10 Best Trails in Tanzania
Ready to check out the 10 best trails in Tanzania for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? Tanzania Hiking has 21 hiking trails, mountain biking routes, backpacking trips and more. Discover hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. No matter what you’re looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Tanzania to suit your needs. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 22 routes with waterfalls or scenic views.
Top Tanzania Hiking Trails
#1 – Mount Kilimanjaro: Machame Route
This is the route to climb Kilimanjaro via Machame route. Seven day trip, camping on the mountain six nights.
Try this 57.0-km point-to-point trail near Kibosho Magharibi, Kilimanjaro. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are July through October. You’ll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Mount Kilimanjaro: Lemosho Traverse
#2 – Mount Kilimanjaro: Lemosho Traverse
Explore the challenging 61.3-km point-to-point trail near Kibosho Magharibi in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. Known for its difficulty, this trail is best suited for experienced adventurers. Popular among hikers, backpackers, and camping enthusiasts, the route often attracts many visitors. The ideal months to tackle this trail are between July and October. Please note that dogs are not permitted, so plan accordingly before setting out on this demanding yet rewarding hiking experience.
Approximately 70-80% of the 35,000 annual climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro reach the summit, with success rates higher for those opting for longer and slower routes. This particular trek begins on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes, winding through lush tropical rainforests, transitioning into moorlands and scrub, and ultimately reaching an arctic desert at the summit. Remarkably, Kilimanjaro is 99% hiking, with minimal scrambling over rocks, making it accessible without requiring technical climbing skills. Standing at the peak offers a stark contrast to the life-filled farms and bustling towns below. The summit, a barren expanse of rock, sand, and ice, lies just above the life-sustaining atmosphere, offering a humbling perspective on nature’s extremes.
Mount Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route
#3 – Mount Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route
Explore the 57.6-km point-to-point trail near Horombo in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. This challenging route takes an average of 24 hours and 52 minutes to complete and is popular among hikers, backpackers, and campers. Despite its popularity, the trail offers moments of solitude during quieter times. The best months to visit are between July and February. Note that dogs are not permitted on this trail.
For those with time and budget flexibility, the full Northern Circuit is one of the most rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This route encircles most of the mountain at nearly 4,000 meters, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of Kilimanjaro’s stunning and diverse landscapes. As the longest route up the mountain, it provides exceptional acclimatization opportunities, making it one of the safest and most successful options.
Starting at Londorossi Gate, the Northern Circuit initially follows the Lemosho Route, winding through lush rainforests and ascending the scenic Shira Ridge before crossing the expansive Shira Plateau. Near Lava Tower, the trail diverges, heading north to join the true Northern Circuit.
How Difficult is the Northern Circuit?
The Northern Circuit is both the longest and most remote route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Its extended itinerary offers an excellent acclimatization profile, allowing climbers to “walk high, sleep low,” which is key to adjusting to higher altitudes. However, caution is needed if staying at Crater Camp, where special authorization is required for an overnight stay before summiting Uhuru Peak.
Additionally, all the key waypoints of the Northern Route are accessible if you choose this remarkable path. (02-2020)
- 1 Londorossi Gate 2,360m/ 7,742ft to Mti Mkubwa 2,895m/ 9,498ft 3-4 6km/ 4mi
- 2 Mti Mkubwa 2,895m/ 9,498ft to Shira 1 Camp 3,505m/ 11,500ft 5-6 8km/ 5mi
- 3 Shira 1 Camp 3,505m/ 11,500ft to Shira 2 Camp 3,810m/ 12,500ft 3-4 7km/ 4mi
- 4 Shira 2 Camp 3,810m/ 12,500ft to Lava Tower 4,630m/ 15,190ft 3-4 7km/ 4mi
- 5 Lava Tower 4,630m/ 15,190ft to Moir Hut 4,200m/ 13,800ft 2-3 7km/ 4mi
- 6 Moir Hut 4,200m/ 13,800ft to Buffalo Camp 4,020m/ 13,200ft 5-7 12km/ 7mi
- 7 Buffalo Camp 4,020m/ 13,200ft to Third Cave 3,870m/ 12,700ft 5-7 8km/ 5mi
- 8 Third Cave 3,870m/ 12,700ft to School Hut 4,750m/ 15,600ft 4-5 5km/ 3mi
- 9 School Hut 4,750m/ 15,600ft to Uhuru Peak 5,895m/ 19,341ft 6-8 6km/ 4mi
- 10 Uhuru Peak 5,895m/ 19,341ft to Mweka Camp 3,068m/ 10,065ft 4-6 12km/ 7mi
- 11 Mweka Camp 3,068m/ 10,065ft Mweka Gate 1,640m/ 5,380ft 3-4 10km/ 6mi
Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route: Machame Gate to Machame Hut
#4 – Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Explore this 10.3-km point-to-point trail located near Kibosho Magharibi, Kilimanjaro, with caution. Known for its challenging terrain, this route typically takes around 4 hours and 1 minute to complete and is best suited for seasoned adventurers. Popular among hikers, bird watchers, and campers, this trail is a favorite in Tanzania’s hiking scene, and you may encounter other outdoor enthusiasts along the way. For the best experience, plan your visit between June and October.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak via Marangu Route
#5 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak via Marangu Route
Discover this 10.0-km out-and-back trail near Horombo, Kilimanjaro, perfect for Tanzania hiking enthusiasts. This challenging route takes approximately 5 hours and 52 minutes to complete. While it’s a popular choice for backpacking, hiking, and walking, you can still find moments of solitude during less busy hours. For the best hiking experience, visit between July and October.
