How Does Kilimanjaro Rank in Height Globally?

Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, is Africa’s tallest peak and an iconic freestanding mountain. But where does it stand in global, continental, and Seven Summits rankings? Let’s explore how its height is measured and delve into its significance.

How Height is Determined

Mountain altitude is measured as the height above sea level to the summit. Modern tools like GPS and satellite imagery allow for precise measurements, replacing older methods like barometric pressure calculations and triangulation. Kilimanjaro’s altitude of 5,895 meters is widely recognized and consistent across measurements.

Though altitude rankings are the most common, mountains are sometimes ranked by “prominence,” which measures height relative to surrounding terrain. Kilimanjaro is exceptional in prominence as the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, soaring from the plains with no surrounding range.

Kilimanjaro’s Continental Ranking

In Africa, Kilimanjaro is unmatched in height, claiming the title of the continent’s tallest mountain. It rises significantly above:

Mount Kenya: 5,199 meters (17,057 feet)
Mount Stanley: 5,109 meters (16,763 feet).

This dominance has made Kilimanjaro an enduring symbol of Africa’s natural beauty and a centerpiece for adventure tourism.

Kilimanjaro Among the Seven Summits

The Seven Summits, representing the tallest peaks on each continent, are a prized challenge for mountaineers. Kilimanjaro ranks fourth in height among these peaks:

Mount Everest (Asia): 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet)
Aconcagua (South America): 6,961 meters (22,837 feet)
Denali (North America): 6,190 meters (20,310 feet)
Kilimanjaro (Africa): 5,895 meters (19,341 feet)
Mount Elbrus (Europe): 5,642 meters (18,510 feet)
Vinson Massif (Antarctica): 4,892 meters (16,050 feet)
Mount Kosciuszko (Australia): 2,228 meters (7,310 feet) (or Puncak Jaya at 4,884 meters on the alternate list).

Its relatively non-technical ascent and stunning ecosystems make Kilimanjaro a popular entry point for climbers pursuing the Seven Summits.

Kilimanjaro’s Global Ranking

Globally, Kilimanjaro is far from the tallest peak. The Himalayas, Karakoram, and Andes dominate the rankings with hundreds of summits exceeding its altitude. Examples include:

Mount Everest (Asia): 8,848.86 meters
Aconcagua (South America): 6,961 meters
Chimborazo (South America): 6,263 meters
Cotopaxi (South America): 5,897 meters (slightly taller than Kilimanjaro).

While there is no definitive global ranking due to variations in databases, Kilimanjaro ranks approximately 200th–250th among the tallest mountains worldwide. Most higher peaks are located in the Himalayas, Karakoram, Andes, and other major ranges.

Conclusion

Mount Kilimanjaro stands as Africa’s tallest mountain, the fourth highest among the Seven Summits, and approximately 200th–250th globally in altitude. While it doesn’t rank near the world’s giants like Everest or Aconcagua, its prominence as a freestanding peak and its cultural, ecological, and symbolic significance make it one of the most celebrated mountains on Earth.