Trekking in Tanzania

• Distance: Approx. 30 miles (48 km)
• Duration: Three to four days
• Start and end point: Momella Gate
• Difficulty: Strenuous

Located in Tanzania's Arusha National Park, the Mt. Meru trek is a much quieter alternative to its more famous counterpart, Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The three to four day trek offers stunning and varied landscapes, ranging from lush forests teeming with wildlife to the dramatic rim of a volcanic crater. With its peak at 4,562 metres, Mt. Meru is steep and challenging, providing an excellent acclimatisation opportunity for those aiming to conquer Kilimanjaro.

The route begins at the Momella Gate, ascending through forest and moorland to Miriakamba and Saddle Huts before the early morning summit to Socialist Peak. The journey offers incredible views, including of Kilimanjaro on clear days.

• Best trek for: Summit Africa’s Highest Mountain
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trek duration: Seven to eight days
• Max. elevation: 5,895m
• Accommodation: Huts/Camping

• Start point: Lemosho Glades

• End point: Mweka Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro, also known as Kili, stands at a towering height of almost six vertical kilometres (equivalent to four miles) above the plains of northern Tanzania. Not only is it Africa's highest peak, but it also holds the distinction of being the largest standalone mountain in the world.

As one of the Seven Summits, which represent the highest mountains on each traditional continent, Kilimanjaro attracts adventurers and avid hikers from around the globe, making it a highly sought-after destination for those looking for the ultimate trekking challenge.

Need to know

According to Tanzania National Parks, around 50,000 trekkers set out to climb Kilimanjaro each year. This makes Kili one of the worlds most crowded mountain treks. Personally I’d recommend avoiding the well established hut to hut route of Marangu and go for the camping only trails such as Machame or Lemosho instead.

Around 15,000 trekkers fail to complete the ascent due to altitude sickness, other illnesses or injury. If you don’t like these odds or fancy a quieter alternative, I’d suggest East Africa’s other major peak, Mount Kenya.

• Distance: Approx. eight miles (12.9 km)
• Duration: Eight to 12 hours
• Start and end point: Engaresero Village
• Difficulty: Moderate

Located in the Northern Rift Valley, near Lake Natron, Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano renowned for its unique carbonatite lava, which is almost cool enough to touch when erupting. This challenging day hike begins before dawn, providing an opportunity to reach the summit in the cool early morning before the heat of the day.

You ascend steep, rugged trails often covered with loose volcanic ash, making the climb physically demanding. However, the reward upon reaching the summit is a panoramic view of the Great Rift Valley, the nearby Lake Natron, and even Mt. Kilimanjaro on clear days.

• Distance: Various hikes and treks
• Duration: Four days +
• Start and end point: Lushoto
• Difficulty: Mild

Hiking in Tanzania isn’t only about conquering towering summits. If you’re less interested in bragging rights and care more for natural and cultural immersion in lesser-visited locations, the Usambara Mountains might be for you.

Nestled between Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean, the Usambara Mountains are said to be Africa’s second most biodiverse national park. A trek here can last from a few days to over a week, depending on your chosen trail and pace. You’ll see tea plantations and tropical rainforests to mountain ridges with incredible panoramic views. The trails are relatively gentle, making this area accessible to most hikers.

Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in local culture, visiting traditional villages and meeting the local Shambaa people. Accommodation options vary from simple guesthouses to camping.

• Distance: Approx. 12.4 miles (20 km)
• Duration: Three to four days
• Start and end point: Mang'ula Village
• Difficulty: Moderate

This trek is a remarkable and lesser-trodden trail through Tanzania's biodiverse "Galapagos of Africa." Nestled in the Eastern Arc Range, Udzungwa is a haven for endemic species, with excellent bird-watching and primate-spotting opportunities.

Over four days, you’ll traverse rainforest trails to breathtaking destinations like the Sanje Waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the plunge pools overlooking the Kilombero floodplain. The highlight is the ascent to Mwanihana Peak, the park's second-highest point.

This challenging hike rewards trekkers with stunning views and possible encounters with endemic primates like the Udzungwa Red Colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey.

Accommodations typically involve a mix of camping and rest houses, with commercial operators providing essential services and gear.

Hiking is not permitted within the crater itself, due to the risk of becoming lunch for a hungry lion. But the surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area of rolling grasslands, dotted with Maasai homesteads and lumbering volcanic peaks, makes fabulous walking safari country.

There are no specific hiking routes here, but a good walking safari specialist will present you with options of varying distances and durations.

Typically you’ll spend a few hours walking to and around the crater rim before arriving at a simple fly camp for your overnight.

Your operator will organise your guide – a Maasai guide ideally – plus meals and transport.