Tanzania has three great mountains to climb and they are all different. Most people only know Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a great adventure to climb but not easy to an altitude of 5895 meter. Therefore, Tanzania also has to offer Mount Meru which with 4566 meter is easier, but certainly not less rewarding. Lastly, Ol Doinyo Lengai with an altitude of 2878 gives the opportunity to climb within one night. However, it is an active volcano, so not always possible.
Kilimanjaro
The majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, also called the roof of Africa, is the highest mountain (5895 meter) of Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It is a dormant volcano that actually comprises three volcanoes, but two peaks are remaining, Kibo and Mawenzi. The well-known bulge with everlasting snow is called Kibo. The third volcano was Shira, but this has collapsed into a rocky flatter area west of Kibo. Uhuru peak is the summit of Kibo and is the ultimate goal of climbers. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro not only rewards you with a certificate, but also with a lifetime experience never to forget.
To reach Uhuru peak, several stunning routes are available ranging from easy walking on steep slopes through amazing landscapes to mountain climbing on almost vertical walls. On the way, you will find unique plantations and views. Marangu route (five days) on the east-side of the mountain is considered the easiest route where you overnight in huts.
Kilimanjaro On all other routes, you’ll overnight in tents on set campsites with no facilities besides pit latrines. Together with Machame route (six or seven days), which is more rewarding due to the breathtaking scenery with valleys and hills, Marangu are the most visited routes. Other routes (six or more days) include Lemosho, Rongai, the new Northern route and Umbwe route. You can find more information on the official website of Tanzanian National Parks. Our favourite route is Lemosho.
We can arrange your Kilimanjaro climbing trip to all available routes. An accredited and experienced team of (assistant) guides, cook and porters will be at your service. The trip typically includes a guide, an assistant guide, a cook, porters, camping gear, meals, park fees and rescue fee. We can arrange extra necessary clothes and sleeping bags. Remember that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not a piece of cake, so adequate training and excellent gear is highly necessary.
Mount Meru
Beautiful Mount Meru (4566 Meter) is also a dormant volcano about 60 km west from Mount Kilimanjaro. The attractive mountain is situated about 37 km from Arusha in greenish Arusha NP. One of the mountain walls was blasted away in the latest big eruption and gave way to the rough appearance of this mountain. The ash cone is very well visible. On the lower slopes, animals like buffaloes, giraffes and zebras are found grazing.
Mount Meru there is only one route reaching the peak of Mount Meru, which is called socialist peak. Views are stunning and you will spend the night in huts. The climb is considered more difficult as Kilimanjaro, because of the steep pathways; however the trip only takes three or four days. During the trip you’ll have great views on Mount Kilimanjaro.
We can arrange your Meru climbing trip. An experienced team of (assistant) guides, cook and porters will be at your service. The trip typically includes a guide, an assistant guide, a cook, porters, camping gear, meals, park fees and rescue fee. We can arrange extra necessary clothes and sleeping bags. Remember that climbing Mount Meru is not something easy, so adequate training and excellent gear is highly necessary.
Oldoinyo Lengai
Conical Oldoinyo Lengai (2878 meter) is a still active volcano near to Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is the only mountain in the world that emits natrocarbonatite lava. The last big eruption was in 2007, but since then it erupts once in a while. The mountain is close to the amazing pinkish Lake Natron in a typical Maasai area.
This mountain can be climbed in a time span of several hours, but it is not easy as a layer of ashes makes you to slide a lot. You typically start climbing just after midnight to be on the summit to enjoy an amazing sunrise. Another option is to camp in the crater. This is only possible if the mountain is ‘quiet’. Know that climbing Lengai is done through a cultural tourism program and accreditation of guides is not needed. In addition, network availability is scarce in the area around the mountain so rescue facilities are limited.
We can arrange your Lengai climbing trip. It is often done in combination with visiting Lake Natron or a hiking tour in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The trip typically includes a guide. Necessary clothes and sleeping bags can be arranged extra.