10 Best African Mountains to Climb: Kilimanjaro, Toubkal & More

May 4, 2025
ABS, Africa travel

Discover the best African mountains to climb—from Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya to the Rwenzoris and Toubkal. Routes, tips, and top hiking seasons.

10 Best African Mountains to Climb: Where Adventure Meets Altitude

Africa is not just about savannahs and safaris. It’s also home to dramatic peaks, volcanic ridges, and cloud-piercing summits. From snow-capped icons to rugged ranges that challenge seasoned trekkers, the continent offers world-class mountaineering adventures. This guide highlights the best mountains to climb in Africa—whether you seek altitude, solitude, or stunning scenery.

1. Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania

The tallest mountain in Africa and one of the world’s famed Seven Summits, Mount Kilimanjaro rises 5,895 meters above sea level. Unlike many high-altitude climbs, Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing skills—making it the ultimate bucket list trek for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.

There are several routes to the summit, including the popular Machame, Lemosho, and Marangu paths. The journey takes you through diverse ecosystems—rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial summit.

Highlights:

Highest free-standing mountain in the world
Multiple scenic routes with varied difficulty
Summit sunrise from Uhuru Peak is unforgettable

Best Time to Climb:

January to March or June to October for the best weather and views.

2. Mount Kenya – Kenya

Mount Kenya is the second-highest peak in Africa at 5,199 meters. While less frequented than Kilimanjaro, it is arguably more scenic and rewarding for climbers. Its three main peaks—Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana—offer both technical and non-technical climbing options.

Treks through alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and moorlands are rich in endemic flora and fauna. Point Lenana (4,985 m) can be reached via hiking, while Batian and Nelion require technical climbing skills.

Highlights:

Quieter and more rugged than Kilimanjaro
Excellent for acclimatization and alpine skills training
UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park

Best Time to Climb:

January to March or July to October.

3. Simien Mountains – Ethiopia

The dramatic Simien Mountains are known for their jagged cliffs, deep valleys, and endemic wildlife like the Gelada monkey and Walia ibex. Simien Mountains National Park is a UNESCO-listed site and offers multi-day treks that include Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak (4,550 m).

While not extremely high in altitude compared to Kilimanjaro, the trails are challenging and scenic. The views across the Ethiopian highlands are awe-inspiring, especially with local wildlife grazing along the escarpments.

Highlights:

Epic landscapes and biodiversity
Opportunities to see rare endemic wildlife
Cultural interactions with Amhara communities

Best Time to Climb:

October to March for dry conditions and clear skies.

4. Mount Meru – Tanzania

Often overlooked due to Kilimanjaro’s fame, Mount Meru (4,566 meters) is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and a perfect warm-up climb. Located in Arusha National Park, it offers lush forest trails, crater rims, and wildlife sightings including giraffes and buffalo en route.

The climb is non-technical but demanding, with a steep final ascent to the summit. It’s popular among trekkers preparing for Kilimanjaro or looking for a less crowded alpine experience.

Highlights:

Crater views and wildlife en route
Fewer crowds and quiet trails
Great acclimatization climb before Kilimanjaro

Best Time to Climb:

June to February, with the driest months from August to October.

5. Ras Dashen – Ethiopia

Ras Dashen (4,550 meters) is the highest point in Ethiopia and a popular summit for trekkers visiting the Simien Mountains. Though sometimes included as part of the wider Simien trek, it deserves special mention due to its status and relatively remote access.

The climb is not technical but does require endurance, with several days of hiking and camping. The summit rewards trekkers with panoramic views of highland plateaus and jagged peaks.

Highlights:

One of Africa’s top ten tallest peaks
Wild camping and remote trekking routes
Chance to spot geladas and lammergeiers

Best Time to Climb:

October to March during Ethiopia’s dry season.

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6. Drakensberg Mountains – South Africa & Lesotho

Known locally as uKhahlamba, or “Barrier of Spears,” the Drakensberg Mountains are the highest in Southern Africa. Stretching over 1,000 kilometers along the border between South Africa and Lesotho, they offer endless trekking opportunities for all levels.

Highlights include the **Amphitheatre**, the **Tugela Falls** hike, and the **Sentinel Peak trail**. Multi-day hikes through the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park reveal ancient San rock art, basalt cliffs, and lush plateaus.

Highlights:

Stunning escarpment views and accessible trails
Rich biodiversity and birdlife
Home to the world’s second tallest waterfall

Best Time to Climb:

April to October (dry season) for clear skies and cooler hiking conditions.

7. Mount Elgon – Uganda & Kenya

Mount Elgon, an extinct shield volcano straddling Uganda and Kenya, offers one of East Africa’s most underrated mountain climbs. With its summit at 4,321 meters, it’s a gentler ascent than Kilimanjaro and far less crowded.

The mountain is known for its vast caldera, caves, waterfalls, and unique flora such as the giant lobelia. Hikers can access it via Mount Elgon National Park, with trails leading to Wagagai Peak on the Ugandan side.

Highlights:

Huge volcanic caldera and lava tubes
Beautiful landscapes without high altitude risks
Low visitor numbers for a peaceful trek

Best Time to Climb:

June to August and December to March for dry conditions.

8. Mount Toubkal – Morocco

The highest peak in North Africa, Mount Toubkal rises to 4,167 meters and is located in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Just a short drive from Marrakesh, this trek is popular with European and global climbers for its accessibility and cultural charm.

Hikers typically begin in the village of Imlil and reach the summit within 2 to 3 days. The trail offers breathtaking views over the Atlas range, Berber villages, and desert valleys.

Highlights:

North Africa’s highest mountain
Quick summit suitable for short holidays
Rich cultural encounters with Berber communities

Best Time to Climb:

April to October; winter climbs (Nov–Mar) require alpine gear due to snow.

9. Rwenzori Mountains – Uganda

The Rwenzori Mountains, or “Mountains of the Moon,” straddle the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Home to snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys, the range includes Margherita Peak (5,109 m), the third-highest in Africa.

Climbing in the Rwenzoris is a true expedition—muddy, technical, and remote. But the rewards include surreal alpine scenery, exotic flora like giant heathers and lobelias, and almost no crowds. Treks are managed through Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Highlights:

One of Africa’s few permanently snow-covered ranges
High-altitude glacier trekking and alpine climbing
Incredible biodiversity and endemic plant species

Best Time to Climb:

June to August and December to February for the driest trails.

10. Mulanje Massif – Malawi

Rising sharply from the plains of southern Malawi, the Mulanje Massif features rugged granite peaks and deep forested valleys. The highest summit, Sapitwa Peak, reaches 3,002 meters and can be climbed without technical gear.

Treks here are flexible—ranging from day hikes to multi-day loops between rustic mountain huts. The massif is culturally revered and offers stunning views of tea plantations, waterfalls, and wildlife-rich forests.

Highlights:

Panoramic views from Sapitwa Peak
Affordable, accessible trekking
Combine with Lake Malawi travel itineraries

Best Time to Climb:

May to October for the clearest skies and driest trails.

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From the snow-capped heights of Kilimanjaro to the granite spires of Mulanje, Africa’s mountains offer trekkers, climbers, and explorers a rich variety of challenges and rewards. Whether you’re seeking your first summit or your next alpine conquest, these ten peaks promise unforgettable adventures and breathtaking views.