Mountains Climbing Tours In Tanzania
Although Mt Kilimanjaro tops the list as Africa’s most famous and highest mountain, Tanzania boast many other mountains ranges and attractive peaks. Most of the country’s mountains and volcanoes are located in the north and east of the country. They vary from the dramatic crater of the Mt Meru Land the active volcano of the Ol Doinyo Lengai to tamer options like the Usambara Mountains and the comparatively gentle slopes of the Crater Highlands. Hiking trips and mountains climbing in Tanzania are becoming popular options for visitors not content with merely observing the country from the back of game viewing vehicles. Instead, adventurous types are talking advantage of the many trails and peaks Tanzania has to offer.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Above the gently rolling hills and plateaus of northern Tanzania rise the snowy peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro, its slopes and glaciers shimmering above the rising clouds.
Kilimanjaro is located near the town of Moshi and is a protected area, careful regulated for climbers to enjoy without leaving a trace of their presence. The mountain’s ecosystems are as strikingly beautiful as they are varied and diverse. On the low land slopes, much of the mountain is farmland, with coffee, banana, cassava and maize crops grown for subsistence and cash sale. A few large coffee plantations still exist on the lower slopes, but much of the area outside the national park has been subdivided into small plots owned by the locals. Once inside the park, thick lowland forest covers the lower altitudes and breaks into alpine meadows once the air begins to thin. Near the peak, the landscape is the predominant features above a breathtaking African view.
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is the highlight of many visitors’ experiences in Tanzania. Few mountains can claim the grandeur and views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley and the Maasai Steppe that belong to Kilimanjaro. Hiking on the “rooftop of Africa” is the adventure of a life time, and anymore from a seasoned trekker to a reasonably fit first time enthusiast can scale the snowy peak.
Mount Meru
The dramatic crater of Mt Meru is often neglected in favour of its famous neighbour to the east, but a visit to this spectacular mountain located within Arusha National Park is an unforgettable experience. Its lower slopes are covered in dense highland forest, where colobus monkeys play and buffalo graze concealed beneath the thick foliage. The extinct volcano’s extensive base gives way to a perfectly formed crater and another internal crater with sharp, sheer cliffs. An ash cone forms a subsidiary peak and the Momela Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater are visible from the slopes of the Mountains.
This conical shaped volcano has the height of about 4,562.13m above sea level. The momela route which covers the length of 4 km is the only route up to the summit. The attractions during climbing Mount Meru include the breathtaking view of the Lake Momella and the animals in Arusha national park where this mountain is located.
Ngorongoro Crater Highlands
Rising up from the floor of the Rift Valley, the crater Highlands form a lush chain of mountains and volcanoes that includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the surrounding Maasai Lands. Hiking safaris take visitors from Ngorongoro Crater to the foot of the Ol Doinyo Lengai and offer a chance to see some of the most spectacular and stunning scenery in Tanzania. Exploring this little-visited wilderness is the hiking adventure of a lifetime. Within the crater rim, large herds of zebra and wildebeest graze nearby while sleeping lions laze in the sun. At dawn the endangered black rhino return to the thick cover of the crater forest after roaming the dew-laden grasslands in the morning mist. Just outside the crater’s ridge, Masai herd their cattle and goats over green pastures through the highland slopes, living alongside the wildlife as they have for centuries.
Udzungwa Mountains
Located west of Dar es Salaam, the Udzungwa Mountains rise up steeply from the western edge of the Selous Game Reserve. Vervet monkeys play high in in the forest canopy, and small forest antelopes can be viewed at the right time of the day. Botanical diversity is exceptional and the park is a host to a large number of endangered bird species. The unique geological and environmental conditions of the Udzungwa region have produced a large number of endemic species making the region a treat for nature lovers. Views from the peaks of the mountains, towards the Selous Game Reserve and the distance Indian Ocean coast, are incredible and well worth the effort. Five distinct trails cover the forest and mountain peaks within the Udzungwa Mountains national park offering various levels of difficulty for everyone from novices to experienced trekkers. Better yet there are no roads through the park, so hikers have the area all to themselves.
Usambara Mountains
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity of the Usambara mountains in Tanzania. Nestled in the Eastern Arc chain, these mountains offer a captivating landscape with their western and eastern ranges divided by a picturesque valley dotted with small villages and farms. Embark on thrilling hikes along well-marked trails, exploring the foothills and conquering the larger peaks. As you venture through this enchanting region, you’ll be immersed in one of Africa’s most concentrated areas of biodiversity, teeming with fascinating plant and animal species. Bird watching enthusiasts will be rewarded with an abundance of avian treasures. And when you reach the mountaintops, be prepared for awe-inspiring panoramic views that stretch over the Masai Steppe and, on clear days, even as far as the Indian Ocean. Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Usambara mountains and discover the wonders of Tanzania’s natural beauty.
Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano
Ol Doinyo Lengai Overlooking Lake Natron and the bushland of Kenya to the north. Ol Donyo Lengai which mean “the home of God” in Masai is an active volcano and of the Tanzania most spectacular and undiscovered climbs. The volcano erupt sporadically sending streams of grey lava down the crater rim and spitting host ash high into the air. The climb undertaken overnight so hikers can experience sunrise over the Rift Valley escarpment, is highly challenging.
With the altitude of 2960m (9711 feet) this mountain sometime erupts Natrocarbonatite lava which is very rare in the world. The Natocarbonatite lava is a low temperature lava and highly fluid since it contains a significant amount of silicate minerals. At night the lava of Ol doinyo Lengai Volcano glows orange but is not nearly as bright as silica-based lavas.
Mountain Climbing Packages
6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing -Marangu Route (from $ 2000 per person.)
7 Days Trekking Kilimanjaro -Machame Route (from $ 2500 per person.)
8 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climb -Lemosho Route (from $ 2700 per person.)