What Is The Highest Mountain Peak In Africa?

Highest Mountain Peak in Africa: Mountains have always inspired awe with their towering heights and natural beauty. The highest mountain peak in Africa attracts adventurers and nature lovers. Keep reading this article to know more about the highest mountain peak in Africa. 

Which Is the Tallest Mountain Peak in Africa?

Mt Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania. It is the tallest peak in Africa. This peak stands at 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) above sea level, where Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa. It is a free-standing, snow covered mountain and its beauty has made it famous to trekkers around the world.

What Makes Mt Kilimanjaro Unique?

Mount Kilimanjaro is unique because it is the highest single free-standing mountain in the world?  Unlike mountain ranges with many connected scree peaks, Kilimanjaro rises up out of the surrounding plains. It is a dormant volcano comprised of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The Kilimanjaro summit is comparatively glaciated and snow-capped, which is uncommon in Africa despite being near the equator.

Mount Kilimanjaro: Key Facts

Geography: Mt Kilimanjaro is located in northeast Tanzania near the border of Kenya and belongs to Kilimanjaro National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Elevation: The elevation of Kilimanjaro reaches 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) above sea level where Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa and is part of the Seven Summits of the world.

Volcano: Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano and is believed to have formed from volcanic activity over 3 million years ago. Mawenzi and Shira are the two highest of Kibo's three cones, standing at 4,675 m (15,308ft) and 4,205 m (13,781ft), respectively.

Climbing: Mount Kilimanjaro is believed to be one of the easier high summits to achieve. Climbers do not require any degree of technical mountaineering equipment or prior experience. Multiple routes like Marangu, Machame, and Lemosho provide different levels of difficulty and beautiful views.

Ecosystem Diversity: Hikers on Kilimanjaro traverse through 5 different climate zones. These are cultivated land, rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and the arctic summit. The blend of ecosystems makes Kilimanjaro unique compared to other major trekking peaks.

Cultural Significance: Kilimanjaro is holy in the culture of the local Chagga people, the adjoining Maasai people, and serves as a symbol of freedom and independence across the African continent, especially during the period of striving for independence in Tanzania.

The Importance of Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is a strategic landmark related to tourism, environmental issues and cultural sights. Many people infact thousands, try to accomplish the summit every year, which benefits the economy. The glaciers present there are crucial for determining conditions of climate change, the slopes serve as a source of water for the people residing nearby.

Which Other Mountains Follow Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro remains the tallest and most iconic. Tap to read more about tallest mountain ranges in Africa:

Interesting Facts:

Tourism Impact: Tourism greatly depends on Mount Kilimanjaro as it is one of the most famous trekking mountains in the world. More than 50,000 climbers visit every year adding income to Tanzania’s economy.

Glacier Retreat: Researchers believe the glaciers present on Kilimanjaro will disappear in a few decades.

Seven Summits: Kilimanjaro is part of the famous ‘Seven Summits’ challenge, which involves climbing the highest mountain on each continent.
Inspiration: Mount Kilimanjaro served as the inspiration for films, poetry, and stories. One of the most well-known works that mentions the mountain is Ernest Hemingway's short story, The Snows of Kilimanjaro.