The Best Hiking Locations For Tanzania Treks

When you think about Tanzania, the Serengeti is probably the first thing that comes to mind. With its expansive plains and impressive diversity of both predators and prey. But that is just one aspect of the Tanzania experience! The country is home to dense, tall forests, vast tracts of tea plantations, mountain ranges, and more. And there’s no better way to explore this magical landscape than on foot with a Tanzania trek.

Hiking trails meander through several of Tanzania’s national parks, through small villages to the slopes of the country’s highest mountains. These paths offer adventurers incredible views over lush valleys sloping down to the windswept plains. Tanzania Kilimanjaro tours are popular with novice and experienced climbers, but several other mountain pathways will reward trekkers with once-in-a-lifetime views.

Keep reading to learn more about these fabulous Tanzania treks!

Tours To Kilimanjaro And Beyond

While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a bucket list experience for many, there are many more mountains to explore in Tanzania. From the rugged peaks of Mount Meru to the picturesque slopes of Mount Hanang, Tanzania offers an assortment of awe-inspiring mountains waiting to be discovered. If you have hiking boots, lace them up and get ready – the mountains are calling. Are you ready for adventure?

Tanzania Trek #1 – Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai

Mount Ol Dinyo Lengai is an active volcano located in the Rift Valley. It is the only active volcano in Tanzania and the third-highest peak in the country. You can find it just south of Lake Natron, in the Arusha region of Tanzania. This volcano is a popular hiking destination for those who are up for the challenge. The slopes are covered in volcanic ash and are very steep, making it quite challenging. Hikers will encounter more than 5,000 feet of elevation gain in a little over three miles to reach the summit at 9,717 feet. Most people begin this hike in the middle of the night so that they can arrive at the summit to enjoy the magnificent sunrise over the valley below.

Tanzania Trek #2 – Mahale Mountains National Park

For the ultimate Tanzania trek and wildlife viewing experience, plan a stop at Mahale Mountains National Park. The park sits on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest freshwater lake, and is home to a large population of wild chimpanzees. The trails within the park lead trekkers on an epic adventure, where they can search for the primates in their natural habitat.

If a hike through the park’s forests is too tame, consider a hike up the slopes of Mount Nkungwe. This adventure can take an average hiker two to three days, so be sure to prepare. However, the view from the summit will make your effort worthwhile. Summit seekers can enjoy seeing the beaches around Lake Tanganyika from on high, as well as the jungle ridgelines of the surrounding mountains.

Tanzania Trek #3 – Usumbara Mountains

For a trek that is truly out of this world, escape to the picturesque Usambara Mountains, with its network of hiking trails that lead you through forests, tea plantations, and charming villages. Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. This trek is a multi-day trip, so plan accordingly. It is a good idea to find a local guide to help you navigate the route through the mountains. A guide can also help you experience a cultural exchange with villagers by facilitating interactions along the trails. For a truly unique insight into Tanzania and its people, consider a trek through the Usambara Mountains.

Tanzania Trek #4 – Mount Meru

Mount Meru is located in northern Tanzania, just 43 miles from Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania (after Kilimanjaro), reaching 14,968 feet high. On a clear day, it’s easy to see Kilimanjaro from Meru – and vice versa. Mount Meru is often regarded as a good place to acclimate before Tanzania Kilimanjaro tours, and it offers climbers a challenging but less crowded alternative to a Kilimanjaro trek.

This dormant volcano offers breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscapes once the summit is reached. Be prepared for steep ascents and bushwacking your way through lush rainforests before you reach Meru’s summit! Meru stands at the center of the Arusha National Park, which is famous for its, monkeys, and more than 400 species of birds.

Tanzania Trek #5 – Ngorongoro Crater Highlands

Explore the stunning landscapes of Tanzania beyond Kilimanjaro by embarking on a memorable journey through the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands, where you can hike through the Empakaai Crater, the Olmoti Crater, and the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater. Along the way, search for wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.  This Tanzania trek offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity to witness a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos, in their natural habitat.

Epic Adventure Tours To Kilimanjaro

By far and away the best (and most popular) trekking destination in Tanzania is Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at a staggering height of 19,347 feet, Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa. Tours to Kilimanjaro are some of the most sought-after experiences in the country; in fact, more than 35,000 people sign up for one to reach Kili’s lofty peak.

If you are planning to book a Tanzania Kilimanjaro tour, make sure you reserve a spot with a group that employs reputable guides – and you follow all of their advice regarding gear, fitness, and acclimatization. While Kilimanjaro is not considered a technical climb, don’t underestimate the mountain! The challenging altitude and unpredictable weather conditions on Mount Kilimanjaro mean that fewer than 60 percent of hikers reach her summit each year.

Trekking Tanzania Is An Adventure!

While a tour to Kilimanjaro may be the most requested trek in the country, Tanzania is also known for its other hiking trails. Some of the popular alternative hiking trails are more suitable for novice hikers but still offer avid adventurers enough of a challenge during their sightseeing tour. If outdoor adventure is on your bucket list, a Tanzania trek through the country’s many national parks or up the slopes of one of its many mountains. If outdoor adventure is on your bucket list, Tanzania is the place for you!