The Best of Heights: Top 10 Highest Mountain Peaks in Tanzania

Mountains in Tanzania are quite the talk of town, especially among all hiking enthusiasts and mountain climbers, because there’s quite a wide range of options to choose from, and there is actually much more to the country than just the iconic Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and climbing it literally amounts to being at the top of Africa. Besides, the climb to Kilimanjaro is not the most difficult one in the world, and does not require much professional training either. Several times, non professionals and beginners have also been able to climb the Kilimanjaro Mountain. But there are also many other options that you can explore.

Here is a list of top 10 highest mountains in Tanzania, Africa.

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, located in Tanzania, is one of the most popular climbs around the place. Rising to a height of about 19, 340 feet, Tanzania,s highest mountain stands as proud as ever.

In addition to climbing the mountain, you can also enjoy a few more things- like visiting the  Rundugai Hot Springs, trekking to the Kilimanjaro Waterfall, or simply climbing the mountain instead of trekking to it to really witness the grandeur and serenity of the place.

  • Mount Mawenzi

The second of Tanzania’s highest mountains, Mount Mawenzi is another great option to explore if you’re interested in hiking. There are several routes via which you can undertake this hike, like the Katesh Route, the Ngendabi Route or the Giting Route.

Generally, people are likely to be able to reach the peak the day they begin their climb, and it is a wonderful opportunity to snap scenes of the beauty that Tanzania is!

Ranking third in the list of highest mountains in Africa, Mount Meru is relatively an easier climb to accomplish than the first two options on the list, and also offers stunning natural scenery.

Additionally, you may also look forward to the gorgeous Mount Meru Waterfall, which you are likely to reach shortly after you begin your climb. This is a popular favorite among climbers, but also especially nature lovers and admirers of natural beauty.

  • Klute Peak

The Klute Peak is generally not considered one of the tallest mountains in Africa, but is generally considered one of the many routes that constitute the climb to Kilimanjaro. The peak is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Tanzania.

  • Mount Hanang

Coming up fifth on the list of Tanzania’s highest mountains, Mount Hanang is another hiking destination that you must visit. Similar to Mount Mawenzi, you may travel to this peak via three distinct routes- Katesh Route, Giting Route or the Ngendabi Route.

However, one must keep in mind that though all routes lead to the peak, individually the paths can be quite different and take up different amounts of time to climb.

  • Mount Luhumbero

You may also choose to hike on Mount Luhumbero, and you can also opt for a walking safari here. This will, however, increase your trip’s duration by a few days.

Mount Luhumbero, on the list of highest mountains in Africa, is actually one peak that offers many activities while you’re on the hike. There are also a variety of routes that you may opt for, ranging from a circular route, or you may also take a quicker, direct one straight to the top. The mountains in Tanzania are definitely a sight that cannot be missed, and so you must include them in your itinerary when you plan your trip.

  • Mount Karisimbi

The highest mountain of the Virunga mountain range, Mount Kasimbi is another one of the mountains in Tanzania, and you may also consider this if you’re a mountain over. Though it is the tallest mountain in the mountain range, and also the most difficult one to climb, the experience of hiking up to the top is simply wonderful.

  • Mount Elgon

Situated at the border between Kenya and Uganda, Mount Elgon is a shield volcano, and is believed by geologists to be the oldest of the mountains in East Africa. The mountain has a total of five peaks, and if you’re keen on going on a a climbing adventure, then you may want to consider this as an option too!

  • Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai

Traditionally, this mountain is called “The Mountain of God” and it is believed that God Engai had settled there. However, importantly, this peak is also considered one of the most difficult mountain hikes in all of the country, and people who might not be fit enough to take on a hard climbing challenge should try to avoid it. The peak is also an active volcano and the last eruption was recorded in 1993. Though one of the volcanic mountains in Tanzania, it is still considered as an option for those planning to hike or climb in Tanzania.

  • Olmoti Crater

One of the shortest hikes in the country, the climb up to the Olmoti Crater takes less than an hour, but is nonetheless a beautiful one. The hike also passes through an old caldera, and you are sure to be drawn into the beauty of the Munge Waterfall. Like some other mountain in Tanzania, the trip to Olmoti is not too long, but the altitude can seem quite taxing, as it is a thousand feet of height that we’re looking at.

In Conclusion:

This was a list of some of the highest mountains in Africa, and in Tanzania in particular. If you wish to go on a  hiking or mountain climbing adventure, or feel up for a challenge, then these are the mountains in Tanzania that you can try. Most of them do not require professional experience or training, so don’t worry too much even if you’re a beginner. Follow the protocols and listen to your guides, and you should be able to manage climbing the peaks with not much difficulty!