You may already know that Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the continent, but what about the other nine?
Africa is home to hundreds of mountain ranges that are well worth a visit. Today, however, we fill you in on the ten highest mountains in Africa.
Fancy visiting Africa’s Atlas Mountains or Ethiopia’s Highlands? Or maybe you’d rather check out the Rwenzoris in west Uganda or the Eastern Rift mountains in the African Great Lakes.
Wherever you choose to discover, the continent of Africa is home to some seriously impressive peaks.
WBL’s top tips for climbing mountains in Africa
- Research the different mountains in Africa, and their difficulty levels, and choose one that suits your experience, fitness level, and preferences.
- Altitude sickness is a common concern when climbing high mountains like many of those in Africa. Give yourself enough time to acclimatize by following recommended itineraries and ascending gradually.
- Ensure you have the necessary gear and clothing for your mountain climb. This includes essential items like sunscreen, hiking boots, sunglasses, a headlamp, and a water filtration system.
- For safety and local expertise, it’s advisable to hire a qualified guide or join a reputable tour operator, who will provide valuable insights, navigation assistance, and ensure your safety during the climb.
- Take it slow and pace yourself, as climbing mountains is a physically demanding activity. Take it slow, pace yourself, listen to your body and take time to appreciate the stunning landscapes.
10. Mount Karisimbi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda – 4,507 m (14,786 ft)
Number ten on the list of highest mountains in Africa is Mount Karisimbi.
This 4,507 m (14,786 ft) peak runs along the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
Located in the volcanic Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park, this mountain is distinctive for its resident mountain gorillas who call the Alpine forest here their home.
9. Mount Simien, Ethiopia – 4,533 m (14,872 ft)
Mount Ras Dejen is the highest point of the Simiens Mountains in the Ethiopian Highlands.
With an elevation of 4,533 m (14,872 ft), Mount Ras Dejen can be recognised by its sheer rock cliffs, jagged peaks, and deep valleys. Boasting vibrant biodiversity, parts of the region here are listed as African World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
READ ALSO: 5 Ethiopian events and festivals you should attend
8. Mount Meru, Tanzania – 4,566 m (14,980 ft)
Socialist Peak is the highest point in Tanzania’s Meru Mountain Range at an incredible 4,566 m (14,980 ft) in height.
Popular with mountain climbers, this fantastic peak is not to be overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is also a volcano, and its last eruption occurred over 8,000 years ago.
7. Mount Gessi, Uganda – 4,715 m (15,469 ft)
Located in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountain Range, Mount Gessi stands at an impressive 4,715 m (15,469 ft). A diverse landscape of lush ecosystems and volcanic rock, this mountain is like something from another world.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park runs along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it is home to five of Africa’s ten highest peaks.
6. Mount Emin, Democratic Republic of Congo – 4,798 m (15,741 ft)
The sister mountain of Mount Gessi, Mount Emin, is the sixth highest peak on the continent.
Standing at 4,798 m (15,741 ft) in height, Mount Emin is situated on the Democratic Republic of Congo side of the Rwenzori Mountain Range.
5. Mount Baker, Uganda – 4,844 m (15,892 ft)
Halfway through our list of the highest mountains in Africa is Mount Baker. Also located in the Rwenzori Mountain Range, alongside Mount Emin and Mount Gessi, Mount Baker stands at 4,844 m (15,892 ft) in height.
Home to various ecosystems that live beneath the mountain’s Alpine forest, Mount Baker has a phenomenal array of diverse flora and wildlife.
4. Mount Speke, Uganda – 4,890 m (16,043 ft)
Yet another feature from Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountain Range is Mount Speke, the fourth highest mountain on the African continent.
Standing at 4,890 m (16,043 ft) in height, Mount Speke’s summit consists of four peaks: Vittorio Emanuele, Ensonga, Johnston, and Trident.
3. Mount Stanley, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo – 5,119 m (16,794 ft)
The final inclusion from the Rwenzori Mountain Range is Mount Stanley.
With two twin peaks, Margherita and Alexandra, this mountain is very unique, with an array of glacial lakes and glaciers near its summit. Enclosing the Bujuku Valley below alongside Mount Speke and Mount Baker, this is a truly incredible peak.
READ ALSO: Top 10 tallest mountains in Alaska, ranked
2. Mount Kenya, Kenya – 5,196 m (17,047 ft)
In second place in our list of Africa’s highest peaks is Mount Kenya, at an immense 5,196 m (17,047 ft) in height. This extinct volcano has two main peaks, Batian and Nelion, which are often snowcapped.
Due to its unique features, Mount Kenya serves a significant role in the nearby ecosystem and supplies water to almost seven million people across Kenya.
Thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, various conservation efforts are taking place to protect its vital flora and fauna.
1. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – 5,895 m (19341 ft)
Topping our list of the highest mountains in Africa, as you may have already guessed, is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Africa’s highest mountain stands at 5,895 m (19341 ft) in height and is popular with hiking enthusiasts from all over the world.
This iconic mountain rises high above the plains and grasslands of northern Tanzania and is an incredible sight to behold.
In preparation for climbing, ensure you have packed all of the essentials on the Kilimanjaro packing list!
RELATED READING: 101 Incredible Bucket List ideas
Your questions answered about mountains in Africa
If you’re planning a trekking trip to Africa and still have questions, we’ve got you sorted out! In the section below, we’ve compiled some of our readers’ most popular questions that have been searched online about this topic.
What are Africa’s 3 largest mountains?
Africa’s three largest mountains are Mount Kibo, Mount Kenya and Mount Mawenzi.
How many major mountain ranges are in Africa?
Africa is home to several major mountain ranges, such as the Kilimanjaro, Atlas, and Drakensberg ranges.
What is the hardest mountain to climb in Africa?
Among the mountains in Africa, one of the most challenging to climb is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania due to its high altitude of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
MORE ARTICLES ON AFRICA:
10 most dangerous African countries, ranked
Top 10 best places to live in Africa
Top 10 most beautiful cities in Africa
Top 10 smallest countries in Africa, ranked
