Trekking and hiking are the best way to experience the wonders of the stunning mountainous areas of Tanzania and to absorb the wonderful nature and beautiful views. With breathtaking scenery, rugged mountains, diverse vegetation and the unique cultural backdrops, Tanzania fascinates young and old visitors of every level of fitness and experience.
Mount Kilimanjaro grabs most of the headlines, with thousands of hikers taking the challenge to reach the roof of Africa each year. But, beyond that popular peak, Tanzania has incredible, lesser-known hiking and trekking possibilities that are all worth trying. Before setting off on your Tanzania adventure, keep in mind that all of the hikes will require a good level of fitness, and plenty of water to keep you hydrated in the hot, dry climate. All treks and hikes should be done with a guide and sometimes with a company of an armed ranger.
Hiking in Tanzania does not appear in common safari itineraries. Should you be looking for an active vacation, arranging a day trek is easy and more fun. We have compiled a list of the mountains in Tanzania that provide the most breathtaking views.
Mount Kilimanjaro day hike
The highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro is 5,985m, and it can take around a week to climb to the summit, but a day tour to this iconic, snow-capped mountain will give you an excellent taster of why Africa’s highest peak is so popular. This adventure is perfect if you travel with children who are not ready for the full hike yet, or if your holiday is too short but you still want to enjoy the trip. You will follow the popular Marangu Route.
Your day tour begins after breakfast at your hotel/lodge. A professional mountain guide will arrive at the hotel in the morning to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro National Park’s eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,046 f)). After the quick formality of registering the climbing permits and registering with the rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2,700 m/8,858 ft ). The trekking route includes a passage through the rainforest where tropical showers are highly probable, so we recommend taking raincoats. When you reach the camp, you will be provided with lunch-boxes.
As other trekkers continue upwards, bound for the summit, you will start your descent down to the exit of the park – Marangu gate. There the driver will pick you up and drive you to your hotel/lodge.
Mount Meru day hike
Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and is located in the beautiful Arusha National Park, next to the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. You walk with your own guide through the woods at the foot of Mt. Meru. It is a beautiful, sleeping volcano with fertile slopes and has a height of 4,566 meters. This is a very nice walk with a view of Arusha town and the long Maasai steppes.
Your day tour begins after breakfast at your hotel/lodge. A professional mountain guide will arrive at the hotel in the morning to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro National Park’s eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,046 f)). After the quick formality of registering the climbing permits and registering with the rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2,700 m/8,858 ft ). The trekking route includes a passage through the rainforest where tropical showers are highly probable, so we recommend taking raincoats. When you reach the camp, you will be provided with lunch-boxes.
As other trekkers continue upwards, bound for the summit, you will start your descent down to the exit of the park – Marangu gate. There the driver will pick you up and drive you to your hotel/lodge.
Ngorongoro Crater Highlands
The highlands of Ngorongoro Crater offers an ultimate nature walk to its craters of Olmoti, Empakai and the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. The best of Ngorongoro highlands hiking tours offers panorama views of all the areas around the world’s nature wonder “The Ngorongoro Crater”. There is no intense altitude change when trekking through the Crater highlands unlike climbing Kilimanjaro or Mt Meru, it is just a lot of uphill and downhill walking. This is for all Nature lovers ! It is a thrilling experience.
Ngorongoro Crater Highlands hike is a very good way to get out of the car without committing to a serious walk or trekking during your safari. This is an easy walk with no steep climbs, just a few gentle slopes.It offers you the feeling of isolation that comes from trekking in the African Bush. You are likely to see an array of bird species, wildlife and plants and flowers while enjoying spectacular views of the Crater floor below. An expert guide and armed ranger will accompany you during the walk to protect you from dangerous wildlife.A good time would be either early morning or in the evening after game viewing.
Usambara Mountains
The Usambaras consist of two mountain blocks; the smaller is the East Usambaras lying closer to the coast with slightly higher rainfall. This block is less populated and its primary attraction is the Amani Nature Reserves, approached from Muheza, with its botanical garden, butterfly farming, tea & spice plantations. The West Usambaras are separated from the East by a valley and are approached via the district centre of Lushoto.
This peaceful corner of Northern Tanzania is best experienced on a village to village trek. Explore Tanzania off the beaten track as you come along hillside farms nestled between the mountains and lush green rainforest. Experience the real farm life of Tanzania.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Mountains National Park in southern Tanzania covers more than 770 square miles (1990 sq. km). Udzungwa Mountains National Park Tanzania and other mountains collectively, are forming what is known as the Eastern Arc Mountains. The Eastern Arc Mountains are widely known for its treasure of endemic animal and plant species, most familiarly the delicate African violet. Udzungwa Mountain National Park Conservation has a chain of dozens of large forest-swathed mountains that rise from the flat coastal scrub of Eastern Tanzania and this is among the largest and biodiversity areas in the world. The park has many other mammals contrary to the known mammals of the Northern circuit. Udzungwa has the richest forest bird habitat in Tanzania.
Udzungwa National Park is located 65 km south of Mikumi National Park. With no roads entering Udzungwa National Park it is a paradise for hikers and backpackers alike. Numerous breath-taking day-hikes can be organized along with multiple day excursions into the dense rainforest or onto the high plateau. One beautiful trek is up to the Sanje River Waterfall, which plunges for 170 metres through the forest to the valley below. The view from the top is magnificent!
