The highest mountain in Africa is height. Mountains of Africa: description, geographical location
Mostly the African mainland is occupied by the plains, and the mountains are located in the south and north of the continent. These are the Atlas and Cape mountains, as well as the Aberdar ridge. There are significant mineral reserves. In Africa, Kilimanjaro is located. This is an inactive volcano, which is considered the highest point of the mainland. Its height reaches 5963 meters. Many tourists visit not only the African deserts, but also the mountains.
Aberdar Mountains
These mountains are located in central Kenya. The height of these mountains reaches 4300 meters. Here, several rivers originate. From the top of the ridge offers a wonderful view. To preserve the local flora and fauna, in 1950 a national park was created here by many amateurs and environmentalists. It works to this day, so having been in Africa, it is worth a visit.
Atlas
The Atlas Mountains system goes around the northwest coast. These mountains were discovered long ago, by the ancient Phoenicians. Described mountains various travelers and commanders of Antiquity. Various internal plateaus, highlands and plains adjoin mountain ranges. The highest point of the mountains is the city of Tubkal, which reached 4167 meters.
Cape mountains
On the southern coast of the mainland are the Cape Mountains, whose length reaches 800 kilometers. This mountain system is formed by several ridges. The average height of the mountains is 1,500 meters. Compassberg is the highest point and reaches 2326 meters. Between the peaks there are valleys and semi-deserts. Some mountains are sheltered by mixed forests, but many of them are covered with snow in the winter season.
Dragon mountains
This mountain range is located in southern Africa. The highest point is Mount Tabana-Ntlanyana, whose height is 3482 meters. A rich world of flora and fauna is formed here, and climatic conditions differ on different slopes. It rains here and there, and snow falls on other peaks. Dragon Mountains are a World Heritage Site.
Thus, in Africa there are many mountain ranges and systems. In addition to the largest ones mentioned above, there are also highlands - Ethiopian, Akhaggar, as well as other elevations. Some objects are among the world's wealth and are protected by various communities. On the slopes of the mountain peaks, several national parks and reserves have been formed, and the highest points are places of mountain climbing, which complement the world list of tourists' climbs.
Kilimanjaro is one of the symbols of the African continent.Once it was an active volcano, but now its peak is covered with snow, thanks to which it got its name. Translated from Swahili, it means "sparkling mountain." Despite the fact that this volcano is considered extinct, scientists say: its activity can resume at any time.
Kilimanjaro is located on the territory of modern Tanzania and covers an area of \u200b\u200babout 400,000 ha. It is one of the largest volcanoes in the world. This unique mountain of Africa attracts annually many tourists who dream of admiring incredible landscapes, and climbers who value the mountain for a variety of routes.
The mountain has three peaks. The highest point - Kiba Peak - was conquered before anyone else. The fact is that it is to this peak that the easiest route leads, which you can overcome without even having special training. Two other peaks (Mawenzi - 5149 m and Shira - 3962 m) are more impregnable and insidious, therefore, over the entire history of climbing on their slopes, many unlucky climbers died.
An interesting fact is that the fee that tourists charge for visiting the Tanzanian National Park, whose center is Kilimanjaro, is the main source of replenishment of the budget of Tanzania. And the park itself is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is quite natural. The mountain is so unique that even the climate here is different from the climate in the surrounding area. Elephants, giraffes and lions roam at the foot. At the very bottom, on the slopes, there are banana groves and coffee plantations, at an altitude of 1800 m they are replaced by moist tropical forests in which you can meet monkeys, leopards and honey badgers. Even higher begins the kingdom of mountain swamps and meadows. So, gradually the levels succeed each other, finally leaving the snowy kingdom.
African peaks
Kilimanjaro is not the only noteworthy mountain in Africa. In second place after it is Mount Kenya, located on the territory of the same state (right on the equator line). Its height is 5199 m. Among the inhabitants of the slopes of the mountain you can find many rare animals. Kilimanjaro and Kenya are the highest mountains on the continent, standing separately.
Closes the top three giants is Mount Stanley, which, like Kilimanjaro, has three peaks (Margherita - 5109 m, Alexandra - 5091 m and Albert - 5087 m). It is part of the Ruvenzori mountains formed by crystalline rocks. In these mountains, half covered with rainforest, there are a huge number of unique representatives of flora and fauna. That is why two national parks were created here, the purpose of which is to preserve rare species of animals and plants.
