14,978 ft) high. Mount Meru is located within Arusha National Park and overlooks the city of Arusha. Its ash cone rises high above the surrounding grassy plains, turning maroon at sunset.
This spectacular volcanic mountain in Tanzania provides challenging and rewarding trekking with stunning views. A hike up Mount Meru takes you through rainforest, heather, and moorland zones with chances to spot wildlife like buffalo, leopard, rhino, and over 300 species of birds. At the summit, you are rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the sunrise. The ascent up the massive volcanic cone of Mount Meru is a spectacular hiking experience in East Africa.
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS, ETHIOPIA – RAS DASHEN PEAK, 4553M
Ras Dashen or Ras Dejen, is Ethiopia’s highest peak at 4,553 meters (14,961 feet) high. Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounds the mountain. The park is home to many endemic animals like the Walia ibex, Simien fox and the Gelada baboon.
The stunning vistas, massive cliffs and deep gorges of the Semien Mountains are a sight to behold. The area has been inhabited for over 4,000 years, with ancient cave paintings found throughout the region. Reaching the summit of Ras Dashan requires a challenging multi-day trek, but the rewards of the panoramic views and sense of accomplishment make it worth the effort for experienced hikers and mountaineers.
MOUNT KARISIMBI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND RWANDA – 4507M
Mount Karisimbi is an extinct volcano located in the Virunga Mountains on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. At 4,507 meters (14,787 feet), it is the highest of the eight major mountains in the range. Its name means ‘white shel’ in the local language, referring to the snow that covers its summit.
The slopes of Karisimbi are covered in thick montane forest, home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Hiking to the summit is challenging but rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes and the rift valley in both countries. The climb usually takes 2-3 days round trip, staying overnight in basic huts along the trail. Due to its remoteness, the Karisimbi hike offers an unparalleled wilderness experience in central Africa.
Though dormant, Karisimbi is still considered an active volcano. Minor eruptions were recorded in the 1950s and 60s, though larger eruptions are rare, with the last major event over 2,000 years ago. Seismic activity is closely monitored due to the risk of lahars (mudflows) that could threaten local communities. The volcanic soils make the lower slopes ideal for farming, with crops like beans, maize and potatoes grown by local farmers.
Frequently Asked Questions
You probably have a few questions about the highest mountains in Africa. Here are some of the common FAQs:
How high is Mount Kilimanjaro?
At 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) high, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest peak and the highest freestanding mountain in the world.
Which countries have the highest mountains?
The highest mountains are located in Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Kenya.
How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
The climb typically takes between 5 to 9 days round trip, depending on the route selected. The shortest route is the Marangu Route, taking about 5-6 days, while the longer routes like the Lemosho Route can take up to 9 days.
Do I need special equipment?
Yes, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires proper equipment like hiking boots, thermal layers, gloves, hat, sleeping bag, and possibly trekking poles. The temperatures and conditions can vary greatly with the altitude.
When is the best time to climb a Mountain?
The dry seasons from December to February and June to October are the best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. These months offer clear skies, little chance of rain, and the least amount of crowds.
Is altitude sickness common?
Yes, altitude sickness is common on Mount Kilimanjaro due to the high elevation. Proper acclimatization and descending to lower altitudes if symptoms appear can help prevent severe altitude sickness. Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol and heavy foods also help.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a rundown of the 10 highest mountains in Africa. From the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro to the towering Mount Kenya, Africa is home to some truly epic summits. Sure, climbing these giants takes serious skill, fitness, and preparation. But with the right gear, guide, and attitude, ascending one of these peaks could be the adventure of a lifetime. Just imagine standing on top of the continent and taking in the view! Wherever your mountain wanderlust takes you, hopefully this list gave you a glimpse into the inspiring heights of Africa.