What is the tallest mountain in Africa? | Reference.com What is the tallest mountain in Africa? A: Quick Answer Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. It is located in Tanzania in east Africa and has an elevation of 19,340 feet. The mountain formed millions of years ago as a result of volcanic activity. Full Answer There are three volcanic cones on Kilimanjaro: Kibo, Shira and Mawenzi. Kibo is the only volcano cone that could erupt again. As of 2014, the last eruption occurred over 360,000 years ago, but there has been activity in the last two centuries. A portion of Kilimanjaro is covered by glaciers. They have been rapidly melting due to global warming. Local drinking water and crop irrigation are impacted as the ice disappears. Facts About Kilimanjaro — Highest Mountain in Africa Elevation: 19,340 feet (5,895 meters) Prominence: 19,308 feet (5,885 meters); Most prominent mountain in Africa.

Location: Tanzania , East Africa Coordinates: -3.075844 S / 37.353312 E or 03°04′33″ S / 37°21′12″ E First Ascent: Hans Meyer (Germany), Yoanas Kinyala Lauwo (Tanzania), and Ludwig Purtscheller (Austria) on October 5, 1889. KILIMANJARO FAST FACTS: Meaning of Mountain's Name The meaning and origin of the name Kilimanjaro is unknown. It is thought to be a combination of the Swahili word Kilima, meaning “mountain,” and the KiChagga word Njaro, loosely translated as “whiteness,” giving the name White Mountain. The name Kibo in KiChagga means “spotted” and refers to rocks seen on snowfields. The name Uhuru translates as “freedom,” a name given to commemorate Tanzanian independence from Great Britain in 1961.

Africa's Highest Summit Kilimanjaro , the highest mountain in Africa and fourth highest of the Seven Summits , is considered the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, rising 15,100 feet (4,600 meters) from base to summit. continue reading below our video How to Throw a Perfect Spiral in Football Kilimanjaro is also the most prominent mountain in Africa. Three Volcanic Cones Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo 19,340 feet (5,895 meters); Mawenzi 16,896 feet (5,149 meters); and Shira 13,000 feet (3,962 meters). Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim. Dormant Stratovolcano Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano that began forming a million years ago when lava spilled from the Rift Valley zone. The mountain was built by successive lava flows. Two of its three peaks—Mawenzi and Shira—are extinct while Kibo, the highest peak is dormant and could erupt again.

The last major eruption was 360,000 years ago, while the most recent activity was only 200 years ago. Kilimanjaro is Losing Glaciers Kilimanjaro has 2.2 square kilometers of glacial ice and is losing it quickly due to global warming . The glaciers have shrunk 82% since 1912 and declined 33% since 1989. It may be ice free within 20 years, dramatically affecting local drinking water, crop irrigation, and hydroelectric power. Kilimanjaro National Park Kilimanjaro lies within the 756-square-kilometer Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the few places on earth that encompasses every ecological life zone including tropical jungle, savannah, and desert to montane forests, subalpine plants, and the alpine zone above timberline. First Ascent in 1889 Kilimanjaro was first climbed on October 5, 1889 by German geologist Hans Meyer, Marangu scout Yoanas Kinyala Lauwo, and Austrian Ludwig Purtscheller.

After reaching the summit, Meyer later wrote that they gave “three ringing cheers, and in virtue of my right as its first discoverer christened this hitherto unknown—the loftiest spot in Africa and the German Empire—Kaiser Wilhelm’s Peak.” Climbing Kili is a Non-Technical but Challenging Trek Climbing Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing or mountaineering experience. It is just a long trek from base to summit. Some parts of the mountain require basic scrambling skills (i.e. the Barranco Wall) but in general, anyone with decent fitness can climb Kilimanjaro. High Elevation can Cause Acute Mountain Sickness The challenge is the mountain’s high elevation. As high mountains go, the routes on Mount Kilimanjaro have rapid ascent profiles. Acclimatization opportunities are relatively poor and therefore the incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) is rather high. Some studies show that up to 75% of trekkers on summit night suffer from mild and moderate forms of AMS. Deaths on Kilimanjaro are often due to improper acclimatization and the onset of severe altitude sickness rather than falls.

Climb Only with a Guide Kilimanjaro is not a peak you can climb on your own. It is mandatory to climb with a licensed guide and have porters carry your equipment. This sustains the local economy and allows local people to reap the rewards of tourism. Read more about how to climb Kilimanjaro from local guide and expert Lema Peter . Fast Ascent Times The fastest ascent of Kilimanjaro is held by Spanish mountain runner Kilian Jornet , who reached the summit in 5 hours, 23 minutes and 50 seconds in 2010; beating the previous ascent record held by Kazakh mountain runner Andrew Puchinin by one minute! After a short break at the summit, Jornet then ran back down the mountain in a blistering speed of 1:41 to clock a total ascent and descent record of 7 hours and 14 minutes. This smashed the previous record held by Tanzanian guide and mountain runner Simon Mtuy who set the previous record on December 26, 2004 with a time of 8 hours 27 minutes.