The fourth and fifth highest places belong to the Speke and Baker mountains, also located in the Ruvenzori mountain range. The spike has several jagged peaks, but all of them are less than 5 km (4890 m, 4865 m, 4834 m and 4572 m, respectively). Mount Baker has a height of 4844 m.
The Ruvenzori mountains are quite difficult to climb, they require serious training from climbers.
Regardless of the height, origin and location of the mountains of Africa are unique.It is as if they were created specifically for those who want to enjoy the exotic of the continent, the amazing untouched nature and the original culture of the local population.
Africa is the only continent crossing the equator and several climatic zones. Original culture, unique nature and an abundance of various animals annually attract millions of tourists to the mainland. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, which thousands of climbers from all over the world have repeatedly tried to conquer. But there are other high mountains in Africa with unique flora and fauna.
General description of mountains
The relief of the African continent is mostly flat. Mountain ranges are located in only two regions. The real gem of the East African mountain range is the Kilimanjaro volcano - the highest point of the mainland.
The northwest and south are famous for the Atlas, Cape and Dragon Mountains. In the center of Africa and in the northeast are the Aberdar Range and the Abyssinian Highlands. All mountain ranges are of folded origin. And only the highest peaks are not folded.
African legend Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro - the highest mountain, rightfully earned the title of the symbol of Africa. Once it was an active volcano, a danger to the inhabitants of the continent. Now volcanic activity is evidenced by many layers of petrified lava and ash, as well as periodic gas emissions.
The highest points of the volcano are covered with centuries-old ice. In ancient times, people who had never seen snow believed that it was silver. Therefore, the volcano was called “Kilimanjaro”, which means “sparkling mountain” in Swahili.
Scientists believe that after 2020, active melting of ice will begin. And this phenomenon has nothing to do with global warming. The main reason for melting ice is the reduction in rainfall in Africa.
Being the largest volcano not only in Africa but also in the world, Kilimanjaro occupies a vast area of \u200b\u200b400 thousand hectares. It has three high points:
- kiba Peak;
- mawenzi peak;
- shira peak.
Uhuru is the highest peak attributed to Kiba peak. Its height is 5895 meters.
At the end of the last century, the territory of Africa occupied by Kilimanjaro received the title of National Park. But scientists express concerns about the cessation of volcanic activity. They believe that the volcano can wake up at any moment.
In Africa, there are many high mountains, some of which were climbed by climbers several times, while others became their last refuge.
10th place - Ras Dashen
Mount Ras Dashen is located in the northern part of the Ethiopian Highlands and is territorially owned by Ethiopia - one of the republics of Africa. Ras Dashen is the oldest volcano 4,533 meters high. However, this volcano is the peak part of another, more powerful volcano that has not been awakening for several millennia.
For the first time, people dared to climb to its peak in 1841. The pioneers were French officers. Now Ras Dashen is part of the Simien National Park and is a developed tourist destination.
9th place - Meru
On the penultimate place of honor is Mount Meru. Meru is an active stratovolcano that is part of the East African Valley. A stratovolcano is located in northern Tanzania in the Arusha region. Since 1967, he was awarded the title of National Park, which received the same name.
The highest point of Meru is 4546 meters. Ascent of man to the vent of the volcano of Africa was carried out in 1901. Now it is under the authority of the National Park. Therefore, you can climb it only by obtaining special permission.
8th place - Luigi di Savoy
Mount Luigi di Savoy is part of the Ruwenzori massif, which means “Moon Mountains”. Most of the vast mountain range is located in the Republic of Uganda.
For the first time, the top of the mountain was conquered at the very beginning of the last century. But even now climbers come to Africa from many different countries, hoping to climb the peak of the mountain and enjoy the beauty of local landscapes.
7th place - Jesse
Mount Jesse is located in the Republic of Congo in Africa and is part of the East African Mountain Range. The peak of Jesse is at an altitude of 4715 meters. And for the first time she was conquered in 1906.
An influx of climbers and tourists who want to conquer the top of Mount Jesse is observed in summer and winter, since it is at these times of the year that the conditions for climbing are optimal. Jesse's height is not critical, so most often it is used as a training ground.
6th place - Emin
Mount Emin is the property of Congo. Its peak is located at an altitude of 4798 meters. It, like the other highest mountains in Africa, is part of the East African mountain range.
