Hiking in Tanzania: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Heading to Mount Kilimanjaro is overwhelmingly the most popular hiking attraction in Tanzania, with many people opting to climb the peak and add a safari on to the end of the trip.

There are seven different routes to the summit of the peak – Lemosho, Lemosho Western-Breach, Machame, Marangu, Mweka, Rongai, Shira, and Umbwe – all of which take between 5 and 10 days. Of these, the Marangu is considered the easiest and is the most popular.

Aside from Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, in Arusha National Park, is another popular hiking option. At 4,556 meters (14,947 feet), Meru is the fifth highest peak in Africa and second tallest in Tanzania. It is frequently used as an acclimatization hike for those heading to Kilimanjaro.

The peak is not technically difficult to climb and only takes three days. However, there is considerable elevation gain, so it is best to be in good physical condition before attempting to do so.

Stunning scenery

Any hiking trip to Tanzania is bound to be a truly scenic adventure. From the other-worldly geologic formations in the Rift Valley to the myriad landscapes around Mount Kilimanjaro, there is certainly a lot to see. In less than one week, you can hike through thick rainforest, over open moorland, up volcanic scree and past Africa’s only glacier, just on Kilimanjaro.

Climb one of the Seven Summits

Rising to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) in elevation, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and one of the much sought after Seven Summits. No technical climbing is needed to get to the summit and trekking to the top takes anywhere from five days to a week or more. Among the various highlights are seeing iconic wildlife and watching the sunrise from the top.

Go on safari

Since Tanzania is in such a stunning and biodiverse part of the world, many hikers opt to combine their trip with a safari. Numerous national parks and reserves are close to the best hiking spots. Explore the world-famous Serengeti National Park, the eighth natural wonder of the world, Ngorongoro crater and many others after completing a rewarding hike up Kilimanjaro or another mountain.

During the hiking season, average daily temperatures are usually in the mid to upper-20s (upper 70s to lower 80s). The two dry seasons barely experience any rain.

Any trip to Tanzania’s hiking hotspots likely begins with a flight into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Most guides will opt to meet you here and provide transport to the start of the trip.

Swahili, English

+255

Tanzanian shilling (TZS)

January to March and June to October