Though they can’t match the Himalayas in height, Africa’s highest mountains are unmatched in terms of their breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife. Climbers who bravely ascend slopes teeming with rare plants and wildlife are rewarded with breathtaking views from volcanic peaks. At the highest elevations, you might even catch a glimpse of a glacier or see snowfall, which is uncommon on the continent.
It can be difficult to rank the highest mountains in Africa, though. Accurately measuring a mountain’s height can be challenging, and records aren’t always trustworthy. There are differences in the definitions of what constitutes a mountain and a subsidiary peak.
Whether you want to scale Africa’s highest peak, traverse alpine trails off the beaten track, or combine a climb with some wildlife watching, this list of the top 10 highest mountains in Africa will prepare you for the trip of a lifetime.
Top Highest Mountains in Africa
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (5895 m)
Given that Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most well-known views on the continent, it should come as no surprise that it ranks first among Africa’s highest mountains. Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira are the three volcanic cones that make up the dormant volcano known as Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro’s tallest mountain, Kibo, rises 5895 meters above sea level and dominates Tanzania. As a result, it is the world’s highest free-standing mountain.
Just across the border in Kenya, you can also see the breathtaking mountain covered in snow. Actually, Kenya’s Amboseli National Park is where the well-known photos of the giraffes and elephants in front of the mountain were taken. Kilimanjaro climbing is quite popular because it’s tough yet doesn’t require specialized equipment. However, aficionados for wildlife viewing might not see as much as they had thought. Although Kilimanjaro’s wildlife is few, intrepid hikers may be able to see antelope, monkeys, and a variety of birds.
Mount Kenya, Kenya (5199 m)
Mount Kenya, another volcanic mountain, comes in at number two. There are no rewards for figuring out the location of Mount Kenya. It might surprise you to learn that the mountain inspires the country’s name, not the other way around. With its snowmelt and rainfall, Mount Kenya plays a crucial role in the local environment, supplying water to millions of people.
Batian Peak, the highest point, is located 5199 meters above sea level. Despite being a more difficult climb, it lies comfortably behind Kilimanjaro on the list of Africa’s highest mountains.
Depending on their budget and degree of skill, climbers wanting to summit Mount Kenya have a few choices. The slightly lower Point Lenana, at 4985 m, is the choice of many climbers. Batian Peak is more difficult to reach and needs equipment and expertise for ice climbing. Most of Mount Kenya’s wildlife lives on the forested lower slopes, including monkeys, antelope, elephants, and buffalo.
Mount Stanley, Uganda & Democratic Republic of Congo (5109 m)
Many of Africa’s tallest mountains are found in the Rwenzori mountain range. Mount Stanley, located on the boundary between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the highest of these at 5,109 meters above sea level. Hikers who want to reach the top of Margherita Peak should plan on spending at least a week on the trail. The higher portion of Mount Stanley is covered in glaciers, therefore ropes and crampons are necessary for the climb.
Mount Stanley lies within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountains are home to 70 mammal and 177 bird species, though many are hidden in dense forests and rarely seen.
The native flora is possibly even more amazing. Some rare species flourish in different environments, such as heather, bogs, grasslands, and endemic alpine flowers. A stroll through moss-covered woods and misty landscapes would be atmospheric.
Mount Speke, Uganda (4890 m)
It doesn’t take much distance to locate Africa’s fourth-highest peak. Mount Stanley is about 3.55 km away from Mount Speke, the second-highest mountain in the Rwenzori range.
There are several angular peaks on Mount Speke; Vittorio Emanuele, at 4890 meters, is the highest. You’ll have to surpass the mountain’s namesake, European explorer John Speke, who never made it to the top, if you wish to reach the peak.
The majority of the glaciers that once covered Mount Speke’s peak have regrettably vanished, making the ascent easier than it once was. Nevertheless, because of the heavy precipitation in the surrounding areas, hikers will have to cross numerous rivers, streams, and dense vegetation. Chimpanzees, monkeys, elephants, and leopards hide among the lower slopes’ forest, however sightings are rare.
