It’s not the mountain we conquer- but ourselves; we conquer our fear, our limitations, and our boundary by touching a high summit. We all have dreamed of spending some quiet moments enjoying the real nature on the top of a mountain. Climbing a mountain is not only an adventurous journey but it benefits a person in many ways like helping your physical endurance to grow, spotting the places that have been witnessed by few, meeting some amazing high spirits on your way of trekking, and learning patience & persistence.
If you are someone who loves the idea of mountaineering, don’t dare to overlook Tanzania. The country that offers some amazing peaks to explore. Try out exploring a Tanzania Climbing Adventure that will take you to Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing, Mt. Meru climbing, and some other scenic mountains to embark upon.
Mount Kilimanjaro:
Reaching up to 5, 895m Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa as well as the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Mount Kilimanjaro climbing is a dream to many trekkers due to its scenic view and high altitude that will take you to a beautiful snow-filled summit. More than 30,000+ trekkers are visiting Tanzania to conquer this rustic mountain.
Available routes:
6 scenic trails are available to trek the top of the majestic Kilimanjaro however, out of which 5 are the most preferred ones. Here is the list of 5 routes:
- Marangu Route: The route is the iconic one that comes with hut facility.
- Machame Route: Hugely popular between the trekkers to climb Kilimanjaro.
- Rongai Route: The route that has been considered as the easiest path.
- Lemosho Route: Providing unbelievable charm the route is the most scenic one however is bit expensive.
- Umbwe Route: This spell-bound route is the most difficult however preferred choice for the adventurous trekkers.
Difficulty:
The difficulty level is moderate; however, reaching such a high altitude throws a great challenge for the trekkers. But if you are well-prepared for the trek to the summit you can achieve it by choosing a suitable route, perfect gears and with a great trekking operator.
Here are the success rates of the 5 major routes:
- Machame Route: 7 day Machame has an average summit success rate in excess of 85%
- The Rongai route: 7 day itinerary has an 80% summit success rate
- Lemosho Route: 8 day option is usually around 90% and the 7 day around 85%
- The Marangu Route: Offers only 50% success rate
- The Umbwe Route: Offers 60%-70% success rate
Major Attractions:
The mountain isn’t only famous for the iconic height but also well-known for some of its breath-taking points. Here are few of the major attractions:
- The foothill waterfalls, coffee plantation and rain forest
- The Kilimanjaro national park
- The 5 climatic zones
- Few amazing wildlife and birdlife
- The amazing black lava tower
- The Stella point, from where you can witness a great view of the mountain
Mount Meru:
Mount Meru is a stratovolcano located just about 70km from the rugged Mt. Kilimanjaro is another important peak of Tanzania. Acquiring a height of 4,562.13 meters the second highest peak of the country is often called as the little brother of Kilimanjaro. Mt. Meru climb is widely adopted by most of the climbers who wish to trek a smaller peak or by those who want to do a warm-up before trying Kilimanjaro.
Available routes:
The mesmerizing Mt. Meru offers only one route called “Momella Route” that will take you to the peak of Meru. It takes 3-4 days to the summit via the route. The route starts from the Momella gate and continues with a scenic trail offering views of the waterfall and montane forest.
Difficulty:
Mt. Meru Climb is moderately challenging and lesser than summiting the majestic Kilimanjaro. The mountain comes with good acclimatization opportunity so a 4-day summiting itinerary gives a good chance of reaching the peak successfully.
Major Attractions:
The Arusha National Park covering the foothills of this stunning mountain is the most rewarding attraction. The wilderness and natural beauty make the trek one of the best treks of life.
Another attraction is the scenic trails that are almost crowd-free; due to the most trekker’s soft-corner for the highest peak Kilimanjaro you can find less traffic on your route
Ngorongoro Highland
Ngorongoro Highlands was used to be bigger than the mighty Kilimanjaro a few millions of years ago. The highland trek takes you through the diverse landscapes of elevated volcanoes and craters, forests and vast grassy plains offer a remarkable experience for those hiking through this area. The hiking takes 5 to 7 days to finish the hike, and the point to be noted that you can’t hike without a guide who is not certified by TANAPA. 
Difficulty:
The hiking in Ngorongoro Highland is considered to be a little difficult and it’s appropriate for those who are physically mentally well-prepared to face the steppe routes. The 5 to 7 days hiking trail is quite a long journey however, the scenic view compensates it well.
Major Attractions:
The Ngorongoro Highland is though a difficult hike but also one of the scenic hikes you will ever experience. Here are few iconic things you will meet on your way of hiking:
- Mountainous countryside
- Thick mountain forest
- Savannah landscape of the Rift Valley
- Seeing wild animals
- Exploring Masai people’s routine life
- Empakaai Crater caldera
- Ol Doinyo Lengai
- Lesser flamingos who reside on Empakaai Crater caldera
Wild Life:
During your hike on the steppe route you will meet enormous wildlife including big five and the rarest Rhino. Here are few species you will meet during your hike:
- Black rhinoceros
- The hippopotamus
- The blue wildebeest
- Grant’s zebra
- Thomson’s gazelles
- Waterbucks
- Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) and more
OL DOINYO LENGAI
Approximately 370 thousand years old, Mount OL DOINYO LENGAI is one of the youngest volcanos of the country rising dramatically above the dry plains of the south from Lake Natron.
Acquiring 3,188 m height the mountain is often addressed as the mountain of god by the local Masai tribal group. They pay great respect to the mountain as they believe their god resides on the top of the mountain. The carbonatite lava of the mountain is what makes it different from other volcano peaks.
Available routes:
Though there are no definite routes you have to choose between, your route goes through some of the iconic points like Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Crater – Bulati, Empakai, Naiyobi, Kamakia Camp, Ol doinyo Lengai, and Lake Natron – Engaruka
Difficulty:
Acquiring 5600 ft height the mountain is moderately difficult however you can get the chance to meet some of the iconic views while trekking to the top. The hike takes 1 to 3 days to trek and if you want to witness the stunning sunrise you can start the hiking from midnight.
Major Attractions:
The trek will let you explore some stunning views of Ngorongoro Crater, Olmoti Crater, bush, hills and forest step by step, rainforest and lakes. The peak is the real attraction which has stunned the geographical experts due to its carbonatite lava.
So, here are few best options like Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing or Mt. Meru Climbing that can really enrich your soul. Are you ready for your next adventure to a breath-taking height in Tanzania? Book a hike with Snow Africa Adventure; we bet you to give you a thrilling experience.
