Best Unbeaten Hiking Trails While On Tanzanian Safari : When it comes to climbing safaris in Tanzania many people always think of the Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro a Tanzanian icon which stands in Moshi-Kilimanjaro and is 5895 meters high above the sea level. Forget about this breathtaking peak in Africa, Tanzania is also home to other splendid mountains which offer unforgettable trek. Here are some of these hidden gems;
Mount Meru
This is the fifth highest peak in Africa and a Tanzanian second highest peak. It is strategically located in Arusha National Park in the Northern Circuit. Mount Meru is always considered as “warm-up” trek for those who are planning to trek the magnificent Mount Meru. If you are not used to high altitudes like Kilimanjaro’s, you can acclimatize yourself on this mountain. The highest peak of Mount Meru is called Socialist Peak which is at 4566 meters above the sea level.
Climbers of Mount Meru are usually rewarded with scenic views wildlife in the Ngurdoto Crater, stunning Momella lakes and far views of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai
Speaking of volcanoes, Ol Doinyo is the only active volcano in Tanzania situated at 240 kilometers northwest of Arusha town, along the Great Rift Valley western escarpment. It has a spiritual meaning in the Maasai tribe. They call it “Ol Doinyo Lengai” which means “Mountain of God”. The mountain is about 2890 meters high above the sea level and it sometimes offers the views of real lava flowing from its cap. It is a challenging and hard one to accomplish. Unfortunately, climbing is strictly prohibited when there are eruptions but minor flows of lava may be present on your climb.
It can be climbed in just 6 hours only and on your climb you will be able to spot the inaugurated scenes of Lake Natron’s pink flamingos and other stunning visions of this soda lake. The best time to climb this unique and gracious mountain is during dry season; from June to September. You can also visit it during the rainy season despite the fact that roads have muddy at this time and are slippery.
Usambara Mountains and Lushoto.
Endowed with the Eastern Arc block of mountains and mountain ranges, Tanzania hosts mysterious mountain ranges like Usambara Mountains. Usambara mountain arrange is part of the Eastern Arc highlands in northern Tanzania.
Usambara Mountains are divided into two ranges; the West Usambara Mountains and the more compact East Usambara Mountains.
Udzungwa Mountains
Located inside the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Udzungwa Mountains are dazzling mountain ranges, part of the Eastern Arc mountain range which runs from Kenya to Tanzania. Both amateurs and beginners can hike this range to the summit. Hikers of Udzungwa Mountains are usually caught by the beautiful scenes of stunning wildlife. Some wild animals that can be encountered in this park include leopards, lions, wild canines, six kinds of primates as well as critically endangered birds. Some attractive insects like butterflies are also viewed.
Udzungwa also hosts some cute forest species which are endemic to the place. Such species include Sanje Crested Mangabey and Iringa red colobus monkey. Other off-the-beaten-track attractions include Sanje Waterfall which drops 170 meters (557.74 feet) into a valley of woodland. You can bathe yourself at this stunning waterfall.
Mahale Mountains
On the shores of the mighty Lake Tanganyika stands a sparse mountain range that is world-famous for being home to numerous number of the endangered species of chimpanzees.
The highest peak of this mountain range is Mount Nkungwe which is at 2462 meters above the sea level. A Mahale mountain climb may takes up to three days. You can book a 3-day climb with a local armed ranger for protection from aggressive animals like lions, leopards and hyenas.
Mount Hanang
This one is a hidden gem for Mountain hikers seeking for a less-known third highest peak of Tanzania. Mount Hanang is about 3676 meters high above the sea level. Mount Hanang is located near Katesh town in the Mount Hanang Nature Reserve and it occupies an area of 5,871 hectares the reserve is elevated between 1860 and 3418 meters above the sea level. You will have to pay for a village entrance fee which is always 40 USD per entry that is paid to the Katesh municipality.
Pare Mountains
In the southeast of Mount Kilimanjaro lies the Pare Mountains which stretches from Same into Tanga region. Some parts of Pare mountain range include Mbega that is located in the south, and Usangi and Kisangara in the north. These mountains can be climbed in a single day up to 6 days.
Tanzania has other spectacular mountains apart from Kilimanjaro worth a visit. These brilliant and off-the-beaten path hills can convert wildlife viewers into mountain climbers and hikers.
Generally speaking, Tanzania is a perfect stop for mountain climbers both first timers and experienced. It offers a wide range of peaks from lowest to the highest peak in Africa.