Youngest Climber up Kilimanjaro The youngest person to climb Kilimanjaro is Keats Boyd, an American who trekked up Uhuru Peak at age 7. What's impressive is that he managed to dodge the 10-year-old minimum age limit! Oldest Climbers Up Kili The oldest person to summit Kilimanjaro is 85-year-old Swiss-Canadian Martin Kafer who reached the top of Uhuru Peak in 2012, beating Richard Byerley who hiked to the summit in 2011 at age 84. Kafer’s incredible feat is also amazing because his wife Esther became the oldest women to climb Kilimanjaro at age 84. The couple are now duel record holders as the oldest man and oldest women to have successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Incredible Handicapped Climber Ascents The allure of Kilimanjaro has led other incredible ascents. In 2011, paraplegic Chris Waddell used a hand-cycle to trek to the summit.

Paralysed from the waist down, Waddell took six and half days and 528,000 revolutions of his custom-built wheels to reach the Roof of Africa. This amazing achievement was followed in 2012 by quadruple amputee Kyle Maynard, who took 10 days to crawl on the stumps of his arms and legs to the top. Mount Meru is Nearby Mount Meru , a 14,980-foot volcanic cone, lies 45 miles west of Kilimanjaro. It is an active volcano; has a snowcap; lies in Arusha National Park; and is often climbed as a training peak for Kilimanjaro. 6 Routes to Kili’s Summit Six official routes climb to Kilimanjaro’s summit. The Lemosho Route and Shira Route start on the western side of the mountain. The Machame Route and Umbwe Route begin to the southwest and join hikers on the Lemosho and Shira Routes on day 2. The Marangu Route, also called the “Coca-Cola route,” starts southeast of the mountain and is the only route with hut accommodations for the entire duration of the trek.

It also has an unfounded reputation for being the easiest route but in fact has one of the lowest summit success rates since its route profile is rapid and its final summit slopes are steep. Rongai, the last route, begins from the remote northeast side of Kilimanjaro and is flatter, drier, and less busy than the southern and western routes. There are variations on these routes. For example, the Northern Circuit is a popular alternative for trekkers on the Lemosho Route, and the Western Breach provides a challenging climb from a crater camp for trekkers approaching from the west or southwest. 3 Summit Assault Routes There are 3 main summit routes: The Southern passage via Barafu camp and Stellar Point (used by trekkers on the Lemosho, Shira, Machame and Umbwe Routes). The Eastern passage via Gilman’s Point (used by the Marangu, Rongai and Northern Circuit trekkers). The technical Western Breach, which is mostly used by experienced trekkers who approach from the western and southern routes. The Mweka Route is used for descent only. KILIMANJARO GUIDEBOOKS Kilimanjaro & Mount Kenya by Cameron Burns by Cameron M.

Burns Explore Mount Kilimanjaro by Jacquetta Megarry Thanks to Mark Whitman with Climb Kilimanjaro Guide for giving some of the facts in this article. Kilimanjaro: Facts about Africa's Highest Peak Kilimanjaro: Facts About Africa's Highest Peak By Kim Ann Zimmermann, Live Science Contributor | September 24, 2012 05:14pm ET MORE Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters), but it isn't a mountain in a traditional sense. It is a giant stratovolcano that began forming about a million years ago and is composed of many layers of hardened volcanic ash, lava, pumice and tephra — fragmental material that is the fallout from a volcanic eruption. One of the Seven Summits (the highest peaks on the seven continents), Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania in east Africa. Credit: Graeme Shannon shutterstock A number of theories exist about the meaning and origin of the name.

One theory is that the name is a mix of the Swahili word Kilima, meaning "mountain," and the KiChagga word Njaro, loosely translated as "whiteness." Another is that Kilimanjaro is the European pronunciation of a KiChagga phrase meaning "we failed to climb it." One of the Seven Summits (the highest peaks on the seven continents), Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania in east Africa. Kilimanjaro lies within the 292-square-mile (756 square kilometers) Kilimanjaro National Park. Kilimanjaro rises from its base approximately 16,732 feet (5,100 meters) from the plains near the Tanzanian municipality of Moshi, making it the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. There are three volcanic cones that make up Kilimanjaro: Kibo is the summit; Mawenzi at 16,893 feet (5,149 meters); and Shira at 13,000 feet (3,962 meters). Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo's crater rim.

