What is the highest mountain in Africa?
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa, at 5,895 meters. It is also the world's tallest free-standing mountain.
Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano with three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Its highest point, Uhuru Peak, is on Kibo. Unlike most high mountains, it is not part of a range, rising alone about 4,900 meters from the surrounding plains near the border with Kenya.
It is one of the most popular high mountains to climb, because no technical climbing is needed. Hikers pass through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and arctic summit zones. Most take five to eight days to allow their bodies to adjust to the altitude. Its glaciers have been shrinking rapidly.
Other African giants
Mount Kenya, at 5,199 meters, is Africa's second-highest mountain. The Rwenzori Mountains on the Uganda-Congo border, sometimes called the Mountains of the Moon, include Margherita Peak, at 5,109 meters, with glaciers near the equator.
Did You Know?
The first recorded ascent of Kilimanjaro was in 1889 by German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian climber Ludwig Purtscheller, guided by local Chagga guide Yohani Lauwo.