Are you an adventurous traveler who is eager to take part in a mountain climbing experience but still bothered on the best destinations to quench this thirst? The land of safaris also known as the African continent has got you covered.
There are a number of honorable mentions in the African mountaineering landscape such as the Atlas Mountains in northern Africa, Drakensberg in South Africa among several other highlands. However, today we wish to major on the other competing counterparts to the above two giants.
The beautiful continent offers amazing features such as the rolling plains, unique vegetation, the magnificent Rocky Mountains, snow-topped peaks, rare wildlife, primate species, lakes and rivers which can all be summed up on an African mountaineering experience.
With over 55 independent countries on the African continent. It has never been simpler to have many mountaineering options like it is when you travel to East Africa. Below are the best mountaineering destinations in East Africa.
Mount Kilimanjaro; Tanzania
With an elevation of 5,895 meters, Mount Kilimanjaro stands as the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single freestanding mountain above the sea level in the whole world. All these facts are quite convincing if compared to major destinations such as the Atlas Mountains.
But there is more to why Kilimanjaro is a prime mountaineering destination in Africa. Kilimanjaro has a number of options when it comes to short hiking trips, and in East Africa, there is no mountaineering destination as accessible as Kilimanjaro mountains.
Its hikes range in terms of toughness. If you simply wish to hike for a few days without summiting, Kilimanjaro is the best place in East Africa.
Mount Kenya; Kenya
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest mountain on the African continent. Similar to Kilimanjaro, the mountain is one of the few snowcapped mountains on the African continent.
However, even though Mount Kenya comes second to Kilimanjaro; the hiking experience is far apart. Hiking Kilimanjaro is relatively tougher than trekking mountain Kenya. In fact some people have opt for a flight in order to view the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
But Mount Kenya remains a recognizable force in the world of mountaineering in Africa. It is recommended to try both. Given the fact that Kilimanjaro is higher than Mount Kenya, it is recommended to start with Mount Kenya before trekking Kilimanjaro.
Mount Rwenzori; Uganda
Also spelled as Rwenjura, Rwenzori Mountains are a range of mountains in the eastern equatorial Africa located between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Legendarily known as the mountains of the moon, Rwenzori Mountains comprises of the highest peak in Uganda and the third highest in Africa after Kibo of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Batian of Mount Kenya.
Rwenzori; the permanently snow-capped mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site regarded as one of the most dramatic and challenging hiking destinations in Uganda and Africa at large.
The mountains are far more Unique compared to its counter parts. They are less congested; only receiving less than 10,000 visitors in a year yet to those who have climbed both Rwenzori Mountains and Kilimanjaro mountains; they have found Rwenzori hikes more challenging. These mountains are well protected in the Rwenzori Mountain National Park, that is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Mount Meru; Tanzania
It is hard to introduce Mount Meru without highlighting its elevation of 4,565 meters above sea level. Unlike other mountaineering destinations, this is not a very popular stop for mountaineers.
The name Meru is already overshadowed by other mountains with similar names already the world. And in Tanzania, it is over shadowed by Mount Kilimanjaro. However for those seeking a more doable mountaineering experience than Kilimanjaro Mountain, Mount Meru is more doable challenge.
Mount Elgon; Uganda and Kenya
Positioned on the border of Uganda and Kenya, Mount Elgon is the oldest extinct volcanic mountain in East Africa and the second largest mountain in the Republic of Uganda after Rwenzori. Elevating to a height of 4,321 meters, the highest of peak of the mountain is known as Wagagai.
The mountain is located on the borders of eastern Uganda and western Kenya and it is known for offering variety of hiking options such as the adventurous climbs to the summit of Wagagai. Mount Elgon comprises of other peaks aside the highest peak – Wagagai, and among these include; Sudek (4,302 meters), Koitobos (4,222 meters), Mubiyi (4,211 meters) and Masaba (4,161 meters).
Protected by Mount Elgon national park, there are other features to see during your mountaineering safari apart from the mountain and these include; the caldera, warm springs by Suam river, beautiful vegetation and several wildlife species.
