From the snowy heights of Mount Kilimanjaro to the 3 482-metre high Thaba Ntlenyana in Lesotho, Africa has some of the most interesting peaks south of the equator. Here they are (plus how you can climb them).
1. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro, situated near Arusha, northern Tanzania, is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. With a height of 5 895 metres, it is the highest peak on the African continent. Kili, as the mountain is affectionately known to locals, is one of the world’s Seven Summits, a collection of the world highest peaks on all seven continents.
Why you should climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Firstly, the mountain is located in one of the poorest areas in the world. So by paying to climb up the mountain, you are making a contribution to the economy as well as nature conservation efforts by the locals. Secondly, Mount Kilimanjaro offers one of the most scenic hikes in the world. As you are trekking up the mountain, you get an opportunity to view the beautiful savanna below it. Lastly, the climate on the mountain is unbelievable. At the foot of the mountain, you’ll find a tropical savanna while the top is covered in snow: it’s like walking from the equator to Antarctica in a week. The coolest part is that you don’t need special climbing experience to do it.
How to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
There are six routes through which you could reach Uhuru Point, with the most popular being the Marangu Route and the Machame Route. If you are looking for a quick, easy and cheap climb, then the Marangu Route is the best choice for you (book a seven-day Kilimanjaro trek on the Marangu Route). This route offfers accommodation for climbers and is accessible during the wet season. It takes six days to complete this route.
If you are itching for a challenging climb, you should consider the Machame route (book a seven-day Kilimanjaro trek on the Machame Route). Although it has some of the most scenic views, it takes seven days to complete this route. The Rongai,Lemosho, Umbwe and Shira routes are other routes to consider.
Cost
Prices start at R13 380 for a six-day trek. Visit Getaway Adventures – Kilimanjaro for more details.
Click here for information on accomodation in Arusha, Tanzania
Mount Kenya, Kenya. Image by frederic.salein on Flickr
2. Mount Kenya, Kenya
In the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, lies the 5 199-metre Mount Kenya. Officially known as the second highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya (which stands on an extinct volcano) has twin peaks, the Batain and Nelion which can only be reached by technical means. Below these two points is the third highest summit, Pt Lenana, which is accessible to hikers.
Why you should climb Mount Kenya
The mountain has a variety of African wildlife. As you ascend the slopes, it is not uncommon to spot animals such as hyrax and common duiker, groove-toothed rat, porcupines and predators such as hyenas and leopards. Birds have also found a home on the mountain, with species like rare Afro-alpine moorland and Verreaux eagle also forming part of the mountain’s ecosystem. At the foot of the mountain is the Mount Kenya Wildife Conservancy which offers a home to endangered and orphaned animals.
How to climb Mount Kenya
There are two routes to ascend Mount Kenya, and each takes a maximum of five days. Smiron is the most popular ascent route on the mountain. You are likely to encounter a stampede on this route. However, the beautiful landscapes and and wildlife make up for the inconvenience. If you are looking to avoid the crowds, then consider the Burguret route. This route is challenging and less fancied by climbers. The terrain on the route is rough and muddy at times, so you need to be well-prepared.
Cost
For trips of four days or less the cost is R1 017 a person a day. For trips of five or more days, the cost is R900 a person a day. Visit www.trekmountkenya.com for more details. If you’re keen to see more of the country than just the mountain, check out these safari packages in Kenya.
Click here for information on accommodation near Mount Kenya
Mount Stanley, Uganda- DRC. Image by sylweczka on Flickr
3. Mount Stanley
The Rwenzori mountain range stretches on the western border of Uganda between Lake George and Lake Albert. This mountain range has many peaks with the highest being Mount Stanley, the third highest mountain range in Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. At 5 110 metres, Mount Stanley (also known as Mount Ngaliéma), was named after Sir Henry Morton Stanley, the first European to reach its highest peak, Margherita’s Peak.
Why you should climb Mount Stanley
Unlike Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, Mount Stanley is not frequently visited by tourists. Due to this the mountain range still remains a mystery to many climbers. Many routes are unexplored and are still relatively new. Unlocking the mystery around Mount Stanley should be an exciting experience for any climber.
Mount Stanley is located in a high rainfall area and many climbers might be discouraged by this. However, the scenery around the mountain more than compensates for the long drenched climb to Margherita’s Peak. The area is home to flora species such as giant lobelias and Senecio plants. On your ascent to Margherita’s Peak you might see mammals suc
