Mountain Treks

There is no denying the visceral allure of Mt Kilimanjaro and the awe-inspiring, transcendent call to reach her lofty summit. The magnificent view from the top of Uhuru Peak is the reward, but it is the journey that will transform you.

Perhaps Edmund Hillary said it best,

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”

TJT is excited to offer mountain treks centered around the picturesque volcanic peaks that tower over the NE Tanzanian landscape. The centerpiece, of course, is Mt Kilimanjaro with her status as the highest mountain in Africa and, thus, one of The Seven Summits. Other treks offered include a 4-day trek to the summit of Kili’s little sister, Mt Meru, and a unique combination of treks in the craters of Ngorongoro Conservation Area with an option of scaling Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano erupting the world’s only known occurrence of natrocarbonatite lava.

Combine any mountain trek with a 5-Day Safari or any Add-On Excursions

Contact Us to design the ultimate trek/safari/diving trip to suit your desires!

Mt Kilimanjaro

Lemosho: 8-Day Trek with 3 nights in Arusha
Machame: 9-Day Route with 3 nights in Arusha

One of “The Seven Summits,” Mount Kilimanjaro draws trekkers from around the globe attempting to reach the ‘Roof of Africa’. A dormant volcano on the eastern edge of the East African Rift, Mt Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. She rises nearly 16,000’ above the East African plains to an elevation of 19,341’ (5,895m).

Add a northern circuit Safari or a one-day “mini-safari” to nearby Arusha National Park (Add-On Excursions).

“There, ahead, all he could see, as wide as all the world, great, high, and unbelievably white in the sun, was the square top of Kilimanjaro.”

Ernest Hemingway, The Snows of Kilimanjaro

Mt Meru

Momella Route: 4-day trek
Add a day to enjoy the variety of wildlife and landscapes of Arusha National Park (Add-On Excursions)

Mt Meru may be one of the most underrated treks in the world. The 4-day trek to the summit of this 14,980’ (4,562m) dormant volcano offers wildlife, waterfalls, mountain huts, and a breathtaking view of the East African plains and, on a clear day, the snows of Mt Kilimanjaro.

The 4-day trek to the summit is a great stand-alone adventure – it is also a perfect way to acclimatize before tackling Mt Kilimanjaro.

Mt Meru from Arusha National Park

Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Olmoti/Empakaai/Ol Doinyo Lengai

Crater Combo: 4-Night/3-Day of treks to the floor of one or both craters combined with game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Conservancy Adventure: 7-Day with game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, day treks into Olmoti and Empakaai Craters, 2-day trek to the summit Ol Doinyo Lengai, and a day at Lake Natron

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is one of the world’s truly amazing places. Designated a Mixed World Heritage Site, the NCA covers 8,292 sq km and shelters an exotic blend of landscape, wildlife, people, and archaeological sites.

Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unbroken and unfilled volcanic caldera. Host to over 25,000 large animals, Ngorongoro Crater is home to some of Africa’s last remaining black rhinos. Outside the crater, wildlife co-exists with the semi-nomadic Maasai. Despite pressures from the modern world, the Maasai strive to preserve their ancient pastoral culture while living in harmony with the wildlife.

Add a half day to visit a Maasai Boma to learn more about their colorful culture (Add-On Excursions)

One of the hidden gems of the NCA, Olmoti Crater means ‘Cooking Pot’ in the Maasai language. Perhaps not as dramatic as Ngorongoro or Empakaai Craters, the lush surroundings and water source still attract a number of grazing animals such as elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, and antelope. The hike into Olmoti Crater offers panoramic views of the region and a glimpse of the Munge Waterfall, which pours out of the crater into Ngorongoro Crater.

Empakaai Crater is a perfect off-the-beaten-path geographic marvel for exploration best experienced by a trek down to the lake. Along the way, take in the truly incredible natural attractions, as well as wildlife encounters including baboons, buffalo, elephants, and flamingos.

Ol Doinyo Lengai is the “Mountain of God” as translated from the Maasai language. Rising majestically to a summit elevation of 10,459’ (3,188m), about 2000m above the Gregory Rift arm of the East African Rift system, Ol Doinyo Lengai is a classic symmetrical stratovolcano and is the only active volcano in the world that erupts natrocarbonatite lava. The volcano is a popular hiking destination for those looking for a unique challenge (2-day trek with sunrise summit) – a steep hike with 1600m of elevation gain in just five kilometers.

Lake Natron – To the north, below Ol Doinyo Lengai, sits Lake Natron. The red-hued, mineral-rich soda lake is the breeding ground for 2.5 million lesser flamingos. Greater flamingos also breed on the mud flats. Trails lead from the lake to Engero Sero waterfalls.