Tanzania’s Best Hiking Destinations showcase the country’s rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning natural beauty. And here, in the heart of Africa, home to some of the world’s most popular safari destinations, visitors can experience Mother Nature at her most spectacular. And yet, as extraordinary as Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, or Zanzibar await tourists, these exotic destinations still possess magical qualities that are invisible to the eye of the casual observer. Every year, millions of visitors make their way to these famous places and call it a day after only scratching the surface of what is on offer. But hiking is the second-best thing to do in Tanzania after wildlife safaris. On the hiking trails, step by step, visitors can truly grasp Tanzania’s natural, pristine splendor. Home to pristine national parks, coffee plantations that stretch over hills, and mountain trails that offer breathtaking views of vast expanses, this mystical landscape is best explored on foot. Whether you’re an experienced hiker in top shape or looking for more leisurely walks through the woods, there’s a hike in Tanzania to suit your preferences. This short guide covers Tanzania’s most popular hiking trails and offers fitness recommendations and useful tips to help you discover Tanzania at your own pace.

Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro needs no introduction. It’s on almost every trekker’s bucket list. Seven official routes lead to Uhuru Peak at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, an impressive 19,341 feet above sea level and the highest peak in Africa. Most of these trails can be physically demanding, especially for beginners, but some are more challenging than others. Already on the first day, hikers have a good chance of spotting the black and white colobus monkey. And while the more remote routes move further up, hikers often see larger wildlife such as elephants, antelopes, and buffalo. The trails wind through corn and potato fields, then through wooded areas, and then through the high alpine forests before the summit, offering some of the clearest views of the mountain towering in front of us.
It’s just you and Mother Nature, with fewer distractions and the time and space to enjoy the serene, natural beauty of the mountainsides in all their pristine glory. It’s best for travelers who have time to spend a few extra days acclimatizing to altitude, which will dramatically improve their chances of reaching the summit. Read our blog about Mt. Kilimanjaro trekking for more information.

Mount Meru
Kilimanjaro is not the only hiking destination in Tanzania. There are other equally spectacular places to hike. Case in point: Mount Meru. As the second highest mountain peak in Tanzania (5th highest in Africa), Mount Meru stands tall at 14,980 feet. It is located 43 miles west of Mount Kilimanjaro and is visible from virtually anywhere in Arusha. Mount Meru has only one path to the top. At its base, the lush vegetation and abundant wildlife of Arusha National Park begin hikers on a much more accessible trail than that of Kilimanjaro, which takes 3-5 days to complete. The completion of this trek helps trekkers get used to higher altitudes, so many people will use Meru as a training ground for Kilimanjaro. The trailhead is at Momella Gate within the park, about an hour’s drive from Arusha. First stop, get your trekking permits. Then you can cross the open grassland. see the mighty animals, perhaps buffalo and warthogs, grazing in their natural habitat.
Once you reach and cross the Ngara Nanyuki River, you’ll come across a patch of forest that’s home to colorful, rare birds and colobus monkeys. You’ll have completed the first day’s hike once you reach the Miriakamba Hut, where you’ll spend the night and hopefully get a good night’s sleep. The destination of the second day is Saddle Hut. It’s a shorter distance, and you probably know what that means. You have a challenging climb ahead of you. As you ascend, you’ll move into more forest on the mountain wall, crossing steep slopes, and eventually reaching Elephant Ridge. After just a few more hours of walking, you will reach the Saddle Hut. Our tip: Start early in the morning and reach the Saddle Hut around noon. Then, have lunch at the Saddle Hut and visit nearby Little Meru before sunset for a glimpse of the beauty of Mount Meru rising before you.
On the third day, it’s best to start early in the morning before sunrise and hike to Rhino Point. From there you can reach the summit via a narrow ridge. Attention: In case of frost or strong winds, wait to cross the ridge. And be sure to consult your local guide beforehand. You will know best. Wait until you see the view! Simply spectacular. And from where you stand at the top, you can see the gigantic Mount Kilimanjaro towering over the valley like a majestic animal. Once you can tear yourself away from this exhilarating experience, you can go back downstairs.
Ol Doinyo Lengai
Ol Doinyo Lengai is an adventurer’s dream come true. Located in the middle of Maasai Land and considered sacred (the Maasai call it the “Mountain of God”), this active volcano can be unpredictable, despite its fairly regular eruption pattern of once every seven years.
Surrounded by Mount Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the ecosystem of the Serengeti, its summit rises 3188 meters above sea level. Its latest eruption threw plumes of ash and smoke high into the air, blowing 11 miles downwind of the explosion. Uniquely, its silvery lava flows are made of pure natro-carbonatite, which contains almost no silicon, making the lava much cooler than normal (only up to 1000° F /540 ° C!).
