Mawenzi Mount

Mawenzi is one of the three volcanic cones of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. At 5,149 meters (16,893 feet), it is the second-highest peak of Kilimanjaro after Kibo and the third-highest peak in Africa. Mawenzi has rugged, sharp, and heavily eroded peaks, making it distinct from the smoother dome of Kibo. Its jagged ridges are a result of extensive weathering and erosion. The ascent is technical and requires mountaineering skills, unlike the more accessible routes to Kibo's Uhuru Peak. Mawenzi lies to the east of Kibo, with the two peaks connected by a high-altitude plateau known as the Saddle. Due to its elevation, Mawenzi is surrounded by alpine desert with sparse vegetation. However, the lower slopes feature more diverse ecosystems.