Uhuru, Swahili for "Freedom," was named in 1961 when Tanganyika gained its independence . Tanganyika later joined with the islands of Zanzibar to form Tanzania. While the other two volcanic formations are extinct — meaning that they are highly unlikely to erupt again — Kibo (the highest peak) is merely dormant, so there is the possibility that it could erupt. Estimates have the last major eruption dated to 360,000 years ago, but volcanic activity was recorded just 200 years ago. While Kibo is dormant, gas is emitted into the crater, causing several collapses and landslides, with the most extensive ones creating the area known as the Western Breach. While the name Kilimanjaro has its origins in the KiChagga word for "white," it is becoming increasingly less so. While it still covered with ice caps and glaciers at higher levels, global warming is quickly changing the climate and scientists expect the famed snows of Kilimanjaro to disappear sometime between 2022 and 2033.

Climbing Kilimanjaro About 30,000 people climb Kilimanjaro each year and about three-quarters of those reach the summit. It is a relatively safe climb, and most climbers who fail to summit experience altitude-related issues or harsh weather near the peak. Temperatures at the peak can be 0 degrees F (minus 18 C), and if the winds are blowing, the wind chills reach dangerous levels. The climb can be done any time of year but the rainy winter season make the summer and early fall a popular time to climb. Kilimanjaro has five climbing routes to the summit: Marangu Route; Machame Route; Rongai Route; Lemosho Route; and Mweka Route. The popular Machame and Lemosho routes are scenic, while the busy Marangu is the easiest until the difficult final ascent to the rim of the crater. In 1861, the German officer Baron Carl Claus von der Decken and British geologist Richard Thornton made a first attempt to climb Kibo, but had to turn back at 8,200 feet (2,500 meters).

Von der Decken tried a second time the following year, and with Otto Kersten got as far as 14,000 feet (4,280 meters). In 1887, during his first attempt to climb Kilimanjaro, German geology professor Hans Meyer reached the base of Kibo, but was not properly equipped to handle the deep snow and ice and retreated. On Oct. 5, 1889, Meyer, Marangu scout Yoanas Kinyala Lauwo and Austrian Ludwig Purtscheller were the first team to reach the summit. They were the first to confirm that Kibo has a crater, which was filled with ice at the time. Honey badgers and bushbabies Kilimanjaro encompasses a wide variety of ecosystems, including tropical jungle, savannah, and desert to montane forests, subalpine plants, and the alpine zone above timberline. Kilimanjaro has a large variety of forest types that harbor 1,200 vascular plant species. Montane Ocotea forests occur on the wet southern slope. Cassipourea and Juniperus forests grow on the dry northern slope.

Subalpine Erica forests at 13,451 feet (4,100 meters) represent the highest elevation cloud forests in Africa. Another feature of the forests of Kilimanjaro is the lack of a bamboo zone, which occurs on all other tall mountains in East Africa with a similarly high rainfall. Because there is no bamboo zone there is a limited supply of food for animals. However, there are a number of species that thrive in the area . Blue monkeys, which are not actually blue but grey or black with a white throat, gather in the forest zone on the Rongai Route. Olive baboons, civets, leopards, mongooses and bush pigs, which have a distinctive white stripe running along its back from head to tail, are abundant. There are honey badgers and aardvarks, but visitors rarely get to see these nocturnal creatures. Noisy bushbabies, which are also nocturnal creatures, can be more easily heard more than seen. There are also small-spotted genets with distinctive black-and-white tails, and the loud tree hydraxes that are similar to chipmunks.

— Kim Ann Zimmermann Highest mountain in Africa - definition of Highest mountain in Africa by The Free Dictionary Highest mountain in Africa - definition of Highest mountain in Africa by The Free Dictionary Related to Highest mountain in Africa: Mount Everest , Highest mountain in the world ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: United Republic of Tanzania References in periodicals archive ? Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and fourth highest of the Seven Summits, is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, rising 15,100 feet (4,600 meters) from base to summit. Copyright © 2003-2017 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.

Highest Mountain in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America... Highest Mountain On Each Continent Mount Everest: Highest Mountain in Asia Mount Everest as seen from Everest Base Camp, Tibet. Mount Everest is the highest mountain on the Asian continent and the highest mountain in the world. Its summit is 29,035 feet (8,850 meters) above sea level. It is located on the border of Nepal and China. Image of Mount Everest copyright by iStockPhoto and Holger Mette. Mount McKinley: Highest in North America Mount McKinley (also known as Denali) is the highest mountain on the North American continent. Its summit is 20,237 feet (6,168 meters) above sea level. It is located in the USA, in the state of Alaska. Image of Mount McKinley copyright by iStockPhoto and Michael Braun. Mount Aconcagua: Highest in South America Aerial view of Aconcagua mountain in the Andes. Mount Aconcagua is the highest mountain on the South American continent. Its summit is 22,834 feet (6,960 meters) above sea level. It is located in Argentina.

