Tanzania/Kenya (5,895 m) – Tallest Mountain in Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. Independent of any mountain chain, Kilimanjaro is also the highest freestanding mountain on Earth. It consists of three volcanoes, one of which is dormant, while the others are extinct. The mountain’s name is of Swahili origin, but the exact meaning is uncertain. It is possible it means “Mountain of Caravans”, though this is not certain.
Kilimanjaro has undoubtedly been known since earliest times as it is located right in the middle of the great, fertile region where humankind originated. European explorers arrived in 1848. The first known ascent to the summit took place in 1889, though it is possible, if unlikely, that the mountain was scaled before the Europeans arrived.
Because it is not located amongst countless other mountains in a remote frozen wilderness, Kilimanjaro is one of the most accessible major mountains in the world. It is located in Kilimanjaro National Park, close to the border with Kenya and is easily reached from both sides, especially the nearby city of Moshi on the Tanzanian side. Kilimanjaro is one of the most photographed sites in Africa. The area around the mountain is home to an extremely rich and diverse population of wildlife, and is a popular destination for safaris.