Home » Tanzania's Best Hiking Safaris - Kilimanjaro, Meru, and Beyond
Tanzania’s Best Hiking Safaris – Kilimanjaro, Meru, and Beyond
Tanzania hiking tours and Kilimanjaro Mountain climbing tours are simply amazing! Hiking in Tanzania is a very popular activity. There are so many unique hiking trails in Tanzania that you can explore. Most people recognize Tanzania for its great wildlife, large national parks, including one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Ngorongoro Crater, and its rich culture, but few know that some of the best hiking tours in Africa are found here. Hiking is one of the activities you should not miss while on your tour in Tanzania.
Mountain climbing and hiking in Tanzania offer a rewarding experience as they challenge you physically. The most popular hike in Tanzania is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest point in Africa. Are you ready for authentic physical challenges and nature-rewarding hikes? We arrange the best hiking tours in Tanzania to some of the country's greatest attractions, like Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest unspoiled magma volcano in the world, attracting thousands of adventurous hikers every year.
The hike commences in the valleys of banana plantations and proceeds through thickets, dense forested vegetation, and reaches the summits of Kibo and Mawenzi.
The hike is conducted with the assistance of a fully armed game ranger in case of any security threats during the adventure.
Porters are available to help with luggage
Mount Meru, the second-highest peak in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro, offers a magnificent scenic trek to the top.
Part of the northern Arusha National Park, all trekkers on Mount Meru are guided by mountain guides or rangers assigned to them at the entry points.
The hiking experience begins in prairies and lush forests on the mountain’s lower slopes, continuing through beautiful meadows and concluding with a dramatic and exhilarating walk along the knife-edge of Meru’s summit.
A full hiking expedition takes only six days to reach the summit, making it considered lighter than Kilimanjaro, which takes nine days.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Located in the Northern circuit of Tanzania, this conservation area covers about 3,200 sq.km.
It is home to savannah woodlands, grassland plains, volcanic crater lakes, forests, and plateaus.
Hiking the Ngorongoro Crater takes 4-5 days, passing through plains, forests, and savannah up to the summit while sighting the Maasai people.
The summit rewards hikers with beautiful landscapes and sightings of various animals, such as giraffes and buffaloes, among others.
Udzungwa Mountains
Termed a paradise for hikers, Udzungwa boasts some of Africa’s most outstanding scenery and wilderness with unique wildlife species.
Often referred to as the ‘Galapagos of Africa,’ it also features a striking waterfall.
Trails range from a 20-minute to a five-day hike, where you may spot many animals such as monkeys, elephants, different bird species, and lush forest plants.
Hikers are advised to bring their tents when trekking this mountain.
Hiking in the Udzungwa Mountains is possible year-round, but it is best done in the dry season from October to March.
From March to May, heavy rains can hinder hiking activities.
For more information about hiking and climbing tours in Tanzania, contact us for answers to your questions and to make bookings.
Best Hiking Trails in Tanzania
Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro Mountain, Mount Meru, Usambara Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains, Ngorongoro highlands among other highlands offering stunning and thrilling hiking opportunities to its visitors.
The best hiking trails in Tanzania include:
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes:
Machame route
Marangu route
Lemosho route
Northern Circuit route
Rongai route
Mawenzi route
Umbwe route
Shira route
Mount Meru:
Momella Route.
Ngorongoro Highlands trails:
Empakaai Crater
Olmoti crater
Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Usambara Mountains trail:
Lushoto to Amani Nature Reserve.
Udzungwa Mountains:
Sanje Waterfalls Trail
Lake Natron trail:
Engare Sero Waterfalls Trail
Ol Doinyo Lengai:
Mountain of God.
Whether you are climbing to the highest point in Africa on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro or trekking through the highlands of Ngorongoro, a trekking or hiking trip in Tanzania is an adventure worth taking on.
Tanzania offers stunning hiking opportunities in its mountain and highland areas from the roof of Africa at the top of Kilimanjaro Mountain, to Mount Meru, the 2nd highest mountain in Tanzania, to Ngorongoro highlands, Mahale Mountains, Usambara Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains among other areas.
Generally, the best time to go hiking in Tanzania especially on Kilimanjaro Mountain and Mount Meru is during the dry season in the months of late June to October and the dry months of late December to early March.
The dry season is characterized with;
Clear skies, making it easier to enjoy the stunning views from the summits.
Drier trekking / hiking trails making it easier for hikers to navigate.
Expect high tourist traffic on the trails especially on Mount Kilimanjaro
Hiking destinations in Tanzania include Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru, Udzungwa mountains, Usambara Mountains, Mahale mountains, Ngorongoro highlands, Uluguru mountains, Mount Longido, Gol mountains, Oldoninyo Lengai, Empakaai crater, Olmoti crater among other off the beaten track trails.
Top Hiking Destinations in Tanzania
Below are the top hiking destinations in Tanzania.
Hiking Gol Mountains in Tanzania
Gol Mountains are situated in the North-West of Ngorongoro within the larger Ngorongoro conservation area. The Gol mountains rise to a height of over 900 meters from the short-grass plains of Ngorongoro.
The surrounding areas of the Gol mountains teem with animals during the wet season (March – early June) which include wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, waterbucks, buffalos, topis among others.
