MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Rising out of the plains of northern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is a majestic site to see. Often referred to as the “rooftop of Africa”, this dormant volcano, standing at a height of 5,895 m, is the highest peak in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. The mountain has two peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi, with the former being permanently capped with ice. There are seven official routes used to ascend, with all having their own advantages and disadvantages. Climbers will pass through the foothills of the mountain, an area populated with many coffee farms and small villages, on their way to one of the park’s gates. The start of the climb is in lush, dense forests that transform into shrub land before again turning into an open, rocky area as you make your ascent to the summit. No specialized equipment is needed to reach the summit at Uhuru Peak, making this trek possible for any reasonably fit adventurer!
MOUNT MERU
Mount Meru, standing at 4,566 meters, is the fifth highest mountain on the African continent. Mount Meru is located within Arusha National Park and while often overlooked by visitors, who are more focused on Mount Kilimanjaro to the east, is worth the visit. The bottom of the mountain is covered in forest area, home to various animals like Colobus monkeys, buffalo, antelope, giraffes and over 400 species of birds. An armed park ranger will accompany you up the mountain as there is a great amount of wildlife. This challenging, steep climb can be done in four days.
OL DONYO LENGAI
Ol Donyo Lengai is a site revered by the Maasai, an ancient tribe found in Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya. The name means “the home of God” in the Masaai’s tribal language. This volcano, which is still active, erupts sporadically, sending ash into the air and lava down the sides of the crater. This climb is more challenging physically and hikers usually climb overnight so that they can experience the sun rising over Lake Natron and the Rift Valley.