Tanzania is an East African country very loved by outdoor enthusiasts. The vast wild areas include Seregenti National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Arusha National Park, the tropical forest of Udzungwa and, offshore, the tropical islands of Zanzibar and Mafia Marine Park.
These regions provide numerous alternatives for outdoor lovers. From hiking, climbing and biking in the mountains to wild life watching in Seregenti National Park, Tanzania is the place that should definitely be on the must-visit list of outdoor fans from all around the world.
In this article we will take a look at the top 4 mountains in Tanzania for outdoor adventurers, but those of you who want to learn more about the Tanzanian wildlife, should check this article.
Kilimanjaro National Park
Home to the continent’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, the park is a great place for trekkers and climbers. Besides trekking and climbing, tourists can also enjoy a cycling tour around the mountain.
Additionally to discovering the Tanzanian mountain, trekkers and bikers can also learn about Chagga and Maasai, two tribes that reside in the area.
Even though Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent, its peaks are accessible to climbers who does not have a lot of climbing experience. The magnificent scenery include ice-capped peaks and tremendously luxuriant volcanic slopes.
The dense vegetation of the tropical rain forest that is usually the starting point for all trekking and climbing adventures, will allow outdoor enthusiasts to admire various ferns, fig, orchids and olive trees. Depending on the chosen route, trekkers and climbers can spot Blue and Colobus monkeys and even elephants, buffalos and antelopes.
Arusha National Park
Located in the north eastern Tanzania, Arusha National Park is not a popular destination amongst safari enthusiasts, but is a great place for outdoor lovers who want enjoy various mountain activities like canoeing, biking, hiking and climbing on Mount Meru, a prominent volcano with spectacular views.
The second highest mountain in Tanzania, Mount Meru is not only a great destination for trekkers and climbers, but also a great spiritual destination. In Hindu, Jain and Buddhist cosmology, Mount Meru is considered sacred and the center of all the metaphysical, physical and spiritual universes. There are many Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Javanese legends about Mount Meru so a trip to this area will also deliver cultural knowledge and, if you are a spiritual person, an uplifting experience.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
The picturesque park is most famous for its ecological value and varied habitats (tropical rain forest, mountain forest, grassland, steppe and miombo woodland). The park is only accessible by foot and it is a great paradise for bird watching and beautiful trekking trails. 10 primate species and almost 400 bird species can be admired in Udzunga Moutains National Park.
Waterfalls, streams, lush vegetation and beautiful natural pools under waterfalls that allow tired hikers to swim and relax can be discovered during a mountain adventure in this area.
Usambara Mountains
Usambara Mountains are windy mountains that offer trekkers numerous opportunities to discover beautiful landscapes, intriguing villages, breathtaking views, birding locations, mysterious caves, monasteries and other hidden treasures.
The area is great for hiking, biking and long explorations that will allow tourists to discover historical places and local traditions.