General

When talking about Africa and climbing, most everyone think of Kilimanjaro5895m at first. If anything else rings a bell, then it would most likely be sport climbing and bouldering in South Africa or Mount Kenya5199m. However, there's much more to climbing potential in Africa. For example high peaks of and Ruwenzori, High Atlas and Ethiopia offer mountaineering challenges to those interested in treading the path less traveled while huge rock walls of Morocco, South Africa and Madagaskar offer extreme technical challenges on rock of very alpine proportions.

The prominent narrow is couloir in the center is famous Diamond Couloir. Credit: Utilizator:Radu.vatcu, Shot on 2012-03-14 Photo taken in Mount Kenya National Park, Nyeri, Central Kenya, Kenya.(c) Radu Vatcu, licensed under: CC BY-SA 3.0.

• Northern Africa Atlas mountains the highest largest mountain range in northern Africa. The broken chain extends for over 1500km across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Highest mountains are located in High Atlas, the western part of the range culminating at Toubkal (4165m), located only 75km south of the city of Marrakech. Other ranges, such as Ahaggar Mountains are lower and a lot less known. Todra Gorge and Taghia Gorges, as well as Tafraoute have gained some popularity among foreign climbers. Particularly as a autumn-winter-spring destination.
• West Africa As far as high mountain s and climbing goes, Western Africa is least known part of the continent. The highest peak is Mount Cameroon (4040m).
• Ethiopian Highlands The Ethiopian Highlands is a rugged mass of mountains in Ethiopia in northeast Africa. It forms the largest continuous area of its elevation in the continent, with little of its surface falling below 1500m, while the summits reach heights of up to 4550m. It is sometimes called the Roof of Africa due to its height and large area. Most of the Ethiopian Highlands are part of central and northern Ethiopia, and its northernmost portion reaches into Eritrea. The highest part of Ethiopian Highlands is Semien Mountains in the north, culminating at Ras Dashan (4550m). The southeastern portion's highest peaks are located in Bale Mountains, which rises to nearly as great altitude as Semien Mountains with peaks reaching above 4000m. Among these are Mount Tullu Demtu (4337m), which is the second-highest peak in Ethiopia, and Mount Batu (4307m).
• East Africa The highest and by far the most famous peaks of the continent, Kilimanjaro (5895m) and Mount Kenya (5199m) are located in the eastern Africa. Both are free-standing peaks located outside of any real mountain range. Albeit probably unknown to most climbers, there are several other high peaks in Eastern Africa, which is by far most mountainous area of the continent with vast highlands. Most alpine mountain s of the continent are to be found on the Western side of Rift valley, particularly in Rwenzori (Mount Stanley, 5109m).
• Southern Africa While not having any giants like Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya, southern part of Africa also has several mountain ranges. The highest ranges are found Drakensberg (culminating at Thabana Ntlenyana, 3482m), Mulanje massif (Sapitwa Peak, 3002) and in the island of Madagaskar. That said the beast known climbing in the southern part of the continent is certainly to be found in the rock faces of iconic Table Mountain (1087m), close to Cape Town.
• Indian Ocean islands Madagascar is a large island in the Indian ocean, 380km off the southeast coast of Africa. Its narrow coastal plain rises to a high mountainous plateau in the island's center. The mountains' granite peaks rise above grasslands and cultivated slopes and valleys. Highest mountains are Maromokotro (2876m), Ankaratara (2643m) and Pic Boby (2658m). Towns and villages are scattered throughout the mountains, predominantly inhabited by native islanders known as the Malagasy. Also Réunion Island has high mountains.

References

• Africa. Alpine Journal articles by area. At Alpine Journal.
• Rock climbing in Africa and the Middle East. "Rock climbing in Africa offers the opportunity to go somewhere different and adventurous for a rock climbing holiday. Some of the best climbing to be found in Africa are at Rocklands in South Africa and the Moroccan Mountains, particularly at Tafraoute and the Todra Gorge." At Climb Europe.
• Africa. Africa holds great potential, from the deserts fascinating rock formations in Egypt, to the rugged mountains in Eastern Africa and then the jagged rocky coastlines of South Africa. The iconic Mt Mount Kenya offers climbers a challenge of epic proportions while the southern parts of Africa offer less hostile climbing. Table Mountain in South Africa is seen as a tourist attraction for it's beauty- but you can also find great climbing around these parts. While the continent hosts some exciting named routes let it be known that the vast majority of the continent remains untapped and holds amazing potential and an endless amount of routes waiting to be discovered. At rockclimbing.com.
• Africa's magnificent mountains: Seven amazing climbs. "If you're looking to soak up the continent's breathtaking scenery, and have an eye for adventure, then there's only one place to be: at the top." By Teo Kermeliotis at CNN on 2013-07-09.

