Trekking & Climbing in Tanzania
The Mountains of Tanzania
From the Roof of Africa to an active volcano in the Rift Valley: every mountain we climb, with its routes, camps, altitudes and maps.
Photo: Ray in Manila, CC BY 2.0
Choose Your Mountain
Every Summit Is a Different Climb
Tanzania's mountains are all volcanoes, but no two are alike. Kilimanjaro is a week-long walk through five climate zones. Meru is a steep crater rim above a national park. Ol Doinyo Lengai is climbed in a single night, and Hanang is a quiet summit far from any crowd.
5,895 m
19,341 ft
Kilimanjaro Region, northern Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro
At 5,895 m, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth. No technical climbing is needed: seven routes lead through five climate zones to Uhuru Peak.
4,566 m
14,980 ft
Arusha National Park, Arusha Region
Mount Meru
Mount Meru (4,566 m) is a dormant volcano in Arusha National Park. A three to four day climb leads through wildlife-rich forest to a dramatic crater rim, with Kilimanjaro on the horizon at sunrise.
2,962 m
9,718 ft
Rift Valley, south of Lake Natron, Arusha Region
Ol Doinyo Lengai
Ol Doinyo Lengai (2,962 m) is an active volcano in the Rift Valley and the only one on Earth that erupts natrocarbonatite lava. It is climbed in a single night from Lake Natron.
3,420 m
11,220 ft
Hanang District, Manyara Region
Mount Hanang
Mount Hanang (3,420 m) is an extinct volcano in Manyara Region, the fourth-highest mountain in Tanzania. It can be climbed in one or two days from the town of Katesh, and you will often have it to yourself.
At a Glance
Compare Tanzania's Mountains
| Mountain | Height | Time needed | Difficulty | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Kilimanjaro | 5,895 m (19,341 ft) | 5–9 days | Moderate – Strenuous | January to early March, and June to October |
| Mount Meru | 4,566 m (14,980 ft) | 3–4 days | Challenging | June to October, and December to February |
| Ol Doinyo Lengai | 2,962 m (9,718 ft) | 1–2 days | Strenuous | June to October, when it is driest and coolest |
| Mount Hanang | 3,420 m (11,220 ft) | 1–2 days | Challenging | June to October, and January to February |
Not Sure Which Mountain or Route?
Tell us your dates, your fitness and what you want to see. We will recommend the mountain and route that give you the best chance of a great climb.
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