Background information
Tanzania’s mountain ranges are grouped into a north – eastern (The Eastern Arch, and a central and Southern Arch (The Southern highlands or Southern Arch). There is also a belt of volcanic peaks in the central north of the country near the Ngorongoro crater (Crater highlands, and a narrow, low – lying coastal strip varying in width from about 15km to 65km. Tanzania boasts many other mountain ranges and attractive peaks. Most of the country’s
mountains and volcanoes are located in the north and east of the country.
USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (TANGA REGION)
The Usambara Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Chain in the north – eastern part of the country. Their western and eastern ranges are divided by a 4km wide valley of small villages and farms, and hiking trails cover the foothills and larger peaks. Day walks and overnight treks take visitors through some of the most concentrated areas of biodiversity in Africa. Bird watching is especially rewarding, and the views from the mountaintops stretch over the Maasai steppe and, on a clear day, as far as the Indian Ocean.
ULUGURU MOUNTAINS (MOROGORO REGION)
Overlooking the agricultural areas around Morogoro, the Uluguru Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc range and are named after the Luguru people, a matrilineal group that farms on its verdant slopes. The area has some of the oldest forest in Africa, and because the ecosystem has remained undisturbed by climatic and geographical changes for an estimated 25 million years, hiking in the area is particularly rewarding. A plethora of endemic bird and insect species are found here, but permits are required to reach most of the peaks and permission must be sought in advance.
UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS (MOROGORO & IRINGA REGIONS)
Lying west of Dar es Salaam, the Udzungwa Mountains rise up steeply from the edge of Selous(over 30.000 sq.km of this reserve has been set aside and upgraded as J.k. Nyerere National Park). Vervet Monkeys (Black – faced monkeys) play in the forest canopy, and small antelopes can be viewed at the right time. Botanical diversity is exceptional, and the park is host to a large number of endangered bird species. The unique geological and environmental conditions of the Udzungwa region have produced a large number of endemic species, making the region a treat for nature lovers. Views from the peaks of the Mountains are incredible and well worth the effort. Five distinct trails cover the forests and mountain peaks within the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, offering various levels of difficulty for everyone from novices to experienced trekkers.
PARE MOUNTAINS (KILIMANJARO REGION)
Pare Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc range in north – eastern Tanzania, the remote Pare Mountains are extremely rewarding to the avid trekker searching for hiking trails off the beaten path. Home to the Pare People, agriculturalists and pastoralists who have largely retained their traditional way of life, a hike through the Pare Mountains takes visitors through local villages and beautiful forests and offers the chance to see a little – visited part of the country.
OL DONYO LENGAI (Ngorongoro district- Arusha Region)
Overlooking Lake Natron and the bushland of Kenya to the north, Ol Donyo Lengai, which means “the home of God” in Maasai, is an active volcano and one of Tanzania’s most spectacular and Undiscovered climbs. The volcano erupts sporadically, sending streams of grey lava down the crater rim and spitting hot ash high into the air. The climb, undertaken overnight so hikers can experience sunrise over the Rift Valley Escarpment, is highly challenging.
MOUNT HANANG (Hanang district – Manyara Region)
Mount Hanang, remotely located on somewhat bumpy tracks 200 kms south – west of Arusha, Mount Hanang’s extinct volcanic crater makes for a stunning feature above the undulating plains. The two – day climb takes trekkers through numerous tribal areas, including the land of the semi – nomadic Barabaig, recognizable by their goatskin garments.
LIVINGSTONE MOUNTAINS (RUVUMA REGION)
The Livingstone Mountains are a low – altitude chain that borders Lake Nyasa. Remote and difficult to reach, climbing is largely uncharted and for the most part the area remains unexplored by hikers.
- MOUNT MERU (Arumeru district – Arusha Region)
The dramatic crater of Mt. Meru is often neglected in favour of its famous neighbour to the east, but a visit to this spectacular mountain, located within Arusha National Park, is an unforgettable experience. Its lower slopes are covered in dense highland forest, where colobus monkeys play and buffalo graze concealed beneath the thick foliage. The extinct volcano’s extensive base gives way to a perfectly formed crater, and another internal crater with sharp, sheer cliffs. An ash cone forms a subsidiary peak and the momela lakes and Ngurdoto crater are visible from the slopes of the mountain.
- MONDULI MOUNTAINS (Monduli district – Arusha Region)
Monduli Mountains in Monduli district, Arusha region, just a few hours drive from Arusha, the Monduli Mountains make a lovely day trip or can be part of a longer hiking itinerary. Maasai pastoralists herd their cattle along the slopes and cultural tourism programmes give visitors the opportunity to learn about traditional medicines and local Maasai culture. The surrounding views of the Rift Valley, Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro are incredible.
- MOUNT KILIMANJARO (Moshi rural & Rombo districts – Kilimanjaro Region)
Above the gently rolling hills and plateaus of northern Tanzania rise the snowy peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, its slopes and glaciers shimmering above the rising clouds. Kilimanjaro is located near the town of Moshi and is a protected area, carefully regulated for climbers to enjoy without leaving a trace of their presence. The mountain’s ecosystems are as strikingly beautiful as they are varied and diverse. On the lowland slopes, much of the Mountain is farmland, with coffee, banana, cassava, and maize crops grown for subsistence and cash sale. A few larger coffee farms still exist on the lower slopes, but much of the area outside the national park has been subdivided into small plots. Once inside the park, thick lowland forest covers the lower altitudes and breaks into alpine meadows once the air begins to thin. Near the Peak, the Landscape is harsh and barren, with rocks and ice being the predominant features above a breathtaking African view. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highlight of many visitors’ experiences in Tanzania. Few mountains can claim the grandeur and the views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Maasai steppe – that belong to Kilimanjaro. Hiking on the “rooftop of Africa” is the adventure of a lifetime, and anyone from a seasoned trekker to a reasonably fit first time enthusiast can scale the snowy peak.
CRATER HIGHLANDS
Rising up from the floors of the Rift Valley, the Crater Highlands form a lush chain of mountains and volcanoes that includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) and the surrounding Maasai tribal lands. Hiking safaris take visitors from Ngorongoro crater to the foot of OL DONYO LENGAI and offer a chance to see some of the most spectacular and stunning scenery in Tanzania. Exploring this little – visited wilderness is the hiking adventure of a lifetime. Within the crater rim, large herds of zebra and wildebeest graze nearby while sleeping lions laze in the sun. At dawn, the endangered black rhino return to the thick cover of the crater forests after roaming the dew – laden grasslands in the morning mist. Just outside the crater’s ridge, Maasai herd their cattle and goats over green pastures through the highland slopes, living alongside the wildlife as they have for centuries.
EASTERN ARC MOUNTAINS RANGE
Stretching from the Taita Hills of southern Kenya to the southern highlands of Tanzania, the Eastern Arc Mountains Range has some of the oldest geological activity on the continent. Estimated to be at least 100 million years old with some formations up to 600 million years old – the relative stability of their climate means that the area hosts a surprising array of biodiversity, from plant and insect life, to spectacular bird species.
