Discover Tanzania’s Best Hiking Trails

On Africa’s east coast, the United Republic of Tanzania is a country of immeasurable beauty and cultural diversity, and it’s also the setting for some of Africa’s most spectacular hikes.

People are drawn from across the globe to the majesty of the expansive Serengeti plains, where romping springbok, zebras, and wildebeest keep a keen watch for prides of lions, whose sudden strikes assure a meal for growing cubs. This experience is just the start of an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.

Tanzania is home to dense, tall forests that hide the sun and tracts of tea plantations where tea workers deftly pluck green leaves. Mountain ranges dot the countryside, rising in places to snowy summits that melt into the clouds. This magical landscape is best explored on foot.

Hiking trails meander through several national parks, past lively villages and once-powerful kingdoms to the slopes of Tanzania’s highest mountains, offering paradisiacal views over verdant valleys descending to the plains. If you have walking shoes, you can immerse yourself in Africa’s rhythms and experience Tanzania’s best hikes.

Mount Kilimanjaro

The Best Hike for Bragging Rights

From 37km (23 miles) round-trip, 5–9 days, generally moderate but challenging towards the end

If you’re a mountain enthusiast with aspirations to climb the seven summits, then hiking Kilimanjaro will undoubtedly be on your bucket list. Known as the ‘Roof of Africa,’ Kilimanjaro is the continent’s highest mountain and the world’s highest free-standing peak, towering at 5895m (19,341ft).

Hikers gather at the gates to Kilimanjaro National Park, where the trek usually begins with joyous songs and dances after signing in. The local porters and guides are well aware that this hike requires both physical strength and mental endurance, invoking the mountain’s spiritual keepers for strength before they set off.

There are six official routes leading to Uhuru Peak (meaning ‘freedom’ in Kiswahili), with the Marangu and Rongai routes being the easiest. The scenic Lemosho route, which can take up to nine days, is among the most challenging. All routes traverse five climatic zones, moving from lush evergreen forests to arid lands scattered with dull-colored rocks.

As you ascend, rocky paths transform into alpine deserts, ultimately guiding you to the snow-capped summit. With some luck, you may spot curious monkeys along the way, with a few trekkers claiming to have seen cape buffalo, eland, leopards, and elephants on the first day, before embarking on the dizzying ascent.

The 7-day Machame Route is the most popular, so if you prefer solitude, you may want to avoid this one. Considering the cost of US$1000 to US$6000 for the trek, it is wise to savor the journey. Take your time with the ascent – pole pole (slowly, slowly) as the Chagga people say. A longer trek increases your chances of success, allowing more time to acclimatize to the altitude, as altitude sickness remains the primary reason for failure to reach Uhuru Peak.

Tips for Climbing Kilimanjaro: This trek does not require technical climbing skills or equipment, but good physical condition is necessary. Even octogenarians have made it to the summit.

Selecting a reputable trekking company is vital; KiliWarrior Expeditions comes highly recommended. Although slightly more expensive than budget operators, the expertise of your porters and guides makes a difference. Consider paying extra for a private portable toilet.

Ensure you pack warm clothing, good boots, a torch, and walking poles, alongside plenty of snacks to fuel your trek. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or excessive caffeine. Per park rules, hikers must be at least 10 years old, although a noted 6-year-old has reached the summit. Remember to tip your porters and guides generously—about 10% of the expedition cost is appropriate.

Mount Meru

Best Hike to Acclimatize Before Kilimanjaro

45km (27 miles), 3–4 days, moderate

Located about 70km from Kilimanjaro National Park, inside Arusha National Park, is the lesser-known Mount Meru. If you plan to climb Kilimanjaro, then summiting Meru – the second-highest mountain in Tanzania – is the best way to acclimatize. The hike lasts three to four days to reach Socialist Peak, which stands at 4555m (14,980ft).

The base of the mountain is home to buffaloes, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes grazing peacefully under blue skies. Elephants are more elusive, yet capturing them in the distant grasslands at sunset is a photographer’s dream. The sounds of black and white colobus monkeys and vibrant bird songs fill the air as you cross the Ngare Nanyuki river, making the journey memorable.

The Momella route is the singular trail leading to Socialist Peak, approaching the mountain from the eastern face and covering 45km (27 miles). Like Kilimanjaro, Meru is a non-technical ascent, requiring overnight huts. While Miriakamba and Saddle huts cater to basic needs, the hearty meals prepared by your guides provide the necessary stamina for the summit attempts. On the final climbing day, you’ll wake before midnight for a stunning sunrise at the mountain’s peak.

Tips for Climbing Mt Meru: Opt for a reputable trekking company; Altezza Travel is a well-known operator for climbs and hikes in Tanzania. Budget between US$900–2000 for the trek. Drink around four liters of water daily and maintain a slow hiking pace, recommended to be two times slower than your typical pace. Begin training at least two months before your hike.