Image of Mount Aconcagua copyright by iStockPhoto and Cristian Lazzari. Find it on Geology.com More from Geology.com 100+ Gems - Photos of over 100 beautiful gems ranging from the popular to the obscure. Ant Hill Garnets - tiny garnets that ants haul to the surface and discard on their anthill. Biggest Misconception: Lots of people think that diamonds form from coal. Not True! Geologist Tools: Visit our store for a large selection of field and laboratory tools. US Diamond Mines: Did you know that diamonds can be found in the United States? Gemstones: Fantastic images and articles about colored stones and diamonds. Minerals: Information about ore minerals, gem materials and rock-forming minerals. Troglobites are creatures that have adapted to a permanent life in the darkness of a cave. Mount Kilimanjaro: Highest Mountain in Africa Wildebeest roam the African Savannah in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent. Its summit is 19,340 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level. It is located in Tanzania.

Image of Mount Kilimanjaro copyright by iStockPhoto and Dan Kite. Mount Elbrus: Highest Mountain in Europe Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain on the European continent. Its summit is 18,510 feet (5,642 meters) above sea level. It is located in Russia. Image of Mount Elbrus copyright by iStockPhoto and Giliazov Artur. Australia: Mount Kosciuszko Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain on the Australian continent. Its summit is 7,310 feet (2,228 meters) above sea level. It is located in New South Wales, Australia. Image of Mount Kosciuszko copyright by iStockPhoto and Matej Pribelsky. Vinson Massif: Highest Mountain in Antarctica Vinson Massif is the highest mountain on the Antarctic continent. Its summit is 16,066 feet (4,897 meters) above sea level. It is located in Antarctica. Image of Vinson Massif credit NASA. © 2005-2017 Geology.com. All Rights Reserved.

Images, code, and content on this website are property of Geology.com and are protected by copyright law. Geology.com does not grant permission for any use, republication, or redistribution. Images, code and content owned by others are marked on the pages where they appear.

The Top 5 Highest Mountains In Africa The Top 5 Highest Mountains In Africa Updated on May 16, 2012 Google Earth: Africa's Highest Mountains {"lat":-1.333843,"lng":33.611164,"zoom":6,"mapType":"HYBRID","markers":[{"id":30410,"lat":"-3.066465","lng":"37.350666","name":"Mt Kilimanjaro","address":"Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt.Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania","description":""},{"id":30411,"lat":"-0.146730","lng":"37.307732","name":"Mt Kenya","address":"Mt Kenya, Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya","description":""},{"id":30412,"lat":"0.385833","lng":"29.871668","name":"Mount Stanley","address":"Margherita Peak, Democratic Republic of the Congo","description":""},{"id":30413,"lat":"0.400000

","lng":"29.883333","name":"Mount Speke","address":"Mt Speke, Democratic Republic of the Congo","description":""},{"id":30414,"lat":"0.366667","lng":"29.900000","name":"Mount Baker, Ruwenzori","address":"Mt Baker, Rwenzori National Park, Uganda","description":""}]} 5.

Mount Baker Together with Mount Stanley and Mount Speke, Mount Baker forms a triangle creating the Bujuku Valley. Its height is 4,844 m. The area these mountains lay is locally known as the Mountains of the Moon. As with the vast majority of peaks in the Ruwenzori Range, Mt Bakers highest jagged ridge is known as Edward Peak. The mountain is named after Sir Samuel Baker who was an early in the region although never actually ascended the mountain himself. 4. Mount Speke Mt Speke is 4,890m and has several peaks including Vittorio Emanuele 4,890m; Ensonga 4,865m; Johnston 4,834m & Trident 4,572m. The people who live in the mountains call this mountain range the 'Rwenzori', 'the rain maker' in Swahili. Early explorers visited this region in search of the source of the River Nile and whilst the expedition leader John Speke didn’t climb this mountain he mapped the source of the White Nile in 1862.

The mountains are blessed with a variety of wildlife due to the rivers and streams which criss-cross the mountain including elephant, chimpanzee, leopard, monkey & antelope. 3. Mount Stanley With an elevation of 5,109 m it's the highest mountain in both the DRC and Uganda and the third highest mountain on the continent after Mount Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro. The peaks are actually high enough to support a glacier and it was named after explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley. It's part of the UNESCO world heritage site that is Rwenzori Mountains National Park and was first summited in 1906 by Duke of the Abruzzi and his fellow climbers and was named Margherita Peak after the Queen Margherita of Italy. 2. Mt Kenya Mt Kenya is both the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest mountain in Africa behind neighbouring Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Point Batian is 5,199m and the highest point on Mt Kenya. Mt Kenya is located in Central Kenya and runs right through the equator. It was established as a National Park in 1949 and then as a UNESCO site in 1997.

