Mountains to Climb
TANZANIA CLIMBING VACATIONS- MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB
Destination-Tanzania is an exotic needlepoint of colors, flavors, and sights. From the infinite plains of the Serengeti, teeming with Africa’s iconic Big Five animals, to paradisaical islands with sun-soaked beaches, there is so much more to Tanzania than what you’d expect.
Experience more at every corner when you’re on a safari in Tanzania, but if it’s a killer view you’re after then look no further than the region’s heavenly mountains.
Are you looking for an active trekking vacation, here, we’ve put together a list of the mountains in Tanzania that provide the most breathtaking views and climbing routes for every level of fitness and experience. For unforgettable memories, don’t forget to bring your camera!
Mount Kilimanjaro
Best for: Intermediate-advanced climbers
Fitness level: High
recommended days: 7 to 10 days (depending on route)
Whether you’re daring enough to climb it or simply just want to take in this snow-capped mountain from the ground, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an essential part of any Tanzanian itinerary.
The sights at the top of Kilimanjaro lure thousands of trekkers to the roof of Africa each year and are completely worth the time and effort.
Kilimanjaro Mountain can be climbed in seven routes: Leomosho route, Marangu route, Machame route, Umbwe and Shira route. Let’s take a liitle bit look on the most popuar routes below:
The Marangu route is the oldest on the mountain and often referred to by locals as the “Tourist Route” or “Coca-Cola Route” as it is the most popular (and because there is a hut that sells coca-cola along the way).
It’s worth noting that although this route is dubbed the easiest, it is NOT for the faint of heart and only a third of the climbers on this route reach the summit, so you should train your body for the trek.
The Machame route is a longer, scenic climb that takes more experienced trekkers across a succession of valleys, ridges, and barren lunar landscapes, before reaching the twin summits of Kibo and Mawanzi.
Although Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, it’s wise to choose the best trekking seasons for your climb: January-March and June-October.
January to March is a colder time of the year and the slopes are often quieter now. On the other hand, from June to October, it tends to get busy as the season coincides with the Northern Hemisphere summer holidays.
To aid acclimatization, plan on at least a seven-day round trip for a summit attempt, and budget at least USD$1750.
Mount Meru
Best for: Beginner-intermediate climbers
Fitness level: Moderate
Recommended days: 5 Days
Mount Meru is situated in Arusha National Park, Tanzania’s second-highest peak is often lost in the shadow of Kilimanjaro, but these rugged slopes offer an exhilarating trek like no other.
If you’re after no traffic and great wildlife experience, Mount Meru is the perfect mountain to climb! Because Meru is lower than Kilimanjaro, a trek can be done comfortably in four days and three nights. But, do not underestimate the mountain.
Climbing mount Meru it is generally considered a “warm-up” to Kilimanjaro, its steepness, terrifying drop-offs on the final ascent, as well as the altitude effects make it a challenging climb. It is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and the fourth-highest on the continent, but the reward for reaching this summit is unparalleled.
The ascent starts in a savanna, taking intrepid travelers through lush forest on the mountain’s lower slopes, rising through picturesque glades and finishing with an exhilarating walk along the knife-edge of Meru’s (dormant) volcanic crater rim.
The treks are geared more toward hikers than climbers and the paths lead travelers over an array of landscapes, brimming with elephants, giraffes, and buffalo!
Gratefully, Mount Meru can also be climbed year-round, but it’s best to plan your trip during the dry season, from June to the beginning of March.
Oldoinyo Lengai
Volcano, this word is enough to describe your fear. Have you really, ever thought of yourself as brave enough to climb an active volcano? So, Ol Doinyo Lengai makes it almost impossible to travel.
In the eastern Rift Valley there is a prime location, this fiery peak offers astonishing and breath-taking views. The remarkable Mountain in Tanzania, which dominates the whole plain, represents a great beauty due to its peculiar, almost perfect conical shape of about 1,600m/5,249.34ft base diameter, and with the summit at 2,768mj/9,081.37ft above sea level.
By many years its slopes have been formed by compacted ash, and its deep ravines, cracks, and white lava flows are clearly visible from any spot, giving it an inhospitable and majestic appearance at the same time.
It’s very warm there, because it is an active volcano, so make sure you bring enough water. To get a unique, wonderful view of Tanzania, climb Ol Doinyo Lengai before sunrise.
Best for Beginner-intermediate climbers
Fitness level: Moderate
Recommended days: 3 Days
Usambara Mountain Range
Best for: Beginner-intermediate hikers and climbers
Fitness level: Moderate
Recommended days: Routes range from 1 to 10 days
The Usambara mountain range is one of Tanzania’s most underrated attractions, home to a plethora of wildlife, verdant tea plantations, and numerous scenic viewpoints.
Usambara is a vibrant, diverse location to admire and is often said to be the pinnacle of beauty in Tanzania and a true gem of Africa.
Although the mountains are known for their comfortable climate all year round, the best time to visit is a between June and November, the dry season.
While not on the main Tanzanian northern tourist circuit, these glorious mountains offer a uniquely African experience, where hikers can spot exotic wildlife in Magamba Forest or take in jaw-dropping natural scenery such as the Mkuzu Waterfall.
There are many varieties of hikes in Usambara and if you happen to have more time there are options for longer multiple day treks in the Usambara Mountain region. This is a great way to see the local area and experience the hospitality of Tanzanian people.
Udzungwa Mountains
Best for: All hikers and climbers
Fitness level: All
Recommended days: Routes range from 20min hikes to 5-day treks
The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a paradise for both hikers and backpackers. It is an impressive destination covering a massive area of 2000 sq km of wild East African forests.
Although Uzdungwa is not usually listed in the catalogs of Tanzanian routes, it can be a great destination for those who love hiking. It provides an excellent network of forest routes, among which is a half-day walk to the Sanje Waterfall that plunges 170m/ 557.74ft through a mist to the forest valley below.
Because of such a wide range in altitude and habitat types, Udzungwa National Park has one of the highest numbers of species worldwide including the richest forest bird habitat in Tanzania.
Six species of primate are found here, including the Iringa red colobus monkey and the Sanje Crested Mangabey, which are native to the area.
The plateau also supports a diverse, large mammal community including elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards.
The dry season lasts from June to October, and it is best to visit.