Northern Africa

Atlas mountains the highest largest mountain range in northern Africa. The broken chain extends for over 1500km across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Highest mountains are located in High Atlas, the western part of the range culminating at Toubkal (4165m), located only 75km south of the city of Marrakech. Other ranges, such as Ahaggar Mountains are lower and a lot less known. Todra Gorge and Taghia Gorges, as well as Tafraoute have gained some popularity among foreign climbers. Particularly as a autumn-winter-spring destination.

• Atlas Mountains Atlas mountains are the most northernly and the highest of the mountains in northern Africa. The broken chain of Atlas extends for over 1500km across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
• Ahaggar Mountains Ahaggar Mountains, aka Hoggar Mountains, is high altitude area in the Sahara desert. The highest point of the range is Mount Tahat (2918m).
• Tibest Mountains Tibest is cluster on dormant volcanoes in the middle of Sahara desert. The highest peak is Emi Koussi (3415m).
• Marrah Mountains >Marrah Mountains are a range of volcanic peaks located in the center of the Darfur region of Sudan. The massif rises up to 3042m (Deriba Caldera).
• Egypt & Sinai main peaks of Egypt are found in Red Seah Hills located to the east of Nile and in the Sinai Peninsula. The country's highpoint is Jabal Katrinah (Mount Catherine or Gabal Katrîne, 2642m). Probably the most famous epak howeverf is Mount Sinai (2285m).

• North Africa map. Large scale physical map of North Africa. At World atlas. Free download printable political and physical maps of the world.

• Rock Climbing Morocco. "Morocco is only a short flight from Europe, is a country that is relatively cheap to visit and stay, as well as offering something somewhere different and adventurous for a rock climbing holiday. The weather is generally very good (particularly in the winter) and the rock climbing is good on generally solid rock. The three main rock climbing areas are all situated in the mountains, which are Tafraoute, Todra Gorge, and Taghia Gorge, as shown on the map below." At Climb Europe.
• Morocco - climbing at the end of the road. By Sarah Harrison at PlanetFear.com.
• New routes on the Hand of Fatima. Overcoming intestinal distress and dehydration, Giovanni Ongaro, Marco Vago, Adriano Selva, Cece Bugada and Simone Pedeferri, from the legendary Italian climbing club, the Lecco Spiders, established three new routes in the Hombori region of Mali throughout December. In three consecutive weeks of climbing in the Hombori, the climbers repeated easier lines and established three new ascents in the Hand of Fatima Group. By Erik Lambert at Alpinist on 2007-02-16.

Atlas Mountains

Atlas mountains are the most northernly and the highest of the mountains in northern Africa. The broken chain of Atlas extends for over 1500km across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

• Moroccan Atlas
  • Middle Atlas Northernmost chain of Moroccan Atlas Mountains.
  • High Atlas Highest mountains are located in High Atlas, located in central Morocco between Anti-Atlas in SW and Middle Atlas in NE.
  • Anti-Atlas ranges SW part of Atlas Mountains. Desolate world of rocky outcrops and lunar landscapes where the contrasts are extreme. Most of the land is dry and barren, but water gathers and runs in some remote places, forming clear basins. The summits of the Anti-Atlas reach average heights of 2500–2700m, with a few peaks reaching higher. Most of the better known rock climbing destinations such as Tafraout and Todra are located in Anti-Atlas.
• Saharan Atlas The Saharan Atlas of Algeria is the eastern portion of the Atlas mountain range. Though not as high as the Grand Atlas, they are far more imposing than the Tell Atlas range that runs to the north of them and closer to the coast. The highest peak in the range is the 2236m high Djebel Aissa.
• Tell Atlas Long west to east chain along Mediterranean Coast and to the east of Middle Atlas.

