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Tanzania's Elevation: From Sea Level to Kilimanjaro's Summit

Tanzania's topography spans one of Africa's most dramatic elevation ranges.

Extremes

  • Lowest point: Sea level (0 m) – Indian Ocean coastline (800+ km)
  • Highest point: 5,895 m (19,341 ft) – Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and highest free-standing mountain on Earth

Major Elevation Zones

Climate Implications

  • Coast: Tropical, humid (25–30°C)
  • Plateau: Temperate, distinct wet/dry seasons
  • Highlands: Cool, frost possible >3,000 m; Kilimanjaro has permanent glaciers (retreating rapidly)

This extreme relief drives Tanzania's biodiversity, agriculture zones, tourism icons, and climate vulnerability.

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    ZoneElevation RangeKey Features
    Coastal Plain0–200 mDar es Salaam, Tanga, Zanzibar/Pemba islands; mangroves, coral reefs
    Eastern Arc Mountains500–2,500 mAncient forests, endemic species (Uluguru, Usambara, Udzungwa)
    Central Plateau1,000–1,500 mDodoma (capital), savanna, agriculture
    Northern Volcanic Highlands1,500–4,500 mKilimanjaro, Meru (4,566 m), Ngorongoro Crater (2,200 m rim)
    Southern Highlands1,500–2,900 mMbeya, Tukuyu; tea, coffee, temperate crops
    Western Rift Valley773 m (Lake Tanganyika)Deep rift lake, Mahale/Gombe parks (chimpanzees)