18 Best Highest Mountains To Climb In Africa For Beginners (13 Countries)

If not for Kilimanjaro, Africa might not be much of a mountain climbing destination to many people.

After all, out of the 54 countries in Africa, only about a third of them have their fair share of tourists.

There are perhaps hundreds of spectacular climbs to be discovered in Africa. Unfortunately, information is scarce for many of these countries.

Most of the time, even finding a proper tourism website or tour operator is quite a challenge.

So after lots of hair pulling and cups of coffee, here’s what I found — a list of 18 highest peaks that a beginner can climb in 13 African countries.

Climb on!

Before We Start…

Just a few things to note before jumping right into the list. It will be helpful for you to first understand a bit about some of the terminology used in the list. These are also terminology that you may have seen from other sources.

You can also skip ahead to List Of The Highest Beginner Mountains To Climb In Africa below.

Thousanders

In Africa, the elevations of the mountains are typically referred to in meters. They are usually referred to as n-thousanders.

• Five-thousanders: at least 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) but less than 6,000 meters
• Four-thousanders: at least 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) but less than 5,000 meters (16,404 feet)
• Three-thousanders: at least 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) but less than 4,000 meters
• Two-thousanders: at least 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) but less than 3,000 meters
• One-thousanders: at least 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) but less than 2,000 meters

What Is Summitpost?

I have provided a SummitPost link for each of the listed climbs below.

SummitPost is an online library of climbing information for mountains around the world.

The information is provided by a community of climbers. It can be a useful starting point to learn more about the mountains and climbs. However, do note that not all information is fully kept up to date or complete. It will be good to do additional research before your climbs.

Since it is a community-driven initiative, it will be great if you could highlight any errors or outdated information. You can do so in the comments section of the respective pages.

There are also other similar communities such as The Outbound Collective.

Rating Systems

There are many rating systems that grade the difficulty of a climb.

There are a few grading systems used in this list:

Yosemite Decimal System (YDS)

• This is the grading system used widely in the US to rate the difficulty of a climb.
• Class 1 and 2 climbs are suitable for beginners.  
• Beginners can attempt Class 3 climbs with a guide.
• Read more about YDS here.

International French Adjectival System (IFAS) aka Alpine Rating System

• This is the grading system used in Europe for climbing in alpine conditions.
• F and PD climbs can be suitable for beginners if the routes do not have any snow or ice.
• Beginners can attempt F and PD climbs in snowy or icy terrains with a guide.
• Read more about IFAS here.

Difference Between Elevation And Elevation Gain

You may notice that the list below states both the elevation and elevation gained.

The elevation measures to the height of the summit above sea level.

The elevation gained is the difference in height from the start of the trail to the summit.

The elevation gained might be different between routes. This depends on the trailheads which may be at different points on the mountains.

Climbing Season Vs Best Time To Climb

For each of the climbs listed below, I have included the climbing season as well as the best time to climb.

Beginners should stick to the duration listed under the best time to climb.

Though climbing is still possible for the rest of the year, it is more suitable for experienced climbers.

The conditions are harsher and the climb’s difficulty rating also increases. Non-technical climbs can often turn into technical ones.

List Of The Highest Beginner Mountains To Climb In Africa

The highest mountain in Africa is Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It stands at a height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Kilimanjaro is the fourth highest mountain among the Seven Summits.

It is generally seen as the easiest Seven Summits to climb. If climbing the Seven Summits is your dream, this is a good place to start!

• Countries A to M
• Countries N to Z

Cameroon

The highest peak in Cameroon is a four-thousander. There is only 1 four-thousander and 1 three-thousander in Cameroon.

Other than Mount Cameroon, there is very little information about the other peaks in Cameroon

1. Mount Cameroon (4,040 meters / 13,255 feet)

• Also known as Mongo ma Ndemi.
• The highest peak in Cameroon. It is also the highest peak in Central and West Africa.
• An active volcano. It last erupted in 2012.
• Mount Cameroon Race of Hope is an annual race on the mountain. The fastest ascents are in the range of 4 to 5 hours.
• SummitPost page

Egypt

The highest peak in Egypt is a two-thousander.