The summers of the area are hot and harsh while winter snows are very heavy. The high peaks maintain their snow caps for much of the year, but there are no glaciers. The two best climbing seasons are in the winter/spring period, from February to May, when snow is still present but temperatures are comfortable; and in early Autumn (September), when the mountains are dry and the weather is cool again before winter storms return.

• Alsford, Emma & Donnithorne, Paul: Morocco Rock - Jebel El Kest & Taskra North. Isbn: 9780957366602. Crack Addicts, 2012.
• Groenewegen, Wynand; Berg, Marloes van Den & Jaeggi, Daniel: Rock Climbing Atlas - South Western Europe and Morocco. Isbn: 9789078587033. Rocks Unlimited Publications, 2007.

• Atlas-Mountains. Map of North Africa showing the Atlas Mountains system's mountain ranges, with political boundaries. By Williamborg at Wikimedia Commons.

• A Taste of Africa. When I met two American girls in El Chorro, Spain, it seemed easy to slip into that end of the day chat with a couple of like minded strangers at the crag. I could tell straight away that they were competent climbers, and obviously super keen too, it was something about the way they flowed on the rock, merrily chatting their way through each crux. By Emma Alsford at UKC Climbing on 2012-10.

High Atlas

Highest mountains are located in High Atlas, located in central Morocco between Anti-Atlas in SW and Middle Atlas in NE.

The highest mountain of northern Africa is Toubkal (4165m), located only 75km south of the city of Marrakech. It dominates the area with its steep rocky faces, and is surrounded by massive granite buttresses and several secondary peaks. There are several other mountains rising to around 4000 meters.

Despite a scarcity of roads, most of the major mountains are easily accessible. The approach to the mountains is short, and there are mountain huts, plenty of guides, good trails, and mules to carry gear.

• Brown, Hamish: The High Atlas - Treks and Climbs on Morocco's Biggest and Best Mountains, 1 Edition edition. Isbn: 9781852846718. Cicerone Press Limited, 2012.
• Clark, Des: Mountaineering in the Moroccan High Atlas, 1 Edition edition. Isbn: 9781852846114. Cicerone Press Limited, 2011.

• Central High Atlas. Rising to 4167m at the well known Mount Toubkal, the Central High Atlas mountain range has 6 peaks over 4000m (The remaining peak is Irhil Mgoun 4078m to the N.E.)and a whole host of 3000m peaks. The whole Atlas range runs in a WSW - ENE line, stretching from Agadir on the coast of Morocco right through the top of Algeria, eventually petering out in Tunisia! However, the Central High Atlas is a core of high mountains near Marrakech. By MattHC at SummitPost.
• Moroccan High Atlas Winter Mountaineering. For those looking for a winter mountaineering fix, the Moroccan High Atlas range offers a very different experience compared with the often fickle UK winter climbing conditions. Coupled with the contrasting North African Arabic/Berber culture, a winter climbing trip to Morocco is much more than just big mountains and technical routes. By Thomas Skelhon at UKC Climbing on 2015-04.

Anti-Atlas ranges

SW part of Atlas Mountains. Desolate world of rocky outcrops and lunar landscapes where the contrasts are extreme. Most of the land is dry and barren, but water gathers and runs in some remote places, forming clear basins. The summits of the Anti-Atlas reach average heights of 2500–2700m, with a few peaks reaching higher. Most of the better known rock climbing destinations such as Tafraout and Todra are located in Anti-Atlas.

Todra Gorge and Taghia Gorges, as well as Tafraoute have gained some popularity among foreign climbers. Particularly as a autumn-winter-spring destination.

