Mountain Trekking
Savannah Voyage Holidays offer Tanzania Mountain Trekking Tours, unforgettable adventures for all levels of hikers. From beginner to experienced climbers, you can safely reach Mount Kilimanjaro via routes like Marangu and Lemosho. Guided by experts, these tours provide a memorable and inspiring experience. For an easier option, Tanzania also has other scenic trekking choices.
Tanzania's Iconic Peaks
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak (5,895m) and a famous free-standing mountain in Tanzania, known for its snow-capped summit and stunning views. Located in Kilimanjaro National Park, it features diverse ecosystems and three volcanic cones: Kibo (highest, with Uhuru Peak), Mawenzi, and Shira. While Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, Kibo is dormant. The mountain attracts climbers worldwide, and with proper guidance, it can be climbed by most fit and determined people of various ages. Key Information Before Climbing: Height: 5,895 m (19,340 ft) Trekking Distance: Approximately 70 km (42 miles) via the Lemosho Route Climate Zones Along the Trek: Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, and Arctic zones Main Climbing Routes: Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Marangu, and Umbwe To ensure safety and comfort during your Mount Kilimanjaro climb, it is essential to carry the right equipment and clothing. Essential Gear Includes: - Base layer tops - Base layer bottoms - 4-5 pairs of underwear - 3-4 short-sleeve shirts - 1 insulated trekking pants - 1-2 long-sleeve hiking shirts - 1-2 pairs of hiking trousers - 1 insulated winter jacket - 1 Polartec fleece jacket - 1 hard shell jacket
Mount Meru
Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain at 4,565 meters, offers a rewarding trekking experience through the diverse landscapes of Arusha National Park, including forests, heathlands, and alpine desert. From the summit, climbers enjoy stunning crater views, distant sights of Mount Kilimanjaro, and abundant wildlife along the lower slopes, making it a truly memorable adventure. This dormant stratovolcano lies about 70 km west of Kilimanjaro and is the fifth-highest peak in Africa. The ascent usually takes 3-4 days and is known for its peaceful trails and excellent wildlife encounters. The journey begins in lush montane forest, home to animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, antelopes, monkeys, and many bird species. As you ascend, the terrain changes to heath and moorland with unique plants like giant lobelias, before reaching the rocky alpine desert near the summit with dramatic crater views and Ash Cone. Key Facts About Mount Meru: Height: 4,566 m (14,980 ft) Climatic Zones: Tropical forest, heath/moorland, alpine desert Duration: 3-4 days Type: Stratovolcano Nearest Airports: Arusha Airport (ARK) and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) Fitness Level: Moderate fitness required (no technical experience needed) Main Peaks: Socialist Peak (main summit), Tower Peak (Little Meru)
Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain
Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai is a unique and thrilling adventure, offering the rare chance to explore an active volcano with extraordinary geological features. The experience is both challenging and rewarding, with moments of difficulty balanced by incredible natural beauty. Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano in northern Tanzania, featuring a double crater, with the northern crater having erupted in historical times. It is the only volcano in the world known for producing natrocarbonatite lava, a rare, low-temperature and highly fluid magma. Significant eruptions in 2007-2008 impacted the surrounding region. Located in the Arusha region, about 16 km south of Lake Natron and 120 km northwest of Arusha city, the volcano sits in an area where livestock farming is the main livelihood, while tourism continues to grow. The landscape is mainly grassland up to about 1,750 meters, enriched by volcanic ash that supports fertile vegetation. The region experiences two rainy seasons: March-May and October-December. Lake Natron & Ol Doinyo Lengai Experience: It is also possible to combine the climb with activities around Lake Natron, such as visiting flamingo-filled shores, exploring waterfalls like Ngare Sero, hiking nearby crater viewpoints, and experiencing Maasai culture in surrounding villages. Night Climb Experience: Climbs are usually done at night to avoid extreme daytime heat, enjoy cooler temperatures, reach the summit at sunrise, and experience fewer crowds for a more peaceful ascent. Best Time to Climb: The ideal climbing periods are the dry seasons (June-October and January-February), when conditions are more stable, trails are less slippery, and visibility is better. The rainy season is generally avoided due to difficult and unsafe trail conditions. A knowledgeable guide is strongly recommended due to the mountain's challenging terrain.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Packages
6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, or "Coca-Cola Route," is Kilimanjaro's oldest trail and offers hut accommodation instead of camping. Over 5 trekking days, it passes through lush rainforest, scenic moorland, and dramatic alpine desert before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), making it ideal for beginners seeking a comfortable, well-supported, and truly rewarding scenic climb with a memorable summit experience.
6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking via Rongai Route
The Rongai Route, approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side, offers a quieter and less crowded trekking experience with a gentle, gradual ascent that makes it one of the more accessible Kilimanjaro climbs. Over six days, you'll journey through a remarkable variety of landscapes, beginning in lush pine forests and farmland before transitioning into heath, moorland, and alpine desert. The trek ultimately leads to the iconic summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m), known as the Roof of Africa. Supported by experienced guides, well-organized tented camps, and ever-changing scenery, this route delivers a perfect blend of adventure, challenge, and natural beauty. It is especially well-suited for first-time climbers, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a peaceful and scenic mountain experience.
6-Day Kilimanjaro Hiking - Machame Route
The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is one of the most beautiful and popular trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. This six-day trek takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and glacial terrain, before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m). More demanding than the Marangu Route, Machame offers excellent acclimatization, stunning panoramic views, and a more adventurous wilderness experience. Supported by experienced guides, well-equipped tented camps, and spectacular scenery, it is an ideal choice for climbers seeking a challenging yet highly rewarding Kilimanjaro adventure.
7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek - Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and a quieter, more remote trekking experience as you approach the Shira Plateau. While the route can be completed in six days, a seven-day itinerary is strongly recommended. The extra day provides a more gradual ascent, allowing your body better time to adjust to altitude and significantly reducing the risk of altitude-related illness. It also adds valuable rest time before the final summit push. Overall, the extended itinerary not only improves safety and summit success rates but also enhances the overall enjoyment of the journey, giving trekkers more time to fully experience the diverse landscapes and breathtaking beauty of Africa's highest peak.