East African Mountains: Kilimanjaro, Kenya, Rwenzori, and the Volcanic Giants¶

East Africa's mountains are geological marvels — isolated volcanic giants and ancient block mountains rising from the savanna. From Kilimanjaro's glaciers to Mount Kenya's technical peaks and the Rwenzori's "Mountains of the Moon," this guide covers Africa's most dramatic mountain cluster and the unique experience of climbing near the equator.

Introduction¶

Volcanoes on the Equator¶

Mount Kilimanjaro¶

Africa's Highest — Five Climate Zones¶

The Six Routes Compared¶

Climbing Kilimanjaro — What to Expect¶

Mount Kenya¶

Technical Peaks — Batian and Nelion¶

Point Lenana — The Trekking Summit¶

Sirimon and Chogoria Routes¶

Rwenzori Mountains¶

The Mountains of the Moon¶

Margherita Peak¶

Bog, Mud, and Giant Lobelias¶

Ethiopian Highlands¶

Simien Mountains — Ras Dashen¶

Bale Mountains¶

Virunga Volcanoes¶

Gorilla Country¶

Nyiragongo Lava Lake¶

Practical Planning¶

Permits and Guide Requirements¶

Best Months by Mountain¶

Altitude and Equatorial Climate¶

Key Statistics Table¶