• Broadbent, Stephen: Moroccan Anti-Atlas North - Rock Climbing on the North Side of Jebel El Kest. Isbn: 9780956728807. Oxford Alpine Club, 2010.
• Broadbent, Steve: Tafraout - Rock Climbing in Morocco's Anti-Atlas. Isbn: 9780956728821. Oxford Alpine Club, 2013.
• Davies, Claude: Climbing in the Moroccan Anti-Atlas - Tafroute and Jebel El Kest (Climbing Guides Series). Isbn: 9781852844127. Cicerone Press Limited, 2004.
• Todra - Rock Climbing in the Todra Gorge. Isbn: 9780956728883. Oxford Alpine Club, 2015.
• Broadbent, Steve: Tafraout Pocket Guide - Afantinzar, Samazar and Tagzene Volume 3: Holiday Sun Rock in Morocco's Anti-Atlas. Isbn: 9780956728876. Oxford Alpine Club, 2014.
• Broadbent, Steve: Tafraout Pocket Guide - Tarakatine, Sidi M'zal, Idaougnidif and Jebel Taskra Volume 2: Holiday Sun Rock in Morocco's Anti-Atlas. Isbn: 9780956728869. Oxford Alpine Club, 2014.

• Climbing in Morocco - Gorges du Todra. By Nicolò Berzi at Planet Mountain.
• Taghia. Taghia, a little village on the northern side of the Central Atlas Mountains, sits at the confluence of three huge canyons (Akka n'Tazarte, Akka n'Taghia and Akka n'Kandate) each of which are ten kilometers long, 200 to 700 meters deep and sometimes as little as two meters wide. By Alain Bruzy at Alpinist on 2004-03-01.
• Taghia, Morocco. The stunning orange limestone walls of Taghia are known to visitors as having some of the greatest multi-pitch bolted routes anywhere. By Virgil Scott at UKC Climbing on 2009-08.

West Africa

As far as high mountain s and climbing goes, Western Africa is least known part of the continent. The highest peak is Mount Cameroon4070m (4040m).

• Guinea Highlands
• Niger River Area
• Cameroon Mountains The highest peak of Western Africa is Mount Cameroon (4040m). It is active isolated volcano that rises from the coast through tropical rainforest to a bare summit, which is cold, windy, and occasionally dusted with snow.
• Bight of Benin Bigh of Benin consists of mountaine ous islands of Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé. The highest peak of the area is Pico Basilé (3008m).
• West-Central Africa
• Massif de Bongos

Ethiopian Highlands

The Ethiopian Highlands is a rugged mass of mountains in Ethiopia in northeast Africa. It forms the largest continuous area of its elevation in the continent, with little of its surface falling below 1500m, while the summits reach heights of up to 4550m. It is sometimes called the Roof of Africa due to its height and large area. Most of the Ethiopian Highlands are part of central and northern Ethiopia, and its northernmost portion reaches into Eritrea. The highest part of Ethiopian Highlands is Semien Mountains in the north, culminating at Ras Dashan4550m (4550m). The southeastern portion's highest peaks are located in Bale Mountains, which rises to nearly as great altitude as Semien Mountains with peaks reaching above 4000m. Among these are Ethiopian Highlands (4337m), which is the second-highest peak in Ethiopia, and Ethiopian Highlands (4307m).

• Northwestern Ethiopion Highlands
  • Balta Mountains
  • Central Ethiopian Highland
  • Choqa Mountains
  • Denakil
  • Gurage Mountains
  • Kollo Massif
  • Lasta Massif
  • Salale Mountains
  • Semien Mountains The Semien Mountains are located in North-Western corner of Ethiopia and contain the country’s highest peaks. The tallest point is Ras Dashen (4543m), the fourth highest mountain in Africa. Other notable peaks are Biuat (4437m) and Abba Yared.
  • Tigray Mountains
• Southeastern Ethiopion Highlands
  • Arsi Mountains
  • Bale Mountains
  • Mount Gugu

• Climbing in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is part of the Horn of Africa, it is the oldest African independent country and it is 4.6 times larger than the UK . It covers 1.13 million Km², and has the second largest population of any African country. By Mandy Tee at UKC Climbing on 2015-02.

East Africa

The highest and by far the most famous peaks of the continent, Kilimanjaro (5895m) and Mount Kenya (5199m) are located in the eastern Africa. Both are free-standing peaks located outside of any real mountain range. Albeit probably unknown to most climbers, there are several other high peaks in Eastern Africa, which is by far most mountainous area of the continent with vast highlands. Most alpine mountain s of the continent are to be found on the Western side of Rift valley, particularly in Rwenzori (Mount Stanley, 5109m).

