Best of Mountaineering - Africa / Middle East / South Pacific / Antarctica

This mix of regions is home to only a few mountains worthy of first class mountaineering. You have to go to the extreme corners of these already desolate regions, but when you find what you are looking for you won't be disappointed. Africa has the stunning Mt. Kenya and Kilimanjaro, both moderate climbs in a fantastic setting. The South Pacific mostly lacks a good climb until you come to New Zealand of course. Antarctica, although rarely visited by non-scientists, has several highly technical peaks that are only starting to be explored.

1. Mt. Kilamanjaro, Tanzania

   The perfect snow capped cone of Kilimanjaro is receding fast, so climb Africa's highest peak before it is gone.

2. Carstensz Pyramid, Papua New Guinea

   The snow covered, 4884 meter Carstensz Pyramid is the highest peak in Oceania. You can get to the base camp, from where you will have a 12-15 hour ascent, by a 5-7 day trek or a short helicopter ride.

3. Mount Vinson, Antarctica

   It's only 4897 meters above sea level, but Mount Vinson is the highest peak on the entire Antarctic continent. The extreme cold and wind add to the technical element of the climb, making it just as tough as trip to Nepal.

4. Mount Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea

   Papua New Guinea's 4509 meter Mount Wilhelm is the most popular mountain for climbers in the country, who are welcome to stay in National Parks huts.

5. Mount Aspiring, New Zealand

   With a name like Mount Aspiring, this 3,027 meter peak was destined to be one of the country's favorite climbs. Often called the Matterhorn of the south.

6. Mount Cook, New Zealand

   Mount Cook, also known as Äoraki in Maori, can be ascended via three different routes of varying grades. The 3,754 meter peak is the highest in New Zealand.

7. Mount Tutoko, New Zealand

   This 2,746 meter mountain sits in New Zealand's wonderful Fjordland National Park. The granite mountain rises directly out of the ocean and rainforest, allowing for specatacular views from the summit.

8. Mount Damavand, Iran

   The 5,671 meter summit of Mount Damavand in Iran's Alborz Range is one of the worlds most mysterious. The peak isn't overly technical though, making it a good training mountain for higher peaks elsewhere in the world.

9. Mt. Kenya

   At 5199 meters, this is Africa's second highest peak. There are three summits, some easier than others.

10. Mount Cameroon, Cameroon

    The summit of Africa's highest active volcano and the highest peak in all of West Africa can be reached in a 3-4 day climb.