Hiking and Trekking in Tanzania
Explore Tanzania’s tallest mountains and most remote regions on foot.
Your Hiking and Trekking Adventure in Tanzania
Trekking is the ultimate way to explore Tanzania’s breathtaking mountains and immerse yourself in its natural beauty. From sweeping vistas to serene forests, every step reveals the country’s stunning landscapes.
Tanzania offers a wide range of trekking experiences for all levels. Whether you aim to summit the continent’s highest peaks or wander through lush lower slopes, there’s a trek to match every adventurer. With volcanoes, plateaus, mountain ranges, lakes, and craters, the possibilities for both short and long treks are endless.
Challenge yourself on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, or enjoy the wildlife-rich trails of Mount Meru, a spectacular stratovolcano. Along the way, you’ll encounter unique flora and fauna across forests, heathlands, and alpine deserts, creating an unforgettable hiking experience.
Best Tanzania Trekking & Hiking Trips
Trekking & Hiking in Tanzania: What to Expect on Your Adventure
Tanzania offers two distinct ways to explore its stunning landscapes on foot: hiking for short excursions and trekking for multi-day or mountain adventures. Each experience allows you to connect deeply with nature, wildlife, and local culture.
Hiking in Tanzania
While most safaris involve traveling by vehicle, day hikes offer a more intimate perspective of Tanzania’s wilderness. Guided bush walks around camps in national parks let you experience the sounds, scents, and colors of the African bush.
These walks focus on small animals and plains game rather than big game. Whether you’re spotting birds, tracking footprints, or observing insects, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the natural world.
Multi-day hikes always include a guide or ranger, and essentials such as food, water, and equipment are often carried by donkeys. Unlike Europe or Southern Africa, self-guided hikes are uncommon in Tanzania. Protected areas require conservation fees and guided supervision, which can make these hikes more costly—but the reward is an unforgettable immersion into pristine wilderness.
Trekking in Tanzania
Trekking in Tanzania typically involves mountain expeditions, including iconic peaks like Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. All climbers are accompanied by a mountain guide, porters, and a cook, ensuring safety and a seamless experience.
Our dedicated mountain teams provide full support, allowing you to focus on reaching the summit and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
Top Hiking Destinations in Tanzania
Northern Circuit
- Arusha National Park & Tarangire National Park – Enjoy guided walking safaris and bush walks amidst diverse wildlife.
- Ngorongoro Crater Rim – Short walks to viewpoints offer panoramic vistas of the world’s largest caldera.
- Shira Plateau, Kilimanjaro National Park – A one-day hike starting at 3,500 m with spectacular views of Kibo Peak.
- Mount Meru & Mount Kilimanjaro Summits – Experience multi-day treks through lush forests, alpine zones, and wildlife-rich landscapes.
- Other mountains: Mt Lomalasin (3,648 m), Mt Hanang (3,417 m), Ol Doinyo Lengai (2,878 m), Mt Longido (2,637 m).
- Usambara Mountains – Northeastern Tanzania offers multi-day hikes with stunning lookout points.
Southern Circuit
- Ruaha & Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve) – Hike through some of Africa’s last remaining wilderness, home to East and Southern African fauna.
- Udzungwa Mountains National Park – A trekking paradise with endemic flora, endangered primates, and serene footpaths. Combine this trek with Mikumi National Park and other southern parks for a diverse adventure.
Western Circuit
- Katavi National Park – Rarely visited, this wilderness offers incredible guided walks and wildlife encounters.
- Mahale Mountains & Gombe Stream National Parks – Explore forested mountains, white beaches, and unique primates. Gombe Stream allows close encounters with habituated chimpanzees, made famous by Jane Goodall.
- Historical exploration: Visit Ujiji, where Stanley famously found Dr. Livingstone in 1871.
Mountain Climbing in Tanzania
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
- Africa’s tallest mountain at 5,895 m.
- Six official routes, trekking durations: 6–9 days, with optional acclimatization day.
- Popular routes: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai.
- Trekkers need fitness and determination, not advanced mountaineering skills.
- Experienced mountain guides and teams provide full support for a safe ascent and descent.
- Accommodation varies: Marangu route offers shared huts, other routes offer private two-person tents.
Climbing Mount Meru
- Located in Arusha National Park, peak height: 4,566 m, only 80 km from Kilimanjaro.
- Wildlife along the trek includes elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, colobus monkeys, and antelopes.
- The Momella Route is a four-day trek through forests, heathlands, and alpine desert, passing landmarks like Malo Falls and the hollow fig tree.
- Summit offers panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and the Ash Cone.
- Full support provided by guides, porters, and cooks ensures a safe and memorable climb.
Guided Safaris & Walking Tours
Combine trekking or hiking with guided safaris to fully experience Tanzania’s wildlife. Our experts create customized itineraries for immersive, safe, and unforgettable adventures.