There are a wide variety of animals that live lower down on the slopes of Mt Kenya including various species of monkey, antelope, porcupine and tree hyrax and some larger animals including both buffalo and elephant. 1. Mt Kilimanjaro Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa standing at 5,895 metres above sea level and consists of three peaks, Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi with Uhuru peak being the highest on the Kibo crater rim. The mountains peak was reached for the first time in 1889 by Hans Meyer, a German geographer and Ludwig Purtscheller, an Austrian mountaineer. Since 1912, 80% of the Kibo glacier has disappeared due to the world's temperatures increasing, that's an annual loss of 1% and at its current rate Kilimanjaro is expected to be ice free between 2022 and 2033. Climbing Kilimanjaro is popular with climbers all over the world but the Tanzanian mountain rescue service are concerned by the fact many people believe it's an easy climb and end up paying the consequences further up the mountain for their naivety.

It's estimated that more people have died climbing Kilimanjaro than they have climbing Mt Everest, although far fewer people attempt Everest. Related Content A brief look into the top 5 deadliest animals on the African continent including elephant, buffalo, hippo, mosquito and crocodile. More by this Author East Africa is home to some of the continents most famous national parks including the likes of the Serengeti, Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Amboseli National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 5 Africa's magnificent mountains: 7 amazing climbs - CNN.com African mountains offer all kinds of climbers a wide range of trekking experiences Magnificent scenery, rare wildlife and cultural exchanges are major draws Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa's tallest mountain, is the most popular destination We pick seven picks of the best hikes in the continent Yes, safaris are great and the beaches are diverse and dramatic. But an Africa getaway doesn't just have to be about 4X4 game drives or lazy strolls on cotton-soft sands by crystal blue waters. If you're looking to soak up the continent's breathtaking scenery, and have an eye for adventure, then there's only one place to be: at the top.

From the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro , through the forest-clothed slopes of Mount Kenya, to the Alpine meadows of the High Atlas Mountains, Africa's magnificent rooftops offer glorious views and a wide range of trekking experiences that appeal to all kinds of climbers, from hardcore mountaineers to weekend warriors and families. "It's the terrain and the ability to combine a wildlife experience with the climb," says Sunit Sanghrajka, president of U.S.-based travel group Alluring Africa , explaining what draws outsiders to the continent's mountainous areas. "Also, Africa being kind of distant and lesser known, there is an allure to it," he adds. Sanghrajka says the continent's growing political and economic stability, coupled with improvements in communications and airlift, have all helped attract more and more tourists in recent years. "The overall interest in Africa has grown exponentially, especially from the U.S. market," he says. Here, Inside Africa picks seven of the best treks and hikes from across the continent.

Kilimanjaro MUST WATCH Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 08:25 Make it to the summit of Tanzania's 5,895-meter Kilimanjaro, and you'll be standing at Africa's highest point. The majestic mountain is Africa's most-visited trekking destination, attracting tens of thousands of tourists and adventurers every year. "You don't have to be a technical climber to climb Mount Kilimanjaro; you just need to be pretty physically fit," explains Sanghrajka. "We've had more people requesting Kilimanjaro in the last three or four years because it's something they feel is attainable -- it can be combined with a family vacation and that's why I think it's so popular." There are six routes to choose from, each with varying degrees of difficulty, scenery and success. No special equipment is required. On the way to the "Roof of Africa," you will travel through five different climactic zones, reaching arctic cold temperatures around the glaciers that cap Kibo, Kilimanjaro's summit. You'd better hurry, though, as climate change experts say that the ice and snow in the mountain's upper slopes are melting and could disappear within decades.

Watch this: Climbing Kilimanjaro Atlas Mountains The High Atlas is an impressive mountainous range in central Morocco that hosts North Africa's highest peak, Mount Toubkal, at 4,165 meters. There's a variety of routes to follow during your ascent but inexperienced climbers should note that the trek through the mountain's challenging terrains is quite demanding. Passing though the rugged landscape you'll get the chance to explore spectacular gorges and rolling valleys as well as encounter the local Berber people who've inhabited these tough terrains for centuries. The best time to climb the High Atlas is during the summer months. Mount Kenya Click to expand A long-extinct volcano, Mount Kenya is Africa's second-highest peak, at 5,199 meters. Lying just south of the equator, the mountain's glacial valleys, successive vegetation zones and diverse wildlife will guarantee you spectacular scenery and a fantastic trekking experience. The ascent, however, to the mountain's steep ice-capped peaks is quite challenging. "Mount Kenya is the most technical, probably, in that East African area," says Sanghrajka. At the mountain's crest, temperatures rarely rise above freezing point.