• Western Rift Valley Cluster of ranges located to the western edge of east African Rift valley.
  • Imatong Mountains The Imatong Mountains (also Immatong, or Matonge) are mainly located in southeastern South Sudan, and extend into the Northern Region of Uganda. Mount Kinyeti is the highest mountain of the range at 3187m, and the highest point of South Sudan.
  • Mitumba Mountains Mitumba Mountain range stretches along the Western Rift Valley in Eastern Congo (DRC), west of lake Tanganyika. The two main peaks, Mount Kahuzi (3308m) and Mount Biéga (2790m) are extinct volcanoes.
• Eastern Rift Valley Cluster of ranges located to the eastern edge of east African Rift valley.
  • Rwenzori Snow-capped range of Rwenzori (also spelled Rwenzori and Rwenjura) is located to the east of Lake Victoria, just north of equator. The highest peak of the range is Mount Stanley (5109m) with nearby Mount Speke and Mount Baker being the other major peaks of the range. The range is high enough to sport snow fields and glaciers despite its location almost squarely on the equator.
  • Virunga Mountains The Virunga Mountains (also known as Mufumbiro) are a chain of volcanoes in East Africa, along the northern border of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Uganda. The mountain range is a branch of the Albertine Rift Mountains, which border the western branch of the East African Rift. The mountain range consists of eight major volcanoes. Most of them are dormant, except Mount Nyiragongo (3462m) and Mount Nyamuragira (3063m). The highest peak of the range is Mount Karisimbi (4507m).
  • Burundi Highlands
• Central East Africa Plateau Central East Africa Plateau is located around Lake Victoria to the east of East African Rift. The highest peak is Mount Elgon (4321m). It is colcano with several possible treks/scrambles leading to the summit.
• East Central Kenya Mount Kenya (5199m) is tha main/sole attrfaction to climbers in East Central Kenya. Albeit lower than Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya has more to offer for climbers. While Kilimanjaro offers easy hiking trail to the highest summit, reaching the highest point of Mount Kenya requires technical rock or ice climbing. Most of the people visiting Mont Kenya don't go beyond the trail end at Point Lenana (4985m). Besides rock routes, both Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya have several ice climbs, most famous of them Diamond Couloir and slightly easier Ice Windows on Mount Kenya.
• Northeast Tanzania Kilimanjaro offers easy hiking trail to the highest summit. Besides those, probably the best known climbing routes are Heim Glacier and Breach Wall Direct. Melting of the glaciers has deteriorated the conditions off all ice climbs in Africa.
• Southern Tanzania Lowest and least mountaineous part of east Africa. The highest peak is Mtorwi (2980m).

Mountain climbing in the Africa is dominated by two highest mountains, Kilimanjaro (5895m) and Mount Kenya (5199m). Both are free-standing peaks located outside of any real mountain range. Albeit lower, Mount Kenya has more to offer for climbers. While Kilimanjaro offers easy hiking trail to the highest summit, reaching the highest point of Mount Kenya requires technical rock or ice climbing. Most of the people visiting Mont Kenya don't go beyond the trail end at Point Lenana (4985m). Besides rock routes, both Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya have several ice climbs, most famous of them Diamond Couloir and slightly easier Ice Windows on Mount Kenya.

Both Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya are extremely popular among trekkers, although reaching true summit of Kenya requires technical rock climbing. Besides rock routes, both Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya have several ice climbs, most famous of them Diamond Couloir and slightly easier Ice Windows on Mount Kenya. On Kilimanjaro, probably the best known climbing routes are Heim Glacier and Breach Wall Direct. Melting of the glaciers has deteriorated the conditions off all ice climbs in Africa.

Best Climbing Months for rock climbs are January and February (dry season on South side) and August and September (dry season on North side). The best conditions for snow/ice on the south face occur between mid May and late October. Like all glaciers in Africa, those on Mount Kenya are in retreat. Because of this, the ice climbs are not in condition every year.

• East Africa map. Large scale physical map of East Africa. At World atlas. Free download printable political and physical maps of the world.

• East Africa Climbing Guide. Plenty of information about the mountains and routes. Includes the most significant mountains of Eastern Africa. A truly indespensible site.

