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Question

Which one among the following is the highest mountain in Africa?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2023 English Previous Year Paper (16-April-2023)
The correct answer is

Mount Kilimanjaro

Understanding the Highest Mountain in Africa

The question asks to identify the highest mountain on the continent of Africa. To answer this correctly, we need to know the relative heights of the major mountains in Africa.

Identifying Africa's Tallest Peak

Let's look at the options provided and determine which one stands as the highest:

  • Atlas Mountain: The Atlas Mountains are a range located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. While they contain several high peaks, the highest peak in the range is Toubkal, which is significantly lower than the highest mountain in Africa.
  • Mount Kilimanjaro: Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano located in Tanzania. It is famous for being the highest mountain in Africa.
  • Mount Kenya: Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa, located in Kenya.
  • Mount Elgon: Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya. It is one of the oldest and largest solitary volcanoes in East Africa but is not the highest mountain.

Comparing the heights of these mountains confirms that Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest.

Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa's Rooftop

Mount Kilimanjaro's highest peak is Kibo, and its summit is known as Uhuru Peak. Its elevation is approximately \(\text{5,895 meters}\) (\(\text{19,341 feet}\)) above sea level. This height makes it the undisputed highest mountain in Africa.

Other notable mountains in Africa, while impressive, do not reach the elevation of Mount Kilimanjaro. For example:

  • Mount Kenya has a height of approximately \(\text{5,199 meters}\).
  • Mount Stanley (Margherita Peak) in the Rwenzori Mountains is approximately \(\text{5,109 meters}\) high.
  • Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains is approximately \(\text{4,167 meters}\) high.
  • Mount Elgon's highest point, Wagagai, is approximately \(\text{4,321 meters}\) high.

Based on these facts, Mount Kilimanjaro is clearly the highest mountain in Africa.

Comparison of Mountain Heights in Africa
Mountain Location Approximate Height (meters)
Mount Kilimanjaro Tanzania 5,895
Mount Kenya Kenya 5,199
Mount Stanley (Rwenzori) Uganda/DRC 5,109
Mount Elgon Uganda/Kenya 4,321
Toubkal (Atlas) Morocco 4,167

Revision Table: Africa's Highest Peaks

Here is a quick summary to help remember the highest mountain in Africa:

  • Highest Mountain in Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Location: Tanzania
  • Height: Approximately \(\text{5,895 meters}\)
  • Type: Dormant Volcano

Additional Information about African Mountains

Africa is home to diverse mountain ranges and peaks. While Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest, other mountain systems like the Atlas Mountains in the north, the Rwenzori Mountains in East Africa, and the Ethiopian Highlands are also significant geographical features, each with its own unique ecosystem and geological history. Understanding these different mountain systems provides a broader view of Africa's varied topography.

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