East Africa is home to two of the continents most famous mountains, Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, and Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain. Other ranges include the Aberdares (Kenya), Mount Elgon (Kenya), the Cherangani Hills (Kenya), the Rwenzori Mountains of the Rwenzori National Park (Uganda), the Usambara Mountains (Tanzania) and Mount Meru (Tanzania).

East Africa’s mountains offer superb opportunities for the hiker and botanist to walk amid unique Afro-Alpine vegetation. The skilled mountaineer, can attempt some of the more difficult routes, to the twin peaks of Mount Kenya under the auspices of the local mountain climbing club or the Naro Moro River Lodge, from where expert guidance is also obtained on technical rock climbing on a number of crags and gorges. In Tanzania one can climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (the roof of Africa) which is not only the highest mountain in Africa but also, the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Rising out of the plains like a mirage to and impressive 5,896 meters (19,340 feet). It has two snow capped peaks known as Mawenzi and Kibo. From Lake Naivasha, a day’s climb can be made up of Mount Longonot, a relatively recent extinct crater. Even closer to Nairobi, the Ngong Hills provide a pleasant and rewarding walk, although one should beware of the large herds of buffalo which graze on the hillsides. Mount Elgon, a huge extinct volcano at 14,178 feet, is best approached from the town of Kitale on the Kenya side. Although the ascent of this mountain requires no great mountaineering skill, the climb is one, which affords tremendous interest for the beauty and remarkability of the vegetation.