Which mountain is known as the “Roof of Africa”?

Mount Kilimanjaro is known as the “Roof of Africa” because it is the continent’s highest mountain, reaching 5,895 metres.

The mountain is a volcanic massif in Tanzania made up of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Kibo is the highest and contains Uhuru Peak, the summit point most climbers target.

Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano rather than an extinct one. Mawenzi and Shira are heavily eroded, while Kibo retains a broad crater and small ice fields. The mountain’s glaciers have declined substantially over the past century.

Kilimanjaro is also famous for rising dramatically above the surrounding plains. Unlike many very high mountains, it can be climbed without technical rock or ice-climbing skills, although altitude remains a serious danger.