Mountain Treks

Transcendent treks across Tanzania's volcanic peaks

From the snows of Kilimanjaro to Meru, Ngorongoro highlands, Ol Doinyo Lengai, and Lake Natron, TJT designs mountain adventures that transform the journey as much as the summit.

The call of the climb

Journey to the high places of northern Tanzania

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.

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

TJT is excited to offer mountain treks centered around the picturesque volcanic peaks that tower over the NE Tanzanian landscape. The centerpiece is Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and one of The Seven Summits. Other treks include Mt Meru and a unique combination of crater treks in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with the option of scaling Ol Doinyo Lengai.

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

Mountain trek landscape in northern Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro trekking route

Mt Kilimanjaro

The Roof of Africa

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, Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising nearly 16,000 feet above the East African plains to 19,341 feet (5,895m).

Add a northern circuit safari or a one-day mini-safari to nearby Arusha National Park.

“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

A remarkable four-day trek

Momella Route: 4-day trek

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

The trek is a strong stand-alone adventure and a perfect acclimatization climb before tackling Mt Kilimanjaro. Add a day to enjoy the wildlife and landscapes of Arusha National Park.

Mount Meru trekking landscape
Ngorongoro Crater panorama

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

One of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders

Crater Combo: 4-day excursionGeopark Adventure: 7-day Highland Combo

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.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a well-established wildlife management area that covers much of the Ngorongoro Highlands and the southern reaches of the Serengeti ecosystem. Originally included in Serengeti National Park, in 1959 NCA was split into a separate protected area. Unique in the conservation efforts of Tanzania, NCA was established as a mixed-use area where wildlife and semi-nomadic Maasai residents coexist. Today, NCA is one of Tanzania’s most visited destinations with over 800,000 visitors per year.

Hidden Gems of Ngorongoro Geopark

Crater lakes, sacred volcanoes, flamingos, and highland trails

Olmoti Crater highlands

Olmoti Crater

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 lake

Empakaai 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 volcano

Ol Doinyo Lengai

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 flamingos

Lake Natron

Lake Natron – To the north, sitting below Ol Doinyo Lengai, is 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.

Design your ultimate trek, safari, and diving journey

Contact TJT to shape a route around your pace, interests, acclimatization, and travel dreams.

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