What is the highest mountain in Africa?

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Its summit, Uhuru Peak on the Kibo volcanic cone, reaches about 5,895 metres above sea level in northeastern Tanzania.

Kilimanjaro is a dormant stratovolcano made up of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Kibo is the highest and youngest of the three, while Mawenzi and Shira are considered extinct. Unlike many of Africa’s tallest mountains, Kilimanjaro rises dramatically and independently above the surrounding plains, making it the world’s highest free-standing mountain.

The mountain is also one of the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each continent. German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller made the first confirmed ascent of Kibo in 1889. Climbers approach Uhuru Peak through several routes and pass through rainforest, heath, alpine desert and icy summit terrain. Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain, while Mount Stanley is fourth; neither surpasses Kilimanjaro.