The Best Hiking Destinations in Tanzania

Exploring the Gems of Tanzania: The Best Hiking Destinations

Tanzania, a land of diverse landscapes and rich culture, offers a plethora of hiking destinations that cater to all types of hikers. From the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free-standing volcano with its snow-capped summit, to the chains of mountain ranges and vast plains, Tanzania stands out as a high-profile hiking destination in East Africa. Scenic rugged terrain, crater lakes, rocky summits, and a fascinating cultural backdrop set the stage for numerous challenging and adventurous trails, making it an enticing prospect for hiking enthusiasts.

Discovering the Finest Hiking Spots in Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro:

Dominating the skyline, Mount Kilimanjaro lures hikers from across the globe to Tanzania. The journey begins amidst lush banana plantations on the lower slopes, leading trekkers through dense rainforests and alpine meadows to the barren lunar landscapes of Kibo and Mawenzi summits. The final ascent to Uhuru Summit (5,895 m) involves navigating a slippery scree slope, rewarding hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the plains below. Although physically demanding due to its cold conditions and high altitude, the climb is non-technical, making it accessible to regular trekkers seeking a challenge. Mount Kilimanjaro boasts over eight possible hiking routes, each offering unique terrain, acclimatization profiles, scenery, and costs. Proper preparation and a licensed operator like Trek Africa Expeditions or local operators in Arusha and Moshi are essential for organizing your hiking adventure on Kilimanjaro.

Mount Meru:

Nestled in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru stands as Tanzania’s second-highest peak at an altitude of 4,566 meters. For those who have conquered Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is a worthy addition to their list of top hiking destinations in Tanzania. With adventure thrills, unique views, and breathtaking scenery at the ash cone summit and crescent volcano crater, Mount Meru offers a rewarding hiking experience. The trek begins in the grasslands and forested lower slopes, home to diverse wildlife, including zebras, warthogs, giraffes, buffalo, and leopards. The trail then ascends through beautiful meadows, culminating with a scenic walk along the knife edge of the crater rim. While not as challenging as Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru still presents steepness, sheer escarpments on the final ascent, and altitude effects, making it a rewarding and moderately challenging endeavor. Accompanied by a park ranger from Arusha National Park, the hike typically lasts four days and three nights, requiring a budget of approximately $800, covering park fees, permits, accommodation, and the support crew of rangers, guides, porters, and chefs.

Mount Longido Forest Reserve:

Approximately a two-hour drive north of Arusha lies Mount Longido, a rocky peak standing at 2,629 meters within the Mount Longido Forest Reserve. This less-traveled hiking destination in Tanzania offers a challenging and strenuous climb, ascending over 1,300 meters through the mystical forest to reach the summit. The trail provides a private off-the-beaten-path experience, culminating in a mesmerizing golden sunset at the rocky summit. The hike spans around 14 kilometers, taking approximately five hours for the ascent and three hours for the descent, making it feasible to complete in a single day. For those seeking a more extended adventure, camping at the summit is an option, offering the opportunity to relish incredible sunset and sunrise scenes. Due to its steep incline, rocky terrain, and overgrown shrubs in certain areas, Mount Longido requires moderate to high physical ability, making it a challenging hike for some.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area:

Located approximately 190 kilometers west of Arusha, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area boasts a diverse range of hiking trails amid its breathtaking scenery. The area’s shallow crater centerpiece teems with abundant wildlife, making it a top safari destination. Hiking in Ngorongoro unveils varied terrains, from steep escarpments and grassy ridges to dense forests and scenic volcanic peaks. Among the rewarding routes, an overnight hike to the grassy peak, shallow Olmoti crater, and breathtaking Empakaai crater lake stands out. Another option is the day-hike up Makarot peak at an elevation of 3,130 meters, offering expansive views of grasslands and vast landscapes. For more adventurous hikers, a five-day trek from Ngorongoro Crater’s northern edge, via Empakaai Crater, to the summit of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai is a memorable experience. All hikes start at the park entrance, necessitating payment of a day’s park entrance fees, and may require vehicle or donkey support to carry supplies due to the absence of infrastructure within the park. Planning a hike in Ngorongoro can be organized with reputable operators or Trek Africa Expeditions.

Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano:

Challenging and awe-inspiring, Lengai Volcano presents one of Tanzania’s most difficult hiking destinations. Hikers typically commence their journey from Lake Natron’s outskirts, embarking on a five to six-hour trek up Lengai, often beginning around midnight to witness epic sunrises from the summit. The trail involves navigating uphill terrain, sometimes on deep sand and other times on loose rock, demanding determination and physical fitness. For longer hikes, trekkers may opt for the Lengai-Empakai trail, a two or three-day journey starting from the Empakai rim, leading through forested rolling hills and plains, past remote villages, and offering unique cultural encounters along the way. Adequate preparation, fitness, and ample water supply are essential for the challenging trek, and camping and rest around Lake Natron are advisable before embarking on the hiking trail.

Udzungwa Mountains National Park:

A hidden gem nestled southwest of Dar es Salaam, Udzungwa Mountains National Park presents a remarkable hiking destination for nature enthusiasts seeking a more intimate experience. Thundering waterfalls, steep slopes, and unique primate, plant, and bird species add to the allure of the park’s scenic rainforests, rolling hills, valleys, mountains, and plunge pools. Although the basic infrastructure requires visitors to bring their own tents and supplies, the symphony of forest insects at night, the burbling of streams, and the stunning views of Kilombero plains make for a rewarding experience. Among the recommended hiking trails are the two-night, three-day hike up to Mwanihana Peak (2,080m) and the more challenging six-day trail to Luhombero Peak (2,579m). A budget of approximately $40 for guiding and park fees, along with additional expenses for food and supplies, is advised. To organize a longer hiking expedition, Trek Africa Expeditions can assist in planning the trip.

Usambara Mountains:

Nestled near the northeastern coast, the Usambara Mountains boast some of Tanzania’s most exhilarating landscapes. Offering a cultural immersion into weeping hills, mountains, valleys, farmland, and small village tribes, the Usambara Mountains are renowned for their enchanting hiking experiences. Numerous hikes of varying difficulty exist in the area, with the 2-3-day hike being a highlight due to its reasonable price and enchanting surroundings. Trekkers meander through vast tea plantations, cornfields, and small tribal villages, where cheerful faces and warm hospitality greet them. Eco-lodges at the base provide accommodation options, focusing on local guides who can lead visitors through the beautiful and unique nature reserve.

When to Go:

Tanzania’s hiking destinations offer remarkable experiences year-round due to the region’s tropical climate. However, the best time for hiking trails is during the dry season, spanning from late June to October and late December to early March. During the long rains from March to May, most trails become muddy and challenging, making hiking during this period less favorable.

Combining Adventure: Hiking and Gorilla Trekking in East Africa

For an unforgettable holiday exploring the richness of the East African region, Trek Africa Expeditions offers the opportunity to combine hiking adventures in Tanzania with the awe-inspiring gorilla trekking experience in Uganda or Rwanda. The blend of hiking and wildlife encounters promises an exceptional journey through East Africa’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

To begin planning your tailor-made adventure, reach out to us at [email protected] for a free quote. Embark on an exhilarating expedition that celebrates the best of Tanzania’s hiking destinations and the captivating allure of East Africa.