2. Mount Catherine (2,629 meters / 8,625 feet)

• Also known as Gabal Katrîne.
• The highest peak in Egypt.
• You will find a chapel at the summit.
• SummitPost page

Ethiopia

The highest peak in Ethiopia is a four-thousander.

There are more than 10 four-thousanders in Ethiopia. But other than Ras Dejen, there is very little information about the other peaks.

3. Ras Dejen (4,550 meters / 14,928 feet)

• Also known as Ras Dejen and Ras Dashan.
• The highest peak in Ethiopia.
• Home to many rare and endangered species. There are common sightings of the Gelada Baboons.
• There is also a road that goes up to 4,200 meters (14,000 feet). It is a short hike to the summit from there.
• Unfortunately, there were many complaints about the mountain guides and transport arrangements.
• SummitPost page

Kenya

The highest peak in Kenya is a five-thousander.

Kenya has 1 five-thousanders and 2 four-thousanders. But other than Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon, there is very little information about the other peaks in Kenya.

4. Mount Kenya (5,199 meters / 17,057 feet)

• The highest peak in Kenya. The second highest peak in Africa.
• There are many summits on Mount Kenya. The 2 highest summits are Batian and Nelion. But these are technical peaks and not suitable for beginners.
• The third highest peak, Point Lenana, is suitable for beginners.
• Views of Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
• Mount Kenya SummitPost page
• Point Lenana SummitPost page
• Route information

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.

Mount Elgon (4,321 meters / 14,177 feet)

• Located on the border between Kenya and Uganda.
• Also known as Masaba in Uganda.
• The second highest peak in Kenya.
• There are 5 major summits on Mount Elgon. The highest peak is in Uganda.
• You should climb from Uganda to reach the highest peak. Crossing the border may be an issue on the mountain.
• See number 17 for more information.
• A volcano with one of the world’s largest crater. There are even hot springs in the crater.
• SummitPost page

Lesotho

Lesotho is the only country in the world that is completely above 1,400 meters (4,593 feet).

The highest peak in Lesotho is a three-thousander.

Other than Thabana Ntlenyana, there is very little information about the other peaks in Lesotho.

5. Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 meters / 11,424 feet)

• Its name translates to “beautiful little mountain”.
• The highest peak in Lesotho and Southern Africa.
• Although it is a non-technical climb, there are no marked trails. Beginners should climb with a guide.
• SummitPost page

Malawi

The highest peak in Malawi is a three-thousander.

Other than Mount Mulanje, there is very little information about the other peaks in Malawi.

6. Mount Mulanje (3,002 meters / 9,849 feet)

• The highest peak in Malawi.
• The tallest peak is known as Sapitwa Peak.
• The mountain is often shrouded in mist, leaving only the peak visible. It is locally known as the “Island in the Sky”.
• SummitPost page
• Blog article here and here.

Morocco

Morocco is the most visited country in Africa. It has almost 10 times the number of tourists compared to most of the other African countries.

The highest peak in Morocco is a four-thousander. Morocco has 5 four-thousanders.

7. Jbel Toubkal (4,167 meters / 13,671 feet)

• The highest peak in Morocco and North Africa.
• One of the most popular climbs in Africa.
• SummitPost page

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.

8. Ouanoukrim (4,089 meters / 13,415 feet)

• The second highest peak in Morocco.
• Ouanoukrim has 2 summits — the taller Timesguida (4,089 meters/ 13,415 feet) on the south side and Ras n’Ouanoukrim (4,083 meters/ 13,336 feet) on the north side.
• Views of the Toubkal mountain range and even the Sahara on a good day.
• SummitPost page

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.

