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Trekking & Hiking in Tanzania

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Trekking & Hiking in Tanzania

Mountain Climbing in Tanzania

Trekking in Africa can take you to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, then allow time to unwind on safari offering a contrasting experience of close encounters with the best wildlife scenes on earth, before relaxing on beautiful white sandy beaches of Zanzibar to soak up the laidback Swahili culture after your mountain and safari experiences.

Tanzania is an especially great destination for those looking for an active holiday adventure and offers you the chance to experience waterfalls, nature, wildlife, spectacular scenery, wildlife from national parks, towns and villages which share a backdrop of towering mountains, vast savannah, caldera’s, craters or the Rift valley. Africa’s highest peak at 5895m or 19,341ft; Uhuru peak – Mount Kilimanjaro, is definitely one of the most popular options although there are many possibilities and off the beaten track locations as well.

Best Hiking & Trekking Destinations in Tanzania

In the country of the highest single standing mountain in the world, mountain climbers’ hearts beat faster. With breathtaking scenery, rugged mountains, diverse vegetation in front of unique cultural backdrops Tanzania fascinates visitors young and old alike. Our various trekking routes offer hiking fun for everyone, for every level of fitness and experience.

1. MT. KILIMANJARO

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most sought after peaks in the world. While it is a tough hike, and should not be underestimated, it is not a technical climb. Trekking to the summit of Kili takes 6-8 days, and it’s important you choose your route carefully, and understand the limitations and risks of trying to do the hike on a budget. There are also multi-day hikes in Western Kilimanjaro on the plains that are inhabited by the Maasai. These treks are much shorter and more suited to smaller budgets.

2. MT. MERU - Kilimanjaro’s little brother

Mount Meru, might not come with the same bragging rights, but it’s still a fantastic hike. It’s actually a bit more technical than Kilimanjaro, but still suitable for those without technical climbing knowledge. It’s smaller than Kilimanjaro, so altitude sickness is not as much of an issue, and it is also much cheaper to climb. Many experienced climbers actually choose to climb Mount Meru in preparation for Kilimanjaro, but it also works great as a standalone adventure. The slopes of Mount Meru are full of fascinating wildlife.

3. OL DOINYO LENGAI - MOUNTAIN OF GOD

Ol Doinyo Lengai (2890 metres) is located some 240 kilometres to the northwest of Arusha town, along the western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, overlooking Lake Natron on the border with Kenya. Ol Doinyo Lengai, or Mountain of God in Maasai, is the only active volcano in Tanzania. The mountain can be climbed in 6 hours, affording breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley and volcanic formations in the Ngorongoro highlands as you get to the summit. It is an adventurous hike starting at dawn. Remember this is an active volcano, the mountain remains closed for climbing when we have eruptions.

4. USAMBARA MOUNTAINS

The Usambara Mountains are one of the hidden gems of Tanzania. A rich biodiversity hotspot with lush forests, incredible cliffs and mountain ranges, a network of local villages, and rare wildlife such as chameleons. Lushoto is the main town in the region and acts as the entry point to the mountains. It’s here that I began my journey as I trekked all the way to Mtae, passing through villages and forests throughout my 82-kilometer journey.