Tanzania Hiking safari.

Hiking in Tanzania is one of the thrilling adventure activities that take you right from the continent’s tallest peak and the world’s tallest free–standing snow-aped volcano, Kilimanjaro to the ancient ranges of Ngorongoro conservation area, Mahale Mountains, Usambara, Meru among others.

Tanzania offers remarkable mountaineering and hiking safaris that take you through craters, volcanoes, and high plateaus.

The hikes in Tanzania also take you through the country’s fascinating national parks that offer ecstatic views of the wild animals, lush valleys, lovely villages, and captivating rainforests as well as the mountain slopes.

Tanzania is a famous trekking and hiking destination, known for being home to Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Standing at 5,895m, Mount Kilimanjaro attracts trekkers from around the globe who attempt to reach the ‘Roof of Africa’.

Hiking trails meander through several national parks, past lively villages and once-powerful kingdoms to the slopes of Tanzania’s highest mountains, offering paradisiacal views over verdant valleys sloping down to the plains.

With your hiking shoes, you will step into Africa’s rhythms and discover Tanzania’s majestic hikes.
Where to go for mountain trekking in Tanzania

MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREK

The mountain enthusiast with passion, determination, and ambitions to climb the seven summits, hiking Kilimanjaro will no doubt be on your bucket list.

Well known as the ‘Roof of Africa,’ Kilimanjaro is the continent’s highest mountain and the world’s highest free-standing peak, topping out at 5895m (19,341ft).

Hikers gather at the gates to Kilimanjaro National Park (which gate will depend on your chosen route), and the trek usually kicks off with jovial songs and dances after the official signing in.

The porters and guides come from local communities, and they know the hike requires both physical strength and mental endurance, so they call upon the mountain’s spiritual keepers for strength before setting off.

Several routes and a few trails are leading to the summit – known as Uhuru Peak, meaning ‘freedom’ in Kiswahili.

The common routes are the Marangu and Rongai easiest. The Lemosho route which takes up to nine days is probably the most scenic trail but it’s also one of the most challenging.

All the routes meander through five climatic zones, from lush evergreen forests, moorlands, and dense shrublands to arid land populated only by dull-colored rocks.

As you climb higher, the scattered rocks give way to alpine deserts, as you make your way to the snow-capped zenith.
While meandering around the mountain, you come across curious monkeys along your route, and a few mountaineers have spotted cape buffalo, eland, leopard, and elephants among others.

MOUNT MERU TREK.

Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4566m located in Arusha national park.

A hike to Mount Merus’ summit is a challenging but immensely rewarding hike with unique views and stunning scenery.
Mount Merus’ hike offers a lovely view of giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, elands, and magnificent birds.

The top summit of Mount Meru gives panoramic views of the dramatic landscape, as you wander along the edge of the crater rim with beautiful sunrises and magical views of Kilimanjaro and the world.

Mount Meru is located in Arusha National Park, all hiking experiences are guided by game rangers who provide protection from wild animals and also give information on the various birds, plants, and animals.

Mount Meru can be hiked within 4 days through the steep mountains, altitude, and utter escarpment until the top of the summit.

MOUNT LONGIDO HIKE

Mount Longido is a rocky peak (2,629m) in the Mount Longido Forest Reserve about a 1.5-hour drive from Arusha.

The climb is pretty demanding and steep with more than 1300 meters of incline to ascend through the forest to reach the summit.

With lots of sun exposure and no drinking water available along the route, this is one of the tougher hikes in Tanzania that requires hikers to carry all their equipment, water, and food for the journey.

The sunset and sunrise are truly incredible above the clouds as you look towards Tanzania on one side and Kenya on the other.
From walking through the mystical jungle forest to enjoying sunrise and sunset at the rocky summit was a life-changing experience.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro crater highlands offer shallower and wide-open slopes up the volcano.

Ngorongoro Crater is home to the highest density of wildlife in Africa, thus on your hike, you will encounter astonishing views of buffaloes, lions, eland, zebra, giraffes, gazelles, and black rhinos among others.

The Ngorongoro comprises rugged terrain ranging from steep escarpments and verdant rims to dense forests and panoramic volcanic peaks.

It offers a day hike up to Makarot (3,130m). The Ngorongoro hike is a rewarding one with the views of the calderas’ vast landscapes and grasslands.

The trek takes you through the beautiful grassy peaks, Olmoti Crater, spectacular Empakaai Crater Lake.
Hiking the Ngorongoro conservation area is quite easy but requires one to be in good physical and mental shape.

OL DOINYO LENGAI

Ol Doinyo Lengai, also known as the ‘Mountain of God’ in the Maasai language, is the only active volcano in Tanzania and the third-highest peak in the country. Located in the Gregory Rift, which is just south of the nearby Lake Natron in the Arusha region of Tanzania.

The peak reaches 2,962m and is an interesting geological destination with the carbonatite rock derived from magma, a unique feature in this region.

The hike takes 6-10 hours, and the summit attempt often begins in the middle of the night to reach the peak of the volcano trekking up steep deep sand and loose rocks.

This early start is to enjoy the sunrise from the summit and to avoid the harsh heat of the region.

The hike offers unforgettable views of the mighty Serengeti plains, Lake Natron, and dramatic scenery and like any other hike, physical fitness, comfortable hiking shoes, and plenty of drinking water among others.

UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS

The Udzungwa Mountains have tracts of rainforests that sweep across rolling hills and highlands, thunderous waterfalls, and various endemic plant species.

The mountains are home to primate species, wildlife, and bird species which can be encountered during the exciting hikes.

The most recommendable hikes in the Udzungwa Mountains are the hikes to Mwanihama peak (2080m) which takes up to 3 days.

The hike offers magnificent views of the bamboo landscapes and Sanje Falls.
Another hike is a 6-day trail which is a bit challenging and goes up to Luhombero Peak which requires physical fitness.

NGARE SERO WATERFALLS HIKE

The ‘Mountain of God’ Ol Doinyo Lengai also looms in the background and is the third most popular mountain to climb in Tanzania.

However, hidden in the depths of the Ngare Sero Gorge is the hidden gem of the region with a series of stunning waterfalls.

It might be hard to believe in the heat of the plains but this refreshing micro-adventure was one of my favorite activities in the Lake Natron region.

The trek is short but very interesting from the first moment as you spend the entire route inside the gorge. Wading through hip-high water at times this is quite a fun adventure although still very moderate and easy for most to handle.

The waterfalls at the end of the gorge are the perfect spot to cool down after your Ol Doinyo Lengai hike.

USUMBARA MOUNTAINS

The Usambara Mountains are one of the hidden gems of Tanzania located between Mount Kilimanjaro and the northeastern coast of the country in Moshi town.

The Usambara Mountains are a rich biodiversity hotspot with lush forests, incredible weeping hills, valleys, cliffs, and mountain ranges, a network of local villages, and rare wildlife such as chameleons.

The lush green ranges with cool climates offer thrilling hiking trails with a combination of cultural safaris.
Lushoto is the main town in the region and acts as the entry point to the mountains.

It’s here that the hiking journey begins to Mtae, passing through villages and jungle forests. Usambara is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Tanzania.

In conclusion

Tanzania is a stunning country with majestic destinations that offer exceptional hiking experiences that maintain the physical fitness of the body.