Africa’s highest mountains are mostly in the east, along the Great Rift Valley. Kilimanjaro stands well above the rest. Here are the main peaks and what climbing them involves.
Africa’s highest peaks
| Mountain | Height | Country | Climb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak) | 5,895 m | Tanzania | Trek, no technical skills |
| Mount Kenya (Batian) | 5,199 m | Kenya | Technical rock climb; Point Lenana, 4,985 m, is a trek |
| Mount Stanley (Margherita Peak) | 5,109 m | DR Congo and Uganda | Glacier climb with ropes and crampons |
| Mount Speke | 4,890 m | Uganda | Rwenzori glacier climb |
| Mount Baker | 4,844 m | Uganda | Rwenzori climb |
| Mount Meru | 4,562 m | Tanzania | Steep trek with huts |
| Ras Dashen | 4,550 m | Ethiopia | Trek in the Simien Mountains |
| Karisimbi | 4,507 m | Rwanda and DR Congo | Trek in the Virunga volcanoes |
| Mount Elgon (Wagagai) | 4,321 m | Uganda and Kenya | Trek |
Kilimanjaro
The highest point in Africa and one of the Seven Summits. Its routes need no ropes or climbing skills, which makes it the world’s most accessible high peak. Read Kilimanjaro facts and which route to choose.
Mount Kenya
Africa’s second-highest mountain is an eroded volcano with jagged rock peaks. Read Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya compared.
The Rwenzori
The “Mountains of the Moon” on the Uganda–Congo border are not volcanoes but a block of uplifted rock. They are wet, muddy and covered in strange giant plants, with glaciers near the top.
Mount Meru
Tanzania’s second peak, often climbed before Kilimanjaro. Read about climbing Mount Meru.
Climb two in one trip
Meru and Kilimanjaro are only 70 km apart, so many climbers do both. See our Lemosho Route.
Frequently asked questions
Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 metres, in Tanzania.
Mount Kenya, at 5,199 metres.
Yes. Kilimanjaro is a trek that needs no technical skills, though altitude makes it challenging.