Rwenzori

Snow-capped range of Rwenzori (also spelled Rwenzori and Rwenjura) is located to the east of Lake Victoria, just north of equator. The highest peak of the range is Mount Stanley5109m (5109m) with nearby Mount Speke4890m and Mount Baker4844m being the other major peaks of the range. The range is high enough to sport snow fields and glaciers despite its location almost squarely on the equator.

The range is very compact consisting of six main massifs:

• Mount Stanley Mount Stgan ley is the highest summit of the Ruwenzori Range ans well as the third highest in Africa (after Mounts Kilimanjaro and Kenya). The massif is located between Lake Albert (Lake Mobutu Sese Seko) to the north and Lake Edward to the south on the Congo (Kinshasa)–Uganda border. The massif has multiple summikts of which Margherita Peak is the highest.
• Mount Speke
• Mount Baker Massif separated from Mount Stanley by Scott Elliot pass (4372m).
• Mount Emin
• Mount Gessi
• Mount Luigi di Savoia

Due to significant height and, alpine nature and exotics would no doubt attract climbers, but unfortunately since Uganda's independence from the British Empire, the Rwenzori Mountains have repeatedly become sanctuaries to rebel groups, thus keeping the range practically out of bounds for alpinists.

East Central Kenya

Mount Kenya (5199m) is tha main/sole attrfaction to climbers in East Central Kenya. Albeit lower than Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya has more to offer for climbers. While Kilimanjaro offers easy hiking trail to the highest summit, reaching the highest point of Mount Kenya requires technical rock or ice climbing. Most of the people visiting Mont Kenya don't go beyond the trail end at Point Lenana (4985m). Besides rock routes, both Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya have several ice climbs, most famous of them Diamond Couloir and slightly easier Ice Windows on Mount Kenya.

• Allan, Iain: Guide to Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, 5Rev Ed edition. Isbn: 978-9966985606. African Books Collective, 1991.
• Burns, Cameron M.: Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Isbn: 9781871890983. Menasha Ridge Press, 1998.

Northeast Tanzania

Kilimanjaro offers easy hiking trail to the highest summit. Besides those, probably the best known climbing routes are Heim Glacier and Breach Wall Direct. Melting of the glaciers has deteriorated the conditions off all ice climbs in Africa.

• Allan, Iain: Guide to Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, 5Rev Ed edition. Isbn: 978-9966985606. African Books Collective, 1991.
• Burns, Cameron M.: Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Isbn: 9781871890983. Menasha Ridge Press, 1998.

Southern Africa

general

While not having any giants like Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya, southern part of Africa also has several mountain ranges. The highest ranges are found Drakensberg (culminating at Thabana Ntlenyana, 3482m), Mulanje massif (Sapitwa Peak, 3002) and in the island of Madagaskar. That said the beast known climbing in the southern part of the continent is certainly to be found in the rock faces of iconic Table Mountain (1087m), close to Cape Town.

• Mulanje massif Mulanje is a large granite massif in Malawi, a small African nation, situated snugly between southern Tanzania, northeastern Zambia, and Northern Mozambique. The massif rises abruptly from the surrounding plain, and reaches its highest point of 3002m in Sapitwa Peak. Mulanje has a well organized system of trails and huts, leading through forests of large cedar trees.
• Drakensberg Drakensberg is a major escarpment of South Africa, stretching for hundreds of miles along the southeastern edge of the vast interior plateau. For much of their length, the mountains are capped by a thick layer of basaltic lava, which has been heavily eroded over the centuries, leaving a bewildering assortment of rugged blocks and pinnacles. Erosion has caused the isolation of many free-standing rock peaks, excellent for rock climbing. The mountains are typically covered with snow and ice in Winter. The highest peaks and most spectacular scenery are found in a compact area along the 90-mile boundary between Lesotho and Natal provinces. Here crags and pinnacles tower above sandstone foothills and rolling grasslands. Some of the more popular climbing peaks are Mont-aux-Sources (3282m), Monk's Cowl (3234m) and Cathedral Peak (3004m).
• Cape Town Large and flat-topped Table mountain (1087m) is located southwestern corner of Africa, close to Cape Town. Its deeply scarred and craggy sandstone cliffs are one of the most popular climbs in the world, and there are over 500 documented routes to the top, many of them serious technical climbs.

