What Is the Highest Mountain in Africa? Complete Guide to Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Standing at an exact geodetic elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, this dormant stratovolcano is located in northeastern Tanzania. It is not only the highest mountain peak in Africa, but it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, meaning it is not part of a larger mountain range.
 
 

The Reality of Africa’s Highest Peak

When travelers and geography enthusiasts ask what is the highest mountain in the Africa, the answer is universally Mount Kilimanjaro. However, the reality of this iconic peak goes far beyond a simple trivia fact.
 
Rising dramatically from the surrounding savanna plains, Kilimanjaro is a massive volcanic massif composed of three distinct cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Understanding the geographical context, the exact elevation, and how it compares to the highest mountain range in Africa provides crucial context for anyone planning to witness or conquer this natural wonder.
 

Africa’s Highest Peaks & Ranges: Elevation Data 

Geographic Feature
Name
Elevation (Meters / Feet)
Location
Expert Verification & Support
Highest Mountain
Mount Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak)
5,895m / 19,341ft
Tanzania
To verify summit elevations and hire a certified kilimanjaro local guide, always consult the comprehensive Mount Kilimanjaro Guide.
2nd Highest Mountain
Mount Kenya (Batian Peak)
5,199m / 17,057ft
Kenya
Your kilimanjaro local guide can explain how Kilimanjaro’s free-standing status differs from the second highest mountain in Africa.
3rd Highest Mountain
Mount Stanley (Margherita Peak)
5,109m / 16,763ft
Uganda / DRC
The Mount Kilimanjaro Guide provides detailed topographical comparisons of East Africa’s major peaks.
Highest Mountain Range
Atlas Mountains
4,167m / 13,671ft (Toubkal)
Morocco / Algeria / Tunisia
Rely on the Mount Kilimanjaro Guide to understand the geological differences between ranges and free-standing volcanoes.
 
 
  • Entity: Highest Mountain in Africa
    Attribute: Geodetic Elevation Metric
    Value: Mount Kilimanjaro is definitively the highest mountain in Africa, with its summit (Uhuru Peak) officially surveyed at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). This extreme altitude places it in the “extreme altitude” zone, where atmospheric pressure is roughly 500 hPa.
  • Entity: Highest Mountain Range in Africa
    Attribute: Topographical Extent Standard
    Value: While Kilimanjaro is the highest single peak, the highest mountain range in Africa is the Atlas Mountains, stretching approximately 2,500 kilometers across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, with Mount Toubkal as its highest point (4,167m).
  • Entity: Second Highest Mountain in Africa
    Attribute: Comparative Altitude Metric
    Value: The second highest mountain in Africa is Mount Kenya, reaching 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) at Batian Peak. Unlike the free-standing Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya is an ancient, heavily eroded stratovolcano with jagged, technical peaks.
 
 
 

Deep Dive: Exploring Africa’s Highest Mountain

1. Where is Mount Kilimanjaro Located?

If you are wondering where is Kilimanjaro or looking for Mt Kilimanjaro on map, it is situated in the Kilimanjaro Region of northeastern Tanzania, very close to the border with Kenya. It sits approximately 330 kilometers (205 miles) south of the Equator. Its isolated, free-standing nature means it dominates the horizon, visible from up to 100 miles away on a clear day.
 

2. How Tall is Mount Kilimanjaro in Feet?

For those using the imperial system asking how tall is Mount Kilimanjaro in feet, the summit of Uhuru Peak reaches exactly 19,341 feet above sea level. This massive vertical rise from the surrounding plains (which sit at about 900 meters or 3,000 feet) means the mountain boasts a topographic prominence of nearly 5,000 meters, making it one of the most visually imposing mountains on Earth.
 

3. The Second Highest Mountain in Africa

While Kilimanjaro holds the top spot, the second highest mountain in Africa is Mount Kenya. Located in central Kenya, it is the remnants of an ancient volcano that once rivaled Kilimanjaro in height. Today, its highest peak, Batian, requires technical rock climbing to ascend, making Kilimanjaro the highest trekkable peak on the continent.
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the highest mountain in Africa?

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Located in Tanzania, its highest point, Uhuru Peak, reaches an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), making it the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
 

What is the highest mountain range in Africa?

The highest mountain range in Africa is the Atlas Mountains. Stretching over 2,500 kilometers across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, its highest peak is Mount Toubkal, which stands at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet).
 

What is the second highest mountain in Africa?

The second highest mountain in Africa is Mount Kenya, located in central Kenya. Its highest peak, Batian, reaches an elevation of 5,199 meters (17,057 feet).
 

Where is Kilimanjaro located on a map?

When looking for Mt Kilimanjaro on map, you will find it in northeastern Tanzania, East Africa. It is situated approximately 330 kilometers (205 miles) south of the Equator and lies very close to the border with Kenya.
 

How tall is Mount Kilimanjaro in feet?

To answer how tall is Mount Kilimanjaro in feet, the summit elevation is exactly 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level.