Ol Doinyo Lengai

Best Hike for Your Bucket List

11.2km (7 miles) round trip, 6–12 hours, challenging

Located approximately 240km (149 miles) from Arusha town in the Great Rift Valley, Ol Doinyo Lengai, meaning Mountain of God in the Maasai tongue, is an active volcano. The eruption of its fiery lava has led many to assign a celestial significance to this dramatic peak. Locals traverse to its summit seeking divine assistance for various needs.

Geologists refer to Ol Doinyo Lengai as the strange volcano, characterized by its “cold” black lava, which possesses low viscosity and a temperature ranging from 500°C to 700°C. However, hikers regard it as one of Tanzania’s most formidable summits, presenting a greater challenge than Kilimanjaro. The trail is steep, crossing volcanic ash and gravel, and usually begins at midnight, compelling trekkers to move slowly, often using all fours to navigate jagged rocks.

Gazing upwards, those brave enough will witness magnificent meteor showers as night unfolds. At sunrise, the silhouette of Kilimanjaro, Meru, and the sweeping Serengeti plains emerge in breathtaking detail. From this vantage point above the clouds, you may even feel divine.

Tips for Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai: Trekking to the summit is frequently paired with a safari in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Discuss your itinerary with your tour operator; many opt to relax at the nearby Ngare Sero Waterfall or canoe on Lake Natron, watching flamingos breed, before embarking on the summit climb at night. Tour operator fees usually encompass park access, conservation, and rescue fees.

Usambara Mountains

Best Scenic Hike

82km (51 miles), 4–6 days, moderate

In northeastern Tanzania, the Usambara Mountains form part of the ancient Eastern Arc range extending from Kenya to Tanzania’s highlands. It features the country’s most diverse landscapes, combining lush forests, stunning cliffs, vivid valleys, rare wildlife, and vibrant local communities.

Near the coast, the Eastern Usambaras receive ample rainfall yet are sparsely populated; the main attraction is Amani Nature Reserve, featuring hiking trails, a botanical garden, butterfly farms, and tea plantations.

Travelers can access the Western Usambaras from Lushoto town, where hikes to Irente viewpoint and enduring trails of Irente Farm commence. Lushoto also serves as a starting point for hikes to the royal village of Kwembago and the Magamba rainforest.

For a spiritually enriching journey, embark on the multi-day hike from Lushoto to Mtae. Experienced guides and porters can be arranged through tour operators, although a solo trek is achievable with proper equipment, maps, and GPS.

The winding route traverses villages and fertile lands, ascending to an elevation of 3952m (12,966ft). Serenity is occasionally interrupted by birdsong, agricultural activity, and the laughter of local children, who may accompany you for part of the journey.

The mountains host over 3000 plant species, including 600 tree species, as well as numerous bird species. After a challenging few days, the breathtaking views of surrounding mountains dipping into lush valleys offer an uplifting and refreshing experience.

Tips for Hiking in the Usambaras: The trek from Lushoto to Mtae will take about four to six days, but it can be shortcut to 60km (37 miles) by bypassing Magamba Peak and Kidhege Falls. If you’re traveling solo, you can catch a bus to Lushoto from Arusha town or Moshi.

It is recommended to carry sufficient provisions, although stalls and stores provide fresh supplies during the route. Essential items include trekking poles, water purification tablets or a filter, a rain jacket, waterproof boots, a head torch, a power bank, and Tanzanian shillings for additional purchases. The area offers various accommodation options, so be sure to Research beforehand.

A Quick Guide to Other Lesser-known Trails in Tanzania

Tanzania offers a wealth of less famous treks and trails worth exploring. Here are some notable options:

Udzungwa Mountain National Park

Udzungwa is not a typical safari park; rather, it is a haven for botanists and bird watchers, accessible exclusively on foot. Visitors can choose from various hiking trails, ranging from the hour-long Sonjo trek to the extensive six-day Lumemo trail. Udzungwa boasts remarkable biodiversity, home to about 400 bird species and 2500 plant species.

Kitulo National Park

This park, called Bustani Ya Mungu (Garden of God) by locals, features diverse flora and is particularly stunning during the rainy season (November–April) when colorful wildflowers and migratory birds flourish. Several trails are available for exploration.

Mahale Mountains National Park

Alongside nearby Gombe National Park, Mahale houses Tanzania’s remaining wild chimpanzee populations, with the best chance for sightings occurring during the dry season (May–October). You can also relax by Lake Tanganyika’s shore or hike to the park’s highest point, Nkungwe, towering at 2459m (8069ft), an area revered by the Tongwe people.