South Africa has been known for bouldering and some sport climbing, but during the recent years larger scale rock climbing has become somewhat exposed to the world. One of the better known rock climbing venues is Large and flat-topped Table mountain (1087m) is located southwestern corner of Africa, close to Cape Town. Its deeply scarred and craggy sandstone cliffs are one of the most popular climbs in the world, and there are over 500 documented routes to the top, many of them serious technical climbs.

• South Africa map. Large scale physical map of South Africa. At World atlas. Free download printable political and physical maps of the world.

• The Mountain Club of South Africa
• Rocklands trad climbing for James Pearson and Caroline Ciavaldini. From 19 June to 9 July James Pearson and Caroline Ciavaldini travelled to South Africa to check out the trad climbing at Rocklands. By Planetmountain at Planet Mountain on 2014-07-18.
• Africa Fusion Film. Alex Honnold (USA) and Hazel Findlay (UK) head to Southern Africa for an experience of a lifetime. By Fresh Rock Films at Rollo mixed on 2015-02-24.
• South Africa's Best Dispatch 5.13 Big Wall. Amid thunderstorms on November 24-25, Clinton Martinengo, Charles Edelstein and Stewart Middlemiss established the most difficult big wall line in South Africa on Blouberg North's main cliff, a thousand-foot-high and mile-wide quartzite wall in the Limpopo Province. By Erik Lambert at Alpinist on 2007-12-23.
• Culture of South African Alpinism. Does one exist? This was a questioned posed to a South African Mountain Guides Association (SAMGA) representative by a member of a very respected international climbing authority in recent times. By Rob Powell at ClimbZA on 2013-07-27.
• Waterval Boven: South Africa's Sport Climbing Mecca. Driving up a pot-holed dirt track in the middle of the night, eyes out on stalks, wondering if we've taken a wrong turn and with the rest of the team tense and silent in the back of a Fiat Punto - accessing African crags can be quite a challenge! It’s a very bumpy final 7km to the clearing and a welcome sign saying Tranquilitas Farm. Congratulations, you've made it to South Africa's climbing Mecca – Boven! By Sam Hamer at UKC Climbing on 2015-04.

Mulanje massif

Mulanje is a large granite massif in Malawi, a small African nation, situated snugly between southern Tanzania, northeastern Zambia, and Northern Mozambique. The massif rises abruptly from the surrounding plain, and reaches its highest point of 3002m in Sapitwa Peak. Mulanje has a well organized system of trails and huts, leading through forests of large cedar trees.

Drakensberg

Drakensberg is a major escarpment of South Africa, stretching for hundreds of miles along the southeastern edge of the vast interior plateau. For much of their length, the mountains are capped by a thick layer of basaltic lava, which has been heavily eroded over the centuries, leaving a bewildering assortment of rugged blocks and pinnacles. Erosion has caused the isolation of many free-standing rock peaks, excellent for rock climbing. The mountains are typically covered with snow and ice in Winter. The highest peaks and most spectacular scenery are found in a compact area along the 90-mile boundary between Lesotho and Natal provinces. Here crags and pinnacles tower above sandstone foothills and rolling grasslands. Some of the more popular climbing peaks are Mont-aux-Sources (3282m), Monk's Cowl (3234m) and Cathedral Peak (3004m).

The highest peak is Thabana Ntlenyana, at 3482m. Other notable peaks include Mafadi (3450m), Makoaneng (3416m), Njesuthi (3408m), Champagne Castle (3377m), Giant's Castle (3315m), Ben Macdhui (3001m) and Popple Peak (3331m), all of these are in the area bordering on Lesotho. Another popular area for hikers is Cathedral Peak. North of Lesotho the range becomes lower and less rugged until entering Mpumalanga where the quartzite mountains of the Transvaal Drakensberg are loftier and more broken and form the eastern rim of the Transvaal Basin, the Blyde River Canyon lying within this stretch. The geology of this section is the same as and continuous with that of the Magaliesberg.

Cape Town

Large and flat-topped Table mountain (1087m) is located southwestern corner of Africa, close to Cape Town. Its deeply scarred and craggy sandstone cliffs are one of the most popular climbs in the world, and there are over 500 documented routes to the top, many of them serious technical climbs.