The Gol mountains are infrequently visited but visitors to Ngorongoro conservation area can take on guided safari walks or hikes near the area and wildlife game drives.
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
Hiking the mighty Kilimanjaro Mountain takes you to the top of Africa at its highest peak, Uhuru peak (5,895m) on Kibo crater. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits of the world and considered among the easiest to summit as it does not require the use of technical equipment.
This has attracted many mountain climbers, hikers and mountain lovers to climb the Kilimanjaro. Nonetheless, the climb up to the summit should not be undermined because it can pose some challenges if one is not well prepared.
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is an amazing, thrilling and rewarding experience for those who get to make it to the summit.
Shorter day treks/hikes are available for those who do not have much time in Tanzania or those on a tight budget and would like experience the mighty mountain.
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro will have you go through different vegetation and climatic zones with each change in elevation / altitude. Starting from farmlands at the base of the mountain to lush rainforests (expect some wildlife encounters mostly primates and birds), moorlands, alpine desert and lastly, the snowcapped summit.
Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Routes
To get to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, you can take any of the several established routes on the mountain that approach the mountain from different directions.
Your choice of route plays a part in the success of your journey to Uhuru peak, therefore, choose a route with reference to your level of physical fitness and mental preparedness and level of experience in climbing mountains. Some routes are considered easier than others or more scenic. The choice is yours to make.
Northern Circuit route (only route that approaches the Kilimanjaro from the Northern side, closer to the Kenyan border)
Marangu route (only route with permanent hut accommodations)
Machame route (most popular route)
Shira route
Lemosho route (most scenic route)
Umbwe route (the shortest route and also considered the hardest because of its steep ascent)
Rongai route (considered as the easiest route)
Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro takes about 5-9 / 10 days depending on your choice of route.
The greater number of days you spend climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the higher your chances of reaching the summit. Hurray! What a great accomplishment.
Who can hike Mount Kilimanjaro
Anyone can literally hike Mount Kilimanjaro as along as they are mentally and physically prepared.
To hike Mount Kilimanjaro:
Employ the services of a reputable tour operator that will help you organize, book and plan for your Kilimanjaro experience or a Kilimanjaro trekking company with their own experienced Kilimanjaro trekking guides, porters and cooks that will be with you throughout your trek.
Choose the best route for you with your level of fitness and preparedness in mind so that you have higher chances of making it to the summit.
Acquire the required permits to allow you access the mountain as it is located within the Mt. Kilimanjaro national park.
Pack all the necessary equipment and supplies you will need during the trek like different layers of clothes, comfortable hiking boots, gloves, hiking poles, hydration bottle, headlamp / flashlight, personal portable first aid kit, sleeping bags, energy snacks, scarfs, sunglasses, sunhats, a day backpack among others.
Best time to hike Mount Kilimanjaro
The dry season that runs from June to October and the dry months from late December to early March. The climatic weather conditions are more favorable on Mount Kilimanjaro during the dry season.
Hiking Mount Meru in Tanzania
Hiking Mount Meru in Tanzania is a rewarding and challenging experience. Mount Meru is the 2nd highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro and the 5th highest peak in Africa.
Mt. Meru is located in Arusha National Park in North Tanzania. The mountain offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days and the surrounding landscape.
The hike up Mt Meru takes you through different landscapes, from lush green rainforests to thw cold alpine deserts. Expect to encounter some wildlife including monkeys, bushbucks, duikers, buffaloes and different bird species.
Most travelers use the hike to the summit of Mount Meru as an acclimatization hike before taking on the highest mountain in Tanzania and Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. This helps their bodies to adjust to the high altitudes thus increasing their chances of making it to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru hiking route
Momela route is the ascent and descent route on Mt Meru.
Takes 3 to 4 days to hike Mt Meru to the summit at 4,565 m and back.
Expect wildlife sightings on the first day of your hike on Mt Meru.
Accommodation options on the route include Miriakamba hut and Saddle hut.
Dormitory style huts.
To hike Mount Meru
Acquire trekking permits to hike Mt Meru as it is located within Arusha national park.
Employ the services of a reputable tour operator or mountain climbing company that will help you organize your Meru trekking experience.
It’s recommended to be in good physical shape and mental health as part of your prior preparations before attempting the hike Mt Meru.
Double check your packing list to make sure you have all the necessary hiking gear, including sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, layered clothing, a day backpack, hydration pack / water bottle, sandals or sneakers to wear around the hut, energy snacks and other hiking essentials.
You will be escorted by an armed park ranger guide on day 1 as you might encounter some wildlife.
Hiking Mt Meru is moderately hard, therefore, be ready for some hiking adventure o Tanzania’s second highest mountain.
Expect stunning views of the surrounding and the Kilimanjaro
Drink enough water to help your body cope with the change in altitude
You have the option of taking on a day trip / trek on Mt Meru
Best time to climb Mount Meru
The best time to climb Mount Meru is in the months of June to October (that is the dry season) and in January to early March. The rainy months of April and May are not recommended for hiking Mt Meru.
Tanzania Safari Types
There are various Tanzania safari types that you can book to make your holiday unique.
Select from our range of Tanzania safari types and other Tanzania tour categories and hobbies to plan your Tanzania safaris and tours with greater precision.