The climb to the summit can be quite challenging. Be mentally and physically prepared for a two-day hike in extreme heat and on steep slopes with loose rocks. But for the avid hiker, the spectacular views from the summit are well worth it. You’ll see the volcanic crater in the center, the vast picturesque Serengeti plains in front of you, and Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. And if you still have some energy and a sense of adventure in you, take a walk across the crater floor before descending into the plain.
The Great Rift Valley Trek
The Great Rift Valley is another wonder of Tanzania that should be explored on foot. Over the years, it has become a favorite among adventurous travelers as it offers rare sights and scenes unmatched by any other place in the world. Stretching from Lebanon to Mozambique, the valley’s border is home to unexplored mysteries just waiting to be unearthed by adventurous travelers. You’ll see breathtaking views of volcanoes spewing white lava, serene soda lakes with a red hue, and the silence of gigantic craters.
This trail is located in northern Tanzania and starts at Empakai Crater in the Ngorongoro Highlands. The trail then continues north through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Natron. Your first stop is Empakai Camp, where you can enjoy the views of the crater. After the overnight stay, continue on the way to the Leonotis camp. On your way, you will pass several beautiful Maasai villages as you drive through the Maasai country. Leonotis camp is located on the edge of the rift, where you will have a crystal clear view of the night sky full of twinkling stars without light pollution. The trail takes about 2 days to complete with pretty good success rates.
Walking in the footsteps of man
This trail takes you on a journey through time. You’ll witness how modern humans have evolved from ancient hominids to what we are today through millennia of evolution. First, you’ll see relatively recent hominid footprints near Lake Natron. Then, stop at the Olduvai Gorge and see fossil finds that indicate how our ancient ancestors evolved millions of years ago. This trail will take you to landmarks from 250 million years of history. On your journey, you will visit the Gregorian Rift Valley, Sanjan Gorge, and finish the trek in the Olduvai Gorge. The trail and the camps in between are arranged in such a way that you make the trip a completely unique experience. Prepare to photograph stunning, almost uninhabited places, completely untouched by modern life. This trekking trip takes about 4-5 days, depending on your planned stops.
Rift Valley Day Hike
This is a great option if you don’t have time for a week-long adventure trail but still want to enjoy the stunning views and scenery. Usually, this particular hike starts before dawn near the Rift Valley wall. You will then have to climb the wall of the Rift Valley on foot until you reach the Ngare Sero Gorge, just in time to observe the impressive views of the horizon during dawn. We recommend packing up for a picnic as this is one of the best places in the world to have breakfast overlooking the vast plains.
Hike to Ngare Sero Waterfalls
This trail goes up the Ngare Sero Gorge and ends at the spectacular waterfalls. It is an absolute favorite for many tourists. Lush palm trees and rare volcanic rocks will greet you along the way. It’s a good idea to pack lunch and have it at your destination. You can swim in the waterfall and nearby pool for a blissful experience.
Hiking trails in Udzungwa Mountains National Park
As a nature reserve known more for its biodiversity and habitat for rare and unusual wildlife than for its fascinating array of forested and mountainous hiking trails, Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a national treasure. Beautifully lush forests surround a group of large mountains in south-central Tanzania, far from the safari circuits, and provide the ideal setting for a series of trails and waterfalls that are hidden and wind deep through the forest. Visitors are welcome to hike scenic trails, climb mountains, and camp in the woods. Completely off the road, the wooded trails and mountain trails are only accessible on foot. It’s almost as if the mountains seek shelter for their wilderness while still welcoming the respectful curiosity of adventurous travelers.
A few kilometers along the trails you will enjoy the cool shade of the treetops, a common area with elephants, monkeys, duikers, rare birds and elephant shrews.
Once in the park, you’ll be spoilt for choice, as every trail is a delight. You can let them choose time and distance for themselves; Enjoy the shorter 30-minute walk to Prince Bernhard Falls or take a few hours and try a different trail. Or maybe you’ve planned a 5-day adventure in the jungle. However, the most popular destination is the Sanje Waterfalls. It will take you a day to reach it. So pack a lunch and get ready for a hot afternoon. But the beauty of the falls is impressive and your own little paradise awaits you.
Discover Tanzania’s Best Hiking Destinations
Tanzania’s unparalleled natural beauty and diverse landscapes make it a haven for hiking enthusiasts seeking adventure and exploration. Whether you’re scaling the iconic heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, exploring the scenic trails of the Ngorongoro Highlands, discovering the hidden gems of the Usambara Mountains, or embarking on walking safaris in Ruaha National Park, the country offers an array of hiking experiences that cater to all levels of expertise. So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and set off on a journey to uncover the beauty of Tanzania one step at a time.