Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TREKKING & HIKING
Tanzania has rugged, varied terrain and a fine collection of peaks, rolling hills and mountain
ranges. Landscapes range from the forested slopes of the eastern Udzungwa Mountains to
the sheer volcanic cliffs of the inner wall of Mt Meru's crater and the final scree-slope ascent
of Mt Kilimanjaro. Treks and hikes range from village-to-village walks to bush hikes.
Throughout the country, almost all trekking can be done without technical equipment, by
anyone who is reasonably fit. However, most excursions - and all trekking or hiking in na-
tional parks and wildlife areas - requires being accompanied by a guide or ranger. This usu-
ally also entails adhering to set (sometimes short) daily stages.
Planning
BOOKING
General booking considerations are similar to those for safaris;
Click here
.
The best places for booking Kilimanjaro treks are Moshi and Marangu, followed by
Arusha. Meru treks can be organised independently with park staff at the gate, or booked
in Arusha if you'll be going through a trekking operator. Treks in the Crater Highlands and
climbs up Ol Doinyo Lengai are best organised in Arusha.
COSTS
Treks on Kilimanjaro and in the Crater Highlands are expensive. Most other treks in Tan-
zania can be done on a reasonable budget with a bit of effort, and a few are cheap. Among
the least expensive trekking areas, all of which are easily accessed via public transport, are:
»
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Main costs will be for entry and guide fees
»
Usambara, Pare and Uluguru Mountains
All can be done as part of local cultural tour-
ism programs or independently (a guide is recommended)
»
Mt Hanang and Mt Longido
Both can be climbed as part of local cultural tourism pro-
grams
MINIMISING COSTS
Organised-trek costs vary considerably and depend on the length of the trek, the
size of the group, the standard of accommodation before and after the trek, the
quality of bunkhouses or tents, plus the knowledge and experience of guides and
trek leaders. To minimise costs:
»trek or hike outside national parks (to avoid park entry fees)
»carry your own camping equipment (to cut down on rental costs)
»avoid treks that necessitate vehicle rentals for access
