HIKING IN TANZANIA - 7 TREKS EVERYONE SHOULD EXPERIENCE
One of the exciting trails that lead to the monumental Mount Kilimanjaro. Views of the mountain ahead, blue skies and many opportunities to observe wildlife as you trek / Image: @cavespider
Considering it's home to the expansive Serengeti and the impeccable Zanzibar beaches, it's easy to understand why many people overlook how incredible hiking in Tanzania is. Yet, the country boasts Africa's tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and some out-of-this-world trails for avid trekkers like Mount Meru, Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano, and much more.
In fact, some of the best hiking spots in Tanzania are situated right alongside renowned safari locations like the Olmoti and Empakai Craters in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As such, it's even possible to combine a trekking and wildlife-spotting adventure into one action-packed trip!
If you're looking for an exciting destination for your next outdoor expedition, get ready to check out these spectacular hiking trails in Tanzania.
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When hiking in Tanzania, terrain can be rocky and uneven. Bring your essential hiking gear to ensure you trek as comfortably as possible / image: @spoelhofmedia
Mount Kilimanjaro
We couldn't kick off this list with any other trek in Tanzania than Mount Kilimanjaro. Located in the northeast of the country along the Kenyan border, this almost 5,895-meter peak is the world's largest free-standing mountain. It's at the top of many hikers' bucket lists but requires months of preparation.
Seven distinct trails can be taken on your African expedition to the summit, and most guides typically stick to the routes they're most experienced with. While each option has unique qualities that appeal to different types of hikers, the Lemosho route is generally considered the most scenic and Rongai the least strenuous. Yet, the Machame route continues to be the most popular option.
With the Machame trail, you can expect to spend around six nights and seven days scaling Mount Kilimanjaro. In total, you'll cover around 62 km from the starting and finishing point at Machame Gate.
It's worth keeping in mind that some climbers complete the hike in less time than expected. However, rushing this route will prevent you from fully enjoying the scenery and varied topography, so it's best to move at a slower pace.
A sunlit view on Mount Kilimanjaro from above the clouds. Mermerising views await. Why not climb this mountain and see it for yourself? / Image: @cavespider
2. Mount Meru
Mount Meru is nestled in northern Tanzania, around 70 km west of Kilimanjaro. Standing over 4,500 meters high, this dormant volcano is Africa's fourth-tallest peak. Given this, it goes without saying that it's certainly not an ascent for anyone who hasn't undertaken several months of training.
Although it might not be as famous or tall as Mount Kilimanjaro, many consider Mount Meru a more challenging climb, but shorter distances and lower altitudes make it a faster round-trip and a popular warm-up route for those hoping to tackle its towering neighbor.
On average, the 43-km trail takes hikers around four days to complete. There's just one route that all visitors follow, which starts and ends at the Momella Gate. If you and your fellow trekkers are experienced and find it easy to acclimate, the journey can take as little as three days.
Unlike Kilimanjaro, there's no requirement to hike Mount Meru with a guide, but an armed ranger must accompany you. Nonetheless, for a more enjoyable, safer trip, it's worth following a guide who's familiar with the route.
A hiker viewing Mount Meru before beginning the trek. The beauty of Mount Meru is magnificent! Imagine climbing the fourth tallest peak in Africa on your next adventure.
3. Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano
Another difficult but much shorter climb is the trip to the summit of Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano in northern Tanzania. It's positioned between Ngorongroro Crater to the south and Lake Natron to the north. Just short of 3,000 km in height, Ol Doinyo Lengai requires hikers to make a steep journey to reach either of its two craters.
This volcano was active as recently as 2019, making it among the most thrilling hikes on this list. However, if an eruption occurs, it may be closed at short notice. As a result, planning a hike here is somewhat of a gamble, but there's usually not much to worry about.
Depending on where you begin and finish the hike, you'll cover about 11 or 12 km over the course of six to twelve hours. At the top, you'll have a chance to stroll along the rim of the crater as the sun comes up, providing you can handle the freezing temperatures!
The expedition usually starts around midnight, as trekkers aim to reach the summit before sunrise. Because of this, you'll need to complete most of the climb in darkness with just a head torch. Considering how tiring the journey is, this is no easy feat and isn't a route for rookie hikers.
Hiking in Tanzania at night is a wonderful and exciting experience. Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano is one of the best places to do it. Start at middnight and trek into the sunlight / Image: @tcleary12
4. Udzungwa Mountain National Park
We're heading further south into the country's central Iringa Region, where you'll find Udzungwa Mountain National Park. Packed with mountain ranges, waterfalls, and valleys, this scenic park is among the most underrated areas for hiking in Tanzania.
