5 Best Hiking Safaris in Tanzania: Tanzania is generally renowned as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. However, it is also one of the continent’s most popular trekking destinations, owing in large part to the presence of snowcapped Mt Kilimanjaro, a must-see for most devoted climbers and peak baggers. Other world-class treks in Tanzania include the climb to Mt Meru, the midnight ascent of the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, and the breathtaking Empakaai Crater.
5 Best Hiking Safaris in Tanzania.
Hiking Kilimanjaro Mountain.
This is by far the biggest one. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain, and the multiday trek to Uhuru Peak is without a doubt the most famous walk in Tanzania, if not the continent. Kilimanjaro is also the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, with the highest summit accessible without technical abilities or expertise.
That does not imply that ascending this dormant volcano is simple. Kilimanjaro is a difficult walk due to the subzero weather and high heights, but the sense of accomplishment and thrill that comes with standing tall on Africa’s Roof is unparalleled.
The Marangu Route is the only one with shelters, but it is also by far the busiest. Machame, Rongai, and Lemosho are all calmer routes that will provide a more gratifying experience.
Explore Empakaai Crater in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
This 8km/5mi-wide volcanic crater resembles a smaller counterpart of Ngorongoro Crater, but without the tourists. A steep pathway leads down wooded cliffs to the crater bottom, where an emerald lake is tinted pink by enormous flocks of flamingos. Other animals include buffalo, bushbuck, blue monkeys, and the rare elephant.
In fine weather, the crater rim provides spectacular views of Ol Doinyo Lengai and Lake Natron. This is one Tanzania hiking spot where it’s absolutely worth taking binoculars to obtain fantastic views of the rich woodland and aquatic birds.
Hike Mount Meru in Arusha National Park.
Africa’s fifth-highest peak, overshadowed in most ways by Kilimanjaro, serves as a picturesque backdrop to Tanzania’s Northern safari circuit hub, Arusha. Mt Meru, a dormant volcano, is a popular destination for multiday Tanzania treks, both on its own and as an acclimatizer for Kilimanjaro.
The vistas of the semi-collapsed caldera toward Kilimanjaro are breathtaking, and wildlife is abundant. Should you have no time for a multiday trip up Mt Meru, a beautiful day hike through the wooded foothills leads into the stunning caldera via its collapsed eastern wall.
Hiking Tours to Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano.
Ol Doinyo Lengai, a Maasai name meaning ‘Mountain of God’, is an active volcano located on the Rift Valley floor near Lake Natron. It has recently erupted numerous times, and the crater is surrounded by ash cones, lava lakes, and steam vents, creating a harsh yet unearthly sight. The ascent is perhaps the most difficult day walk in Tanzania. The arid, shadeless slopes are cruel in the heat of the day, therefore most people climb at night, and the steep descent may be difficult on the joints. Set off just before midnight, ideally near the full moon, and allow 5 to 6 hours to reach the caldera by daylight.
Day Hikes to Mount Kilimanjaro.
For those who cannot afford the time, effort, or cost of a complete Kilimanjaro climb, a day trip on the lower slopes is an excellent option to enjoy close-up views of the snowcapped mountain. Several choices are available, but our favorite is the Shira Day Trail, which travels over a flat stretch of Afro-alpine moorland at an average elevation of 3,500m/11,480ft. The Shira Plateau offers a clear view of Kilimanjaro in the early to midmorning.
Best Time to go on a hiking safari in Tanzania.
The ideal months for climbing Kilimanjaro and most other walks in Tanzania are June to October and January to February, when the weather is drier. The warmer months of June to October are preferable for climbing Kilimanjaro, but January and February are likely to be less crowded.
Tanzania hiking conditions, particularly on Kilimanjaro, are less than ideal during the rainy months of March to May and November to December. If you climb Kilimanjaro mountain during these months, choose the Rongai Route, which reaches the summit via the drier northern slopes.