Climbing to the top of Emin was carried out in 1906. Since then, many climbers, taking equipment, go to the Congo to repeat the heroic deed. Unfortunately, only a few manage to get back.
5th place - Baker
Mount Baker is located on the ridge of Ruvenzori, which means Moon Mountains. This part of the ridge is located in Uganda. The name Baker is associated with traveler Samuel Baker. He became the first who was not afraid to step on this mountain. However, it did not rise to its peak, located at an altitude of 4844 meters.
Pioneers were completely different people. The slopes of Baker are covered with stones and glaciers, so the path to the top is quite thorny. But among modern travelers, Baker is popular due to specially created routes that exclude the possibility of a cliff.
4th place - Speake
Mount Speke, located in the African Republic of the Congo, is a haven for climbers thanks to several peaks. The lowest of them is at an altitude of 4572 meters, the highest - 4890 meters.
Speke is the name of the person who became the discoverer of the mountain. Although John Speke visited it in the middle of the 19th century, the first conquest of the peak occurred a little later. But to this day, Speke attracts many tourists with a variety of nature and wildlife.
3rd place - Stanley
The top of Mount Stanley is located at an altitude of 5109 meters. Geographically, this natural wonder is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. And Stanley Peak is a World Heritage Site.
On the peaks of Stanley there is a dense snow cover that is so attractive to tourists. Moreover, tourist ascents are possible at any time of the year.
2nd place - Kenya
Mount Kenya is a true decoration of Africa. Being part of the East African Highlands, it is located on the very equator line in the republic, bearing the same name. Kenya Peak, located at an altitude of 5199 meters, was subdued by people back in 1899. And since the middle of the last century, the National Park has been opened on the territory of the mountain.
The top of Kenya is the habitat of the rarest representatives of the natural and animal worlds. Therefore, at the end of the last century, Kenya was inscribed on the World Heritage List.
1st place - Kilimanjaro
The highest step on the podium, of course, is Kilimanjaro, 5895 meters high. This mountain is the property not only of the United Republic of Tanzania, but also throughout Africa.
"Sparkling Mountain" - a real bait for conquerors of peaks. But experienced climbers, learning from someone else's experience, are no longer so naive. After all, Kilimanjaro in its entire history has become the last refuge for a huge number of climbers. According to experts, when climbing this pride of Africa, more people died than during the conquest of Everest.
Video: In the wilds of Africa
There are a great many mountains and mountain ranges in the world of various ages and origins, however, among them it is necessary to single out some mountain ranges and individual massifs of Africa. Such as the Atlas Mountains, due to their old age and impact on the climate, because it is because of them that moisture does not get into the Sahara. Other mountains - in connection with their youth, such as the famous volcano Kilimanjaro, formed only a half million years ago, and also affecting the climate. However, as will be described below, in these days, the climate itself, thanks to human activities, has an impact on the majestic volcano.
1. The highest mountain in the African continent is Kilimanjaro. Not only does it reach 5895 meters in height, but it is also considered one of the most. There are a number of theories about the origin of such a strange name. The most reliable researchers are translations made from Swahili, and literally calling the volcano "sparkling mountain." But to be precise, Kilimanjaro is a triumvirate of volcanoes with the names Kibo, Shira and Mawenzi, which have potential activity and are located in northeast Tanzania.
2. The Shira volcano was the first to appear, and in height it is significantly inferior to the peak of Kilimanjaro, amounting to only 3962 meters. Scientists believe that in the past this volcano was higher, and current values \u200b\u200bwere the result of a powerful eruption. Shira is located west of the highest peak of the African continent. 
3. The second oldest formation - Mawenzi volcano - this peak is at least 5149 meters high, and it is located east of the main peak. The highest point of Kilimanjaro at 5895 m is Uhuro peak, on the youngest Kibo volcano. It was formed due to the eruption of its neighbors, and has the inherent characteristic of Kilimanjaro - a flat top of the mountain. In fact, the peak is a plateau - a huge hollow of the volcano, having a diameter of 2 kilometers.
4. Covers an area of \u200b\u200b64 kilometers in width and 97 kilometers in length. Such enormous dimensions allow it to exert a noticeable influence in the climatic plan on the adjacent lands.