The hiking trails in this remote pocket of Tanzania range from short half-hour routes to multi-day adventures through the lush rainforest. If you have five days to spare and want to explore as much of the park as possible, the intense Lumemo Trail is a must.
While there are lots of trails in Udzungwa Mountain National Park, the two most hiked trails are the Sonje Waterfall Trail and Sanje Waterfall.
Those who prefer shorter hikes will love the Sonje Waterfall Trail, which often takes less than an hour.
If you’re up for more of a challenge, the Sanje Waterfall will be more your style.
There's an elevation gain of around 450 meters along this trail, and you'll spend around three or four hours venturing towards the stunning 180-meter-hall falls. This 6 km hike starts just a short drive from the park's information center, and if you're lucky, you'll spot various species of monkeys and birds along the way.
Paradise awaits in Tanzania. Enjoy the trails around Udzungwa Mountain National Park - they are truly magnificent / Image: @starkie_pics
5. Mahale Mountains National Park
Are you eager to see some mountains in Tanzania that not many get to experience? If so, it doesn't get much better than trekking in the Mahale Mountains National Park in western Tanzania. Lying along the edge of Lake Tanganyika in the Kigoma Region, this park is made up of dense forests and unspoiled beaches.
Most visitors journey to this remote corner of Tanzania hoping to spot the park's resident chimpanzees. No visit to the Mahale Mountains is complete without a wildlife outing, but hikers often have their sights set on the Mount Nkungwe climb. There's a good chance you'll see some of these fascinating creatures as you ascend the park's tallest peak.
While you're following the mist-covered trail to the 2,500-meter summit, you'll catch glimpses of lakeside beaches and vivid green mountains. The journey generally takes at least two, but more often three, days in total.
It's a tough and testing experience, but it's among the best hiking spots for anyone looking to explore a lesser-visited part of the country. Getting here is only possible by air or by boat, which gives you a pretty great indication of how secluded this area is!
Proving that Ngorongoro Crater walls are vast and steep. These wildlife species are just some of the many animals you will see when you hike here / Image: @mariolagr
6. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Perhaps you're not a frequent trekker but are eager to tackle a hike or two during your Tanzanian safari. In that case, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area might be exactly what you're looking for. Aside from the Serengeti, this massive protected area is the country's most treasured wildlife reserve, but it also boasts some gorgeous hiking trails.
Both the Olmoti Crater and the Empakai Crater have become popular among visitors, though the former is much closer to the famous caldera. A gentle and pleasant walk, the hike to the Olmoti Crater is a manageable trip for most fitness levels.
This grass-covered crater requires just a 30-minute ascent and a similarly-timed descent. The 3 km round-trip takes you through grassy plains and can be extended slightly by continuing towards the nearby Munge Waterfalls. Even though the Olmoti Crater sits over 3,000 meters above sea level, the elevation gain with this hike is only around 300 meters.
It's not the easiest place to spot wildlife, but there's a chance you'll see a zebra, wildebeest, or antelope.
A breathtakng view on Mount Kilimanjaro from above the clouds. This mountain is the most favored location when hiking in Tanzania / Image: @houtvester
7. Ngaresero Waterfall
Do you have a different type of adventure in mind? The exhilarating expedition to the Ngaresero Waterfall is not so much a hike as it is a water-filled clamber over slippery rocks and across multiple river crossings!
This picturesque waterfall is near northern Tanzania's Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. It's not half as demanding as the volcano hike, so it's a lovely alternative if you're looking for a trail in the area but don't fancy the sharp incline.
During the 5 km round-trip, you'll traverse the rocky gorge for about an hour until you reach Ngaresero Waterfall, with the return journey taking the same amount of time. You could easily spend additional time swimming under the falls or cooling off the refreshing waters, so factor this into your planning.
With an ascent of less than 350 meters, you won't need to be especially fit to take on this route. That being said, you need to be steady on your feet and have a decent pair of shoes for this trail.
Africa boasts some of the best hiking locations in the world. Endless views, breathtaking landscapes and wildlife to join you on the way / Image: @arthurhick
UNLEASH YOUR ADVENTUROUS SIDE WITH THIS GUIDE TO HIKING IN TANZANIA
Novice and seasoned hikers alike will have a host of fantastic hiking trails in Tanzania to choose from. Of course, ascending the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro is a bucket list experience for many, but you don't have to take on this momentous climb to enjoy hiking in Tanzania.
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