9. M’Goun (4,068 meters / 13,346 feet)

• The third highest peak in Morocco.
• An attractive trekking destination due to the spectacular river gorges and remote villages.
• SummitPost page

* This includes trekking around the surrounding gorges and villages.

Mozambique

The highest peak in Mozambique is a two-thousander.

10. Monte Binga (2,439 meters / 8,002 feet)

• The highest peak in Mozambique.
• Views of the Indian Ocean on a good day.
• SummitPost page
• Blog article

Rwanda

The highest peak in Rwanda is a four-thousander. Rwanda has 2 four-thousanders.

Other than Mount Karisimbi, there is very little information about the other peaks in Rwanda.

11. Mount Karisimbi (4,507 meters / 14,787 feet)

• The highest peak in Rwanda.
• One of the 8 peaks on the range of Virunga Volcanoes.
• 2 of the shorter peaks on the range are very active. They make up 40% of all African volcanic eruptions!
• You can also visit the Dian Fossey tomb on the mountain for a fee. Fossey was a conservationist known for the study of mountain gorilla groups.
• SummitPost page  
• Blog article

South Africa

South Africa is the second most visited country in Africa, just behind Morocco.

The highest peak in South Africa is a three-thousander.

Other than Mafadi Mountain and Champagne Castle, there is very little information about the other peaks in South Africa.

12. Mafadi Mountain (3,450 meters / 11,319 feet)

• Located on the border between South Africa and Lesotho.
• The highest peak in South Africa.
• The mountain range has many other 3,000 peaks. Some climbers like to traverse along the range to bag other peaks.
• SummitPost page

Njesuthi (3,408 metres / 11,181 feet)

• The second highest peak in South Africa.
• But there is no information about this peak anywhere online.

13. Champagne Castle (3,377 meters / 11,079 feet)

• The third highest peak in South Africa.
• You can also bag a few of the other peaks on the mountain — Cathkin and Monk’s Cowl.
• SummitPost page
• Blog article

Tanzania

The highest peak in Tanzania is five-thousander, Kilimanjaro. Tanzania has 2 five-thousanders.

Thanks for Kilimanjaro, climbing is a big thing in the country. It probably accounts for almost all of the’s country tourism industry.

14. Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet)

• The highest peak in Tanzania and Africa. One of the world’s seven summits.
• The fourth highest peak among the seven summits. But it is generally seen as the easiest seven summit peaks to climb.
• A unique climb that takes you through all climatological zones. The climb starts in a tropical rain forest. It then goes through moss and desert. Finally, it reaches snow on the summit.
• SummitPost page
• Find out which Kilimanjaro route has the highest success rate.
• Learn how to find the best Kilimanjaro tour operator.

15. Mawenzi (5,149 meters / 16,893 feet)

• The second highest peak in Tanzania. The third highest peak in Africa.
• Mawenzi is the shorter half of the twin peaks on Kilimanjaro. The higher peak is Kibo.
• Though it is shorter, Mawenzi is a steeper and more challenging climb.
• Usually climbed as part of the summit trek to Kilimanjaro.
• SummitPost page

16. Mount Meru (4,566 meters / 14,980 feet)

• The third highest peak in Tanzania.
• Views of Kilimanjaro from December to February.
• SummitPost page

Uganda

The highest peak in Uganda is five-thousander, Mount Stanley. It stands at 5,109 meters (16,762 feet).

Mount Stanley is a technical climb and not suitable for beginners.

Other than Mount Elgon, there is almost no information about the other peaks in Uganda.

17. Mount Elgon (4,321 meters / 14,177 feet)

• Located on the border between Kenya and Uganda.
• Also known as Masaba in Uganda.
• The 7th highest peak in Uganda.
• A volcano with one of the world’s largest crater. There are even hot springs in the crater.
• SummitPost page

Zimbabwe

The highest peak in Zimbabwe is a two-thousander.

18. Mount Nyangani (2,592 meters / 8,504 feet)

• The highest peak in Zimbabwe.
• SummitPost page
• Useful route information

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