There are several routes on the way to the mountain's summit, the majority of which take between three and seven days to complete. Mount Meru Mount Meru may forever be destined to exist in the shadow of its imposing neighbor, Kilimanjaro, but Tanzania's second-highest mountain (4,565 meters) has its own devotees. "It's lesser known, but Mount Meru is for the true enthusiast who wants to experience what very few people actually do," says Sanghrajka. A beautiful volcanic cinder cone, Mount Meru will treat you to stunning views and diverse wildlife. Its slopes are coated with dense rainforest up to about 2,900 meters, which then give way to rocky areas. Mount Meru is often used by mountaineers for acclimatization before trekking Kilimanjaro, or by those wanting a trek with the local Massai. Simien Mountains Click to expand With its stupendous rock-hewn churches and medieval castles, northern Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage has long attracted tourists from around the world.

But visitors to the area are also increasingly being drawn to the spectacular Simien Mountains, a natural marvel where several jagged peaks of solidified lava are separated by deep valleys to form an overwhelming landscape. The mountains are also home to some of the world's rarest animals, including the walia ibex, which is not found anywhere else in the world. Since 1978, the region's national park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The highest point is Ras Dejen, at 4,533 meters. Read this: Rock churches 'built by angels' Mount Elgon Mount Elgon is a magnificent extinct volcano dominating the skyline along the Uganda-Kenya border. Its enormous crater is surrounded by several jagged peaks, including Wagagai, which is the highest point at 4,321 meters. Here you can explore ancient caves and zip past spectacular cliffs, over which Mount Elgon's streams cascade as dramatic waterfalls. Elgon's slopes are covered in ancient dense forests and bamboo belts which then give way to a spectacular moon-like moorland zone blanketed by tree heaths, massive groundsels and lobelias.

There are several routes to the mountain's peaks, and the full trekking circuit takes up to five days. A descent into the vast caldera, at 40 kilometers long and 8 kilometers wide, is also a must. The Drakensberg The Drakensberg is a vast mountainous range in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, rising to 3,475 meters and stretching for some 1,125 kilometers. The giant mountains are ideal for both casual day hikes through indigenous forests and more serious expeditions along tough terrains and rocky terraces. They also host several game reserves and parks, attracting thousands of tourists every year. "A lot of people like to go and hike there because it's absolutely stunning," says Sanghrajka. "The scenery is fantastic." Climb Mafadi, the highest mountain in South Africa. Superior Safety Standards Expert Drakensberg Guides’ Personal Trip Planner Food and Nutrition About the Drakensberg Soul Adventures Guest Reviews First are the Injasuthi Triplets-awesome turrets of rock that stand out from the Trojan Wall. Behind the triplets the escarpment rises to an altitude of 3,451m. This is officially the highest mountain in South Africa .

We call it Mafadi. Nothing romantic in the name I’m afraid. Yip, the highest mountain in South Africa is known as the satisfied dog in Zulu. Not sure what the dog is satisfied about. Maybe he is so happy because of being the highest mountain in South Africa. Or maybe it is because the mountain looks nothing like a box of shoes in a toaster. In Japanese, the highest mountain in South Africa is called Wungjungpingpongzug. Anyway, be that as it may, hiking to the top of this mountain is an awesome experience for novice and experienced hikers alike. Our next hike involves us taking along a 6 foot stepladder. We shall then hold the record for the highest people ever in South Africa by 6 feet. What our customers are saying about climbing Kilimanjaro with Soul Adventures Hi DarrenI am still so in awe about my trip these last couple of days that I almost completely forgot to thank you for the most Unique/Wonderfull/Mind-blowing/Epic/Ultimate Adventure I have experienced in my life.Sitting in my office today wondering what the hell am I doing here!!!!!!!!

I never expected my first ever hiking trip to be so hard!!!!!!Words cant explain what this trip meant to me, from the highs and lows as well as the physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually moments you find yourself in.I really struggled and fought so hard against myself – after the first day – – “what the hell am I doing to myself I will never make it was constantly in my mind” I promised myself to not say this out loud. If It wasn’t for Romaigne(aka Miss Awesome) and Johnathan(aka Chef Ramsey) constantly motivating and guiding me this trip would have been a epic fail for me, they were really so patient with me. And I am forever thankful that I had such awesome guides around me. Not forgetting Adrian(aka Mountain Man) who really had some amazing stories and knowledge to share with us and my fellow hikers Andrew and Augustina. The combination of these people made the hike a success for me. I really can’t thank you enough for this experience and I can find the right words to express how it felt, but I am already looking forward to my future hiking trips and cant wait to do more!!!!!!!