Summit Ascent: The climb features switchback trails leading to Gillman’s Point, from where adventurers can traverse to Stella Point before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Marunga Gate: Kilimanjaro Day Hike
#6 – Marunga Gate: Kilimanjaro Day Hike
Embark on this 17.9-km out-and-back trail near Marangu, Kilimanjaro, a must-try for Tanzania hiking enthusiasts. Known for its challenging terrain, this route takes approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes to complete. Popular among bird watchers, hikers, and walkers, it offers opportunities for peaceful exploration during quieter times. Open year-round, this scenic trail is a stunning destination to visit any time of the year.
Read More About Marunga Route Kilimanjaro Day Hike
Materuni Waterfall Moshi Kilimanjaro
#7 – Materuni Waterfall
Discover this 4.8-km out-and-back trail near Mweka, Kilimanjaro, perfect for Tanzania hiking enthusiasts. Moderately challenging, this route takes about 1 hour and 46 minutes to complete. The trail, which offers access to the stunning Materuni Waterfall in Moshi Kilimanjaro, is a popular choice for hiking and walking. However, you can still enjoy tranquil moments during quieter parts of the day. For the best experience, plan your visit between July and September.
Read More About Materuni Waterfall
Mount Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route: Marangu Gate to Horombo
#8 – Mount Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route: Marangu Gat
Embark on this 27.5-km point-to-point trail near Marangu, Kilimanjaro, a prime choice for Tanzania hiking enthusiasts. Known for its challenging terrain, this route takes approximately 9 hours and 24 minutes to complete. Popular among backpackers, campers, and hikers, the trail also offers opportunities for solitude during less busy hours. For the best experience, plan your adventure in July.
Mount Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route: Horombo to Kibo Hut
#9 – Mount Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route: Horombo
Explore this 9.2-km point-to-point trail near Horombo, Kilimanjaro, a favorite among Tanzania hiking enthusiasts. This challenging route takes approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes to complete. Popular for backpacking, camping, and hiking, the trail also provides peaceful moments during quieter hours. For the best experience, plan your visit in September.
Read More About Mount-Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route
Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
#10 – Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is the least traveled, shortest, and steepest trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique challenge for seasoned adventurers. This 47.3-km point-to-point trail near Kibosho Magharibi, Kilimanjaro, is highly demanding and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Popular for backpacking, birding, and camping, it still provides opportunities for solitude during quieter times. The best months to tackle this trail are December through March. Please note that dogs are not allowed on this trail.
During the first two days of the Umbwe Route, hikers gain over 4,000 feet in elevation, reaching 13,000 feet at Barranco Camp. From there, you can either stop at Karanga Camp at 13,200 feet or, if deemed safe by your guide, proceed directly to Barafu Camp at 15,000 feet. The summit attempt typically begins early in the morning, requiring you to contend with high altitude, fatigue, and a challenging 4,000-foot climb to Uhuru Peak. Despite the effort, the experience is immensely rewarding.
The descent is equally demanding, dropping at least 10,000 feet. Two main camps, Millennium and Mweka, serve as busy stopping points due to the single descent route. This route is a perfect choice for adventurers seeking a more secluded and rigorous Kilimanjaro hiking experience.
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