5. The top of the mountain is covered eternal ice, and this is almost at the equator - the mountain is located only 3 degrees south of the equator line. However, according to recent studies of a sleeping volcano, it is confirmed that snow volumes are steadily declining. There are three reasons for this. The first of these is a significant reduction in rainfall. So, now at the highest peak of Kilimanjaro a year you can expect no more than 200 mm of rainfall, at the same time, snow is melting much faster. The second reason is the approach of red-hot lava to the crater, and the heating of the peak. And the third is the development of global warming. For these reasons, the ice cap of the volcano decreased by five times in several decades.
10. Mount Meru - 4566 meters
Mount Meru is a mid-high peak located in the southern equatorial latitudes of the eastern hemisphere. The geographical location of this peak is the East African mountains, countries - Tanzania, the United Republic. The height of the mountain is four thousand five hundred sixty six meters, or fourteen thousand nine hundred seventy nine feet. Man was not at the top of the mountain until one thousand nine hundred and four.
9. Mount Ras Dejen - 4620 meters
Ras Degen is a peak of medium height. Geographically, the peak is located in Ethiopia, it is the Ethiopian Highlands. This mountain rises four thousand six hundred twenty meters, or fifteen thousand one hundred fifty seven feet. A man did not reach the summit until one thousand eight hundred and forty-one.
8. Mount Luigi di Savoy - 4627 meters
Mount Luigi di Savoy is located in the northern equatorial latitudes of the eastern hemisphere. Geographically peak is located: East African mountains, the country of Uganda. The mountain rises four thousand six hundred twenty-seven meters, or fifteen thousand one hundred seventy-eight feet. The first ascent to the summit took place in one thousand nine hundred and sixth year.
7. Mount Jesse - 4715 meters
Mount Jesse is located in the northern equatorial latitudes of the eastern hemisphere. This peak is located in the East African mountains, Congo, the Democratic Republic. The mountain rises four thousand seven hundred and fifteen meters, or fifteen thousand four hundred and seventy feet. Man did not reach the summit until one thousand nine hundred and sixth.
6. Mount Emin - 4798 meters
Mount Emin is located in the northern equatorial latitudes of the eastern hemisphere. From a geographical point of view, the summit has the following location: East African Mountains, countries: Congo, Democratic Republic. The height of the peak is four thousand seven hundred ninety-eight meters, or fifteen thousand seven hundred and forty feet. Man was not at the top of the mountain until one thousand nine hundred and sixth.
5. Mount Baker has a height of 4844 meters
The area in which this peak is located is called the Lunar Mountains. The mountain itself is named after Sir Samuel Baker, a traveler who first entered this territory, although he never climbed a mountain on his own.
4.Mountain Speake - 4890 meters
It consists of several peaks: Victor Emanuel - 4890 m.; Ansonia - 4865 m.; Johnston - 4834 m.; Trent - 4572 m. The local population calls this ridge "Rvenzori" - "Lord of the rain." Researchers who arrived here first were looking for the beginning of the Nile River. John Speke, without climbing the mountain itself, for the first time in 1862 marked on the map the place where the White Nile begins. The mountainous region has a very picturesque nature, and the variety of animals is simply amazing. On the banks of numerous rivers you can easily find elephants, chimpanzees and other monkeys, leopards and antelopes.
3.Stanley Mountain - 5109 meters
Stanley is one of the highest mountains in Africa, because it rises 5109 meters above sea level and is located in the Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The top of Stanley is always covered with snow, and the peak itself is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
2. Mount Kenya has a height of 5199 meters
It is one of the highest in Africa, and in Kenya - the highest, it is located right on the equator line. In 1949, a national park was opened here, and in 1997 Kenya was listed as a UNESCO heritage. Various animals live on the slopes of the mountain, including monkeys, antelopes, porcupines, tree dams, buffalos and elephants.
1. Mount Kilimanjaro - the highest mountain in Africa! It reaches 5895 meters in height!
It consists of three peaks: Shira, Mawenzi and Uhuru. For the first time in 1889, the mountain was overcome by the German geographer Nanz Meyer and the Austrian rock climber Ludwig Purtscler. Since 1912, 80% of the snow cover of the Kilimanjaro peak has melted due to global warming. Scientists expect that between 2022 and 2033 there will be no snow at the peak. Climbing Kilimanjaro is very popular among extreme sports enthusiasts around the world. At the same time, the rescue service claims that many naive climbers, considering the mountain easy, will say goodbye to life forever, not having gone halfway up. On the great African peak died more peoplethan there are those who tried to conquer Everest.
photo from the internet