Indian Ocean islands

Madagascar is a large island in the Indian ocean, 380km off the southeast coast of Africa. Its narrow coastal plain rises to a high mountainous plateau in the island's center. The mountains' granite peaks rise above grasslands and cultivated slopes and valleys. Highest mountains are Maromokotro (2876m), Ankaratara (2643m) and Pic Boby (2658m). Towns and villages are scattered throughout the mountains, predominantly inhabited by native islanders known as the Malagasy. Also Réunion Island has high mountains.

• North Indian Ocean Islands Socotra High Point (1503m)
• Mozambique Channel The highest peak on Mozambique Channel is Kartala (Karthala, 2361m). It is the southernmost and larger of the two shield volcanoes forming Grande Comore island, the largest island in the nation of Comoros. The Karthala volcano is very active, having erupted more than 20 times since the 19th century.
• Madagaskar Madagascar is a large island in the Indian ocean, 380km off the southeast coast of Africa. Its narrow coastal plain rises to a high mountainous plateau in the island's center. The mountains' granite peaks rise above grasslands and cultivated slopes and valleys. Highest mountains are Maromokotro (2876m), Ankaratara (2643m) and Pic Boby (2658m). Towns and villages are scattered throughout the mountains, predominantly inhabited by native islanders known as the Malagasy. Also Réunion Island has high mountains.
• Mascarene Islands The Mascarene Islands or Mascarenes or Mascarenhas Archipelago is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar consisting of the islands belonging to the Republic of Mauritius as well as the French department of Réunion. Réunion is home to the highest peaks in the Mascarenes, the shield volcanoes Piton des Neiges (3069 m) and Piton de la Fournaise (2525 m). Piton de la Fournaise, on the southeastern corner of Réunion, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, erupting last in 2019.
• South Indian Ocean Islands The highest peak of the are is Big Ben (also Big Ben Peak, Old Ben Mountain, Emperor William Peak and Kaiser Wilhelm-Berg, 2745m) dominating he geography of Heard Island in the southern Indian Ocean.

Madagaskar

Madagascar is a large island in the Indian ocean, 380km off the southeast coast of Africa. Its narrow coastal plain rises to a high mountainous plateau in the island's center. The mountains' granite peaks rise above grasslands and cultivated slopes and valleys. Highest mountains are Maromokotro (2876m), Ankaratara (2643m) and Pic Boby (2658m). Towns and villages are scattered throughout the mountains, predominantly inhabited by native islanders known as the Malagasy. Also Réunion Island has high mountains.

• Big new route on Africa's hardest granite. Ondra Benes and Tomas Sobotka from the Czech Republic recently combined forces with Austrians Harald Berger and Florian Scheimpflug to complete a big new route in Madagascar's Tsaranoro Massif. By Lindsay Griffin at Alpinist on 2006-11-28.
• Big Wall Free Climbing in Africa's Yosemite. The British team of John and Anne Arran, Gaz Parry, Giles Cornah and Jerry Gore was one of the groups on the scene, as was the French-Polish team of Pierre Muller, Denis Roy, Marie-Claire Hourcade and David Kaszlikowski. All managed notable outings on some of the finest routes of the Massif. By David Kaszlikowski & Jerry Gore at Alpinist on 2006-11-28.
• Madagascar - Tsaranoro. The huge granite walls of Tsaranoro have been a popular adventure climbing destination since the late 1990's. By Jack Geldard at UKC Climbing on 2010-10.

Mountains

North Africa

Atlas Mountains

High Atlas

Toubkal Atlas

West High Atlas

Tell Atlas

Djurdjura Range

Akouker

Sahara

Tibesti Mountains

Marra Mountains

Hoggar Mountains

West Africa

Cameroon Line

Ethiopian Highlands

Ethiopian Highland

Semien Mountains

East Africa

Surrounding East African Rift

Kilimanjaro

Mount Kenya

Mount Meru

Mount Elgon

Surrounding Western Rift Valley

Rwenzori

Mount Stanley

Mount Speke

Mount Baker

Virunga Mountains

Southern Africa

Cape Town

Indian Ocean islands

Mascarene Islands

Réunion