Hiking in Tanzania: The 5 Best Hikes in the Country

What is the  first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Tanzania? Perhaps the answer is- a wildlife safari! But in addition to that, Tanzania is also a beloved hiking destination among climbers and baggers. It is true that the country does owe this popularity largely to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain peak in Africa, a staple among dedicated climbers. But there are also other hiking spots in this beautiful country that are worth a visit, or rather, worth a hike. This post breaks down the top five hiking spots in Tanzania, making the planning of your hiking trip easier and less cluttered! Tanzania tour operators are definitely waiting on your bookings!

• MOUNT KILIMANJARO, UHURU PEAK

In many ways, this goes without saying that Mount Kilimanjaro is the most important mountain peak in Africa, and also therefore the most important hiking destination. No hiking trip can be complete without a Kilimanjaro hike tour. In terms of geology and geography, Kilimanjaro is actually a dormant volcano, with an altitude of 5, 895 m. Kilimanjaro is undoubtedly an important hub for African and Tanzanian tourism, generating millions of US Dollars every year via the large number of visitors each year. Hiking at Kilimanjaro is almost as popular as safaris in Tanzania.

Some important aspects to keep in mind while planning to hike at Mount Kilimanjaro begin with distance. Most trails at the mountain cover a distance of about 70 km to 80kms. On an average, it takes about five to seven days to reach the summit, however, different climbers do vary in the amount of time they take to reach the peak, and it is generally not wise to pressurize oneself unnecessarily. The act of climbing a mountain peak cannot be isolated from its monetary aspect either, and it would cost an individual an average of about 1500$ to 2500$ depending on the time it takes one to reach the summit. One must take all these factors into consideration before planning their hike to the mountain peak. Safaris in Tanzania are definitely exciting, but hiking in Tanzania is also an equally exhilarating experience!

• OL DOINYO LENGAI,  LAKE NATRON

The Maasai and Sonjo tribes in Northern Tanzania refer to the Ol Doinyo Volcano as “The Mountain of God” , referring to the mythical belief that the mountain once used to be the abode of God Engai. Unlike the Kilimanjaro, this is an active volcano, which has experienced several eruptions in the past.  The hike to Ol Doinyo is generally regarded as one of the most difficult hikes of all time.

The average distance for a climber aiming for the summit is about 12 kms, while the total incline is almost 1650 m. Generally it takes about 12 hours to climb this mountain, however, there may be slight variations depending on the speed of individual travelers. The highest point of this peak is at 2, 960m, while the average cost for one person would be somewhere around US$600 to US$1000. Commonly, people accommodate this hike into a larger northern safari.

• DESCENT TO EMPAKAAI CRATER

Hidden in the midst of the more well known Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), is situated the lesser known Empakaai Crater. Truly a hidden gem of Tanzania, the crater is best explored post a short trek downwards to a lake where one is likely to spot wildlife such as elephants, balloons and flamingoes.The Empakkaai crater is considered to be one of the  most beautiful natural sceneries found in Tanzania.

Owing to the short length of the distance, it is not likely to take a climber more than 2 to 3 hours when descending the crater, and the average distance is roughly around 5 kms. The total incline too, is quite low, a little over 300m. Generally, it is difficult to estimate an individual cost for this particular hike because it is  incorporated into the larger hike to the Ngorongoro Conservation area. Moreover, it doesn’t add significantly to the total cost at all.

• MOUNTAIN MERU, ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

Though it offers one of the best hiking experiences in perhaps all of Tanzania, Mount. Meru remains a quiet and underrated peak, overshadowed in many respects by the larger, much more popularly known, Mount. Kilimanjaro. The Kilimanjaro hike tours have been famous for decades now, while  Mount Meru still remains in the shadows.  Many view Mount Meru as merely a ‘warm-up’ trek for the actual one, which is to happen on Kilimanjaro.

However, Mount. Meru is as much a hiking spot in itself as any other mountain peak, offering glimpses of wildlife and offering you the safari-like experience that Tanzania is so well known for. Mount Meru covers a distance of over 45 kms and would require at least 3 to 4 days to climb. The highest point of the mountain is at 4, 562 km and it would cost nearly US$ 900 to US$ 1500 per person to climb the peak.

• DAY HIKE, MOUNT KILIMANJARO

While hiking is truly an adventurous sport, it also demands a lot of investment, especially in terms of time. Mount Kilimanjaro tours generally require at least a week’s time,and there are hikers and climbers who cannot afford that.  For these individuals, who may not be able to invest too much time, can instead opt for a day hike, which generally takes place in the lower slopes.

The distance covered in the day hike is approximately 8.5 km and does not take more than 2 to 3 hours to complete. Along with being time efficient, this particular hike is also not heavy on the pocket and costs somewhere about US$200 to US$250 per person. This cost is relatively low, v/s other hiking spots available in Tanzania.

IN CONCLUSION:

We have covered some of the most iconic and efficient hiking spots in Tanzania. Whether you plan a Kilimanjaro hike tour or a trek down to the stunning Empakaai Crater, a There are certainly more options available, and one can explore further. However, our comprehensive guide covers the 5 best spots, and if you’ve been planning, or been confused about a hiking trip to Africa, or to Tanzania in particular, then here are your best picks. Alternatively, if you’re planning on a safari in Tanzania, then you need not limit yourself to that only, and incorporating a day or two of hiking is only likely to elevate your experience further, making it a memorable vacation!