Mount Baker, Uganda (4844 m)
Not to be mistaken with its namesake in Washington, USA, Mount Baker completes the list of the top 5 highest mountains in Africa. In the Rwenzori range, Mount Baker forms a triangle with its two slightly taller neighbors. There are multiped jagged peaks, similar to these other summits; Edward Peak, at 4844 m, is the tallest. Some of the most well-traveled and scenic paths in the Rwenzoris go up Mount Baker, past gorgeous alpine streams and waterfalls.
Mount Emin, Democratic Republic of Congo (4798 m)
Mount Emin is the sixth-highest mountain in Africa and a part of the Rwenzori range, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mehmet Emin Pasha, a German physician, adventurer, and administrator who traversed a large portion of the area, is the reason behind the name.
Umberto is the tallest of the two summits, Kraepelin and Umberto, standing at 4798 meters. Though the mountain’s glaciers are no longer present, climbers will still face challenging conditions due to its narrow ridges, sharp rock, and crevasses.
Given the region’s heavy rainfall, the word “Rwenzori” means “rainmaker.” The optimum time to hike Mount Emin is from January to August, which is the dry season. The range’s other mountains’ flora and wildlife are comparable to this one. The lower slopes are covered in montane forest, moorland, and bamboo, which give way to tree heathers, mosses, and enormous lobelia blooms.
Mount Gessi, Uganda (4715 m)
Mount Gessi lies in the northern portion of Rwenzori Mountains National Park, on the border of Uganda and the DRC. It’s named after Romolo Gessi, an Italian explorer who mapped the course of the White Nile. Climbers can tackle Mount Gessi from either Uganda or the DRC, and with local guides and several trails to choose from, it’s a relatively straightforward trek.
As well as African forest elephants and chimpanzees, the national park is home to an endangered subspecies of the black-fronted duiker, a small antelope restricted to the park. Birders may well see (or hear!) many of the hundreds of bird species living here.
Mount Meru, Tanzania (4566 m)
Although Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, is not nearly as well-known as its bigger neighbor, it is nevertheless a worthwhile hike for both nature lovers and climbers. Like the highest peak in Africa, Mount Meru is a stratovolcano that is located 70 kilometers west of Kilimanjaro. Views differ as to whether it is dormant or active; the last modest eruption was in 1910. At 4566 meters, Socialist Peak is the highest point on Meru. In order to help them acclimate to greater elevations, climbers occasionally utilize it as a “warm-up” for its bigger sibling. Even as a stand-alone hike, it’s wonderful for people who appreciate animals, serenity, and silence.
The Momella way, which often takes four days, is the only authorized path to the top. Because Meru is surrounded by Arusha National Park, there are fewer tourists, increasing your chances of seeing some of the varied wildlife in the region. Climbers of Mount Meru will almost likely witness buffalo, monkeys, and an incredible variety of birds. Climbers who are lucky enough may see giraffes and elephants.
Ras Dashen, Ethiopia (4550 m)
With a height of 4550 meters, Ras Dashen, also known as Ras Dejen, is the tallest peak in the Simien Mountains of northern Ethiopia. The highest mountain in Ethiopia is easily climbable by physically fit adults and doesn’t require any technical expertise. A multitude of species and expansive views await those who ascend Ras Dashen.
Simien Mountains National Park is home to several endangered species, including the Walia ibex and the Ethiopian wolf. More common sights include gelada monkeys grazing on grass by the trail, and majestic birds of prey – like the bearded vulture – soaring overhead.
Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (4507 m)
Mount Karisimbi, the tallest of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, comes in last but certainly not least on this list of the top ten highest mountains in Africa. Appropriately titled Volcanoes National Park borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, home to Mount Karisimbi. It takes two or three days to hike through the rainforest on the mountain’s ascent path.
A common combination for climbers wishing to summit Mount Karisimbi is gorilla trekking. One of the few locations to witness the critically endangered mountain gorilla in its native environment is Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness this magnificent species on the ethereal, foggy mountain slopes, despite its high cost.