Hi Darren and JonathanI thought for two days now how to say thank you for the great experience, I’m nowhere closer to explaining my gratitude and awe…I especially want to give personal thanks for your support and understanding during this trip, it was real tough and I underestimated Mafadi greatly! I did stop smoking because of my suffering and became determined to be fit for my next trip. Thanks again and hope to meet again very soon. Danie and me will contact you in next year for Kili.Mo My husband and I decided to climb Mafadi with Darren at Soul Adventures in december 2012. The most comforting thing was that darren and his team have a passion for what they do. Climbing mafadi with Soul Adventures was exhilirating & inspiring! There was an emphasis on safety, enjoying nature and stepping outside of your comfort zone.This is my first ever review, because I was so deeply moved by Soul Adventures! I just want to say THANK YOU to you and your team for getting us up and down the mountain safely. It was an experience that I will forever treasure. Riana VD Merwe-Cape Town Naven Padayachee thanks Darren for the amazing climb and experience.

We will see u soon for our next climb. Rock on 🙂 Rudene Strydom Guys! Thank you again for a really awesome experience! We totally loved every minute of it! Going to recommend Soul Adventures to a lot of people! Climbing dates: Depending on the demand and availability, we have a trip scheduled for every month. Contact us to enquire . You snooze, you loose. Deposit required to secure booking. Cost to climb the highest mountain in South Africa: Dependent on group size. Please contact us for more info Includes: Transport, breakfasts and lunch’s on the mountain, sleeping mats, tents, parks board fees, free stone from the summit and guiding fees. Highest mountain in South Africa When it comes to determining the highest mountain in South Africa, we are referring to its actual height in metres above sea level. We are not referring to a chemically induced high that the occasional mountain cabbage smoker might refer to it as.Mafadi peak is situated in the Injasuthi area of the central Drakensberg and is only about a 4 hour drive from Johannesburg. Or a 98 hour walk if you are up for it.

The route to the top of the highest mountain in South Africa The trek to the highest mountain in South Africa, Mafadi, starts from the Nature Conservation office at the Injisuthi wilderness area. The Injisuthi area is one of the best preserved areas of the uKhahlamba/Drakensberg Park. What sort of makes this trek pretty awesome is that there are few paths and only one lonely and dusty road giving access to the ranger station. In terms of the hiking route to the top of mafadi, we follow a circular route that winds through some majestic and pretty big mountain terrain. Basic Route Description Ok, so we start of our quest to conquer the highest mountain in South Africa from an altitude of 1470m.Our first day of hiking is pretty short. Looking at a megre 4 hours or so. Hmm, a ,lot can be said bout the word ‘so’ while hiking in the mountains. Our camping spot for the night is at the Centennial Hut. Along the way, we spend some time at the ancient San painting that can be found in the caves along the way. The following day sees us heading on up about 1000m through Judges Pass.

The pass was named after a small pot of paint . A pretty tough pass as well. The top of the pass is at 3050m and forms the top of the Drakensberg escarpment. We spend a night in the upper Injisuthi cave which is rated as one of the beest caves in the Drakensberg. Not only does it have a damn fine view, but is also very sheltered. The next day, we make our ascent of to the summit of Mafadi. We spend some time crying and then start our descent. The route follows the escarpment edge for 2 hours walk and then descends the escarpment via Leslies Pass to the Marble Bath cave. A hectic descent!!! Going down 1200m over 3km .A great spot for swimming. Also a great spot for not swimming in winter. I suppose you could swim in winter if you really wanted to. We would just need to change your status to female ( if you are a male) on our booking form. If you know what we mean. The final day goes down into the great Injisuthi valley and back to the starting point.

Best time to climb the highest mountain in South Africa you may be asking? The best time to hike in the Drakensberg is also dependent on an individuals hiking preference. Some people don’t like the cold of winter. Winter is beautiful in its own way. Yes, it may be bitterly cold, but with it comes the possibility of snow and no rain. If you have the correct equipment, the trip is a pleasure. Some people opt for our summer trips. With this comes the heat and the rain. Again, a different beauty. Each season adds it’s own spice and character to the Drakensberg. No matter when you go, the Drakensberg retains its magnificence. For more info on the best time’s, click the following link: BEST TIME TO CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN SOUTH AFRICA Superior Safety Standards Emergency Gear and Safety Policy on the Mini Traverse Hike Because the hike is a multi day one we have installed a rigid safety policy safety. Any mountain means there are the chances of many possible emergency situations. To ensure a successful and enjoyable hike, our treks include what and who you need to complete the Drakensberg hike.

Our guides are fluent in English and most of them have led over 50 Drakensberg hikes-so they have been the learning curve of Drakensberg guiding. Our mountain guides have extensive mountaineering experience and are experts on the terrain and conditions in the Drakensberg. They have also been trained to recognize and treat everything from the first signs of altitude sickness to a stroke, heart attack, or serious spinal injury. Besides their medical knowledge, our mountain guides carry a medical aid kit on ALL Drakensberg treks. The kits include emergency equipment. Health and Hygiene Protocols on the Mini Traverse Hike Hikers will spend at least 5 days in the mountains. This means that you would need to ensure that you maintain your health for the duration of the climb. How we ensure your wellbeing on hike?

