Active Tanzania - Tanzania - page 63

MT HANANG
Tanzania's fourth-highest peak (3417m) offers a comparatively easy trek along well-worn
footpaths to the summit. It's also relatively inexpensive to organise, and makes an in-
triguing destination if you're interested in combining trekking with an introduction to local
cultures. See Click here .
CRATER HIGHLANDS & NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
Together with adjoining parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Crater Highlands
offer rugged, rewarding and generally expensive trekking, best organised through a special-
ist operator. The spectacular terrain includes steep escarpments, crater lakes, dense forests,
grassy ridges, streams and waterfalls, plus the still-active volcano of Ol Doinyo Lengai.
This is just north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area boundaries and best accessed from
Lake Natron. Apart from the Maasai people who live here, you'll likely have most areas to
yourself. See Click here .
USAMBARA MOUNTAINS
The western Usambaras offer village-to-village walks along well-worn footpaths, ranging
from a few hours to a week or more. There are enough local guesthouses that carrying a
tent is unnecessary. Lushoto is the main base, although there are many other options, in-
cluding Soni and Mambo. The main centre for hikes in the eastern Usambaras is Amani
Nature Reserve, where there is a network of short forest footpaths. Hikes combining the
two regions (allow five to six days) are also possible. See Click here .
PARE MOUNTAINS
Hiking in the Pares is comparable to hiking in the Usambaras, along a network of well-
trodden mountain footpaths. The Pares are less developed for tourism and walks tend to be
shorter, with accommodation camping or in local guesthouses. See Click here .
UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS
The lush Udzungwas lack the ease and picturesque scenery of the Usambaras and the cul-
tural tourism of the Pares, but they are fascinating from a botanical perspective, with more
unique plant species than almost anywhere else in the region. They are also a prime des-
tination for birders. There is only a handful of fully established trails, ranging from short
walks to multiday mountain hikes (for which you'll need a tent and will have to be self-
sufficient with food). See Click here .
ULUGURU MOUNTAINS
If you happen to be in Morogoro, it's worth setting aside time for hiking in the densely
populated Ulugurus - of interest culturally and botanically. Hikes (most half-day or day)