Mountains Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro
“If you have time for just one trip – make sure it’s Kilimanjaro.”
The towering snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most recognizable mountains in Africa. Trekkers who trek to summit it are rewarded with sweeping vistas and rare views, including an opportunity to see some animals up close like zebras, elephants, or giraffes that depends on where they take their safari afterward. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the most famous landmarks on Earth. The journey up to Kilimanjaro can be difficult. However, with the proper planning, it will be an unforgettable experience to see a breathtaking sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peaks.
Mount Meru
Mount Meru often considered an acclimatization hike for Mount Kilimanjaro, but it’s also a spectacular destination in its own right. Located in Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain and offers views of the Momela Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater, as well as plentiful wildlife including monkeys, buffalo, and elephants.
Routes here generally take around four to five days. Trekkers will travel through forests and glades before reaching the horseshoe-shaped crater of the dormant volcano with its imposing drop-offs. At 4566m above sea level, Mount Meru is quite a lot lower than Mount Kilimanjaro. Though it doesn’t have the glaciers at the top, it is more than high enough to trigger altitude sickness, so come prepared.
When to go: June to March
Usambara Mountains
Part of the Eastern Arc mountains in northeast Tanzania, the Usambara mountain range is actually comprised of two mountain ranges, the West Usambara Mountains and the smaller, rainier East Usambara Mountains. The Usambara Mountains are home to a wide swathe of perfectly preserved rainforest that is home to many endemic species.
This is the perfect place to spend a few days or weeks exploring the local culture with its charming farms, villages and accessible hiking trails. In the area you’ll find the German Amani nature reserve and former colonial town of Lushoto (Wilhelmsthal), as well as the Muzumbai University forest. There’s something for everybody here, from bird watching to mountain biking.
When to go: June to November
Mount Hanang
Mount Hanang is situated above the town of Katesh, in the central-north region of Tanzania. From Arusha, the drive will take you about four hours via car or half a day via public bus.
Mount Hanang is a mountain in Tanzania. The peak has an elevation of 3,420 m above sea level. Hanang is located in Manyara Region, Hanang District. It is (after Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and Mount Loolmalasin) the fourth-highest mountain in Tanzania, if you count the three peaks of Kilimanjaro as one mountain.
The principal path to the summit starts in the town of Katesh. The climb can be done in one day (10 hours), but it is also common for climbers to spend one night in a tented camp on the mountain and reach the summit on the second day.
Oldoinyo L’engai
Ol Doinyo Lengai (2878m) is Tanzania’s only active volcano, and the only volcano in the world that ejects carbonatite lava. This lava, which is much cooler than regular lava, starts out black but turns white almost instantly when it comes in contact with humidity, making it a highly peculiar sight.
Ol Doinyo Lengai means “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language, and this mountain has religious significance for the Maasai. Ol Doinyo Lengai is nestled in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with views of Lake Natron, the Great Rift Valley, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
This is the perfect destination for intermediate climbers looking for a short trek. The lower slopes are covered in vineyards and citrus trees. Vegetation gets scarcer the higher you go, with beech and oak trees giving way to barren ashes and lava. For the best views, aim to summit Ol Doinyo Lengai at sunrise.
When to go: June to September