Each trek has a cook trained in hygienic food preparation and preparing food for restricted diets (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and Kosher/Halaal) Unlimited purified water from the rivers Customized, mountaineering-grade sleeping tents with upgraded zipper systems, flysheets with vestibule, and a full ground mat to keep you and your gear dry (a must if you’re going to get all the sleep you need to enjoy the hike) Expert Mountain Guides We have been guiding in the Drakensberg for over 10 years!! Our Drakensberg mountain guides have extensive knowledge of the mountain (which includes the terrain, conditions, client interaction and of course medical first aid). All of our guides are trained in First Aid for a more extensive trekking experience. The First Aid course that they have been through is an internationally recognized certification up to what is known as a level 3 Wilderness certification. This qualifies the guides to recognize and treat everything from the first signs of altitude sickness to a fractured limb or spinal cord injury. If the need arises, they are also qualified to dispense life-saving medications like Dexamethasone or insulin, and know how to plan and execute a high-altitude evacuation if necessary.

But guiding in the Drakensberg is not only about the medical emergencies. Group Dynamics on the Hikes The most challenging part of any mountaineering expedition is the management of the group dynamics. Not all trekkers are equal. Each group will have a mixture of climbers with varying fitness and physiological criteria. Mountaineering is one of those careers where you can only learn from experiencing. Having spent years on not only the Drakensberg, but mountains all over the world, , our guides have been through everything the mountain can throw at you-from snowstorms, altitude sickness, sprained ankles and lover’s quarrels. Having been through and learnt how to deal with a specific scenario, our guides are more than qualified to ensure your climbing experience is ensured. But that’s not all that sets our guides apart. All our mountain guides: Have years of extensive guiding experience especially with US and European clients. Have a 90% success rate Carry (and are trained in the use of) extensive emergency equipment. Rules of engagement while hiking in the drakensberg What happens to those who litter on our hiking trails South Africa you may or may not ask? Wen like to keep the highest mountain in South Africa spotless. No exception.

Littering in any form is going to earn you a Burmese-roundhouse-sphincter-kick with a follow up of the three fingered eye-jab. Would it hurt? Hell yes!!Let’s just say that you won’t be the prettiest person at a Justin Bieber concert anymore….it’s also quite difficult to pick up your teeth with broken fingers. So that’s our terms and conditions. Easy Peasy Japenesey. Hiking in the drakensberg is a time for reflection.A time to reflect on your life and where you are going. If you were thinking of going South West, maybe considering going North. Might be a better chance of seeing a rare blue eyed lion killing frog. You may squirm, sweat, shake, or do all three simultaneously. At some point along the way you may ask yourself: ‘What on earth was I thinking?’ Consider that moment a rite of passage. The trip is a journey in which there are elements of the unknown that have to be overcome by the physical and mental skills of the individual. What you take away from it goes well beyond the satisfaction of pushing your limits. It will change who you are from the inside out.

Hiking Requirements: Reaching the highest mountain in South Africa • Don’t even think about doing this hike if you do not have a moderate level of fitness. • Hikers must also be able to hike between 4 and 7 hours a day with 10kg backpacks. • The correct hiking equipment is important. Given we are spending 5 days at the mercy of the mountain, the correct clothing is required. Snow, rain and freezing cold are probably the order of the day. Speak to us about proper clothing preparations. Like they say in the diving fraternity, “No Card, No dive” so we follow the similar philosophy. “ No proper mountain equipment, no climb”. Might seem a bit harsh, but this is for the safety of not only yourself, but for the overall enjoyment of the group. If you need to rent equipment, let us know. To view our recommendations for equipment, click here: Drakensberg equipment list We follow a philosophy of leaving the mountain environment as it was when we first arrived. We leave nothing behind. All pooh’s are buried and toilet paper burned. Can’t handle that? Don’t come. Have fun and enjoy the challenge.

There are going to be moments when you ask yourself, “what the hell am I doing?” Consider that moment a rite of passage. RULES FOR HIKING TO THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN SOUTH AFRICA? Do not even think about doing this hike if you do not have a moderate level of fitness. Also, do not think about a soccer ball. Why did you think of a soccer ball when i told you not to? Hiking in the Drakensberg especially the highest mounatinn in South Africa requires that you have the correct equipment and clothing. There is a saying in the diving business that goes ‘No Certification, No dive’. Well the same philosophy can be applied to climbing the highest mountain in South Africa. ‘No proppa hiking equipment, no hike”. Might seem a bit harsh, but it is for saftey and enjoyment of not only yourself, but the other hikers as well. On all of our hikes, we follow the philosophy of leaving nothing behind. And that includes pooh’s. All pooh’s are buried and toilet paper burned. Can’t handle that? Don’t come?

Question: What is the tallest mountain in Africa?
Answer: Kilimanjaro