Africa is generally associated with warm climates and tropical landscapes, but parts of East Africa offer a strikingly different environment where snow, glaciers and permanent ice can be found.
The unusual phenomenon occurs on some of the region’s highest mountains, where elevations several kilometres above sea level create temperatures low enough for snow and ice to persist despite the mountains’ proximity to the Equator.
Tanzania
Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises to 5,895 metres and is recognised as the highest mountain in Africa.
The mountain’s summit remains covered with snow and ice despite its location close to the Equator, while Tanzania’s national parks authority says Kibo, the highest peak of Kilimanjaro, has snow throughout the year.
Beyond its snow-covered summit, Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most recognisable natural landmarks, towering above the surrounding savannah.
Kenya
Kenya is another East African country where snow and glaciers can be found, particularly on Mount Kenya, the continent’s second-highest mountain at 5,199 metres.
Located along the Equator, Mount Kenya has glacier-covered peaks, although the glaciers have been shrinking rapidly over time.
According to UNESCO, the mountain has 12 remnant glaciers, making its icy summits an unusual feature in a region largely associated with tropical conditions.
Uganda
Uganda also has snow-covered peaks despite its predominantly tropical climate, with the Rwenzori Mountains in the western part of the country providing one of the region’s best-known examples.
The mountain range includes Mount Margherita, which reaches 5,109 metres and ranks as Africa’s third-highest peak.
UNESCO describes the Rwenzori Mountains as a range of snow-capped mountains and glaciers located only a few kilometres from the Equator.
The mountains are situated in western Uganda close to the country’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Why snow occurs near the Equator
The presence of snow in these countries is primarily explained by altitude rather than the general climate of the surrounding areas.
As elevation increases, temperatures generally decline, allowing snow and ice to remain on the highest mountain peaks even in tropical regions.
This explains why Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda can have warm conditions at lower elevations while their highest mountains support environments resembling those found in colder alpine regions.
For climbers and visitors who reach the upper slopes of these mountains, the landscape can therefore change dramatically from tropical vegetation to snow, glaciers and ice near the summits.
