Africa is not only the cradle of humanity but a continent of astonishing natural variety, and it offers absorbing possibilities for trekking. The routes are startling in their range: from jungle to wild savanna. Trekking in Africa is a rare chance to be in touch with nature, to meet rare animals and sometimes to learn more about local peoples and their culture. Below are some of the best trekking routes on the continent.<\/p>\n
Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest summit in Africa, is one of the most popular trekking routes. At an altitude of 5895 metres it draws climbers and trekkers from all over the world. Climbing Kilimanjaro calls for no mountaineering skills, but it is still a serious test for the body because of the altitude, though entirely within reach of anyone of average fitness. There are several main routes up Kilimanjaro:<\/p>\n
Climbing Kilimanjaro takes from 5 to 9 days, depending on the route and the level of preparation in the group. One of the main difficulties is altitude sickness, which stops some participants reaching the summit. So it is extremely important to get good acclimatisation in order to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. We offer our clients three Kilimanjaro tours on three different routes, which we consider the most convenient for clients. Every expedition is led by our experienced guides, who keep participants safe on the route, have first-aid skills and have an impressive record behind them – 8000m+. But if you dream of one of the less popular routes up Kilimanjaro, we will gladly arrange a private tour for you, taking account of whatever you may want. <\/p>\n
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, offer trekkers a rare chance to explore Uganda in all its variety: from tropical forest to the alpine zone. The highest point of the Rwenzori park, Margherita Peak (5109m), is the third-highest summit in Africa. Trekking in the Rwenzori<\/a> is considered one of the hardest routes in Africa specifically (nothing like it by world standards) because of the unpredictable weather and the broken ground.<\/p>\n The Rwenzori route runs through remarkable ecosystems, including dense jungle, bamboo forest and glaciers. It is ideal for experienced trekkers who want to test themselves in harsh country. The journey to Margherita Peak usually takes about 8-10 days, during which participants have to be ready for rain and for demanding climbs.<\/p>\n The Atlas Mountains, stretching across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, are one of the best-known mountain ranges in North Africa. These mountains offer trekkers a variety of routes, from easy day walks to demanding multi-day treks. The Atlas is known for its scenic views, its unusual geological formations and its rich cultural history.<\/p>\n Trekking in the Atlas Mountains is particularly popular in spring and autumn, when the climate is milder and the views are at their most impressive. Even in summer, though, night temperatures can be low, especially at higher altitudes. So although most people expect heat from Africa, you have to be ready for a range of weather conditions.<\/p>\n Mount Kenya (5199m) is the second-highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro, but it offers a completely different trekking and climbing experience. The mountain is traditionally divided into two peaks: Batian, the highest point, which calls for technical mountaineering skills, and the second-highest, Lenana (4985m), which can be reached without special equipment.<\/p>\n Trekking on Mount Kenya<\/a> runs through several climatic zones: from tropical forest at the bottom to alpine meadows and snowy summits higher up. Popular routes for the ascent of Lenana include:<\/p>\n Climbing Mount Kenya takes 4-6 days, depending on the route chosen and the time allowed for acclimatisation. This climb is a rare chance to see the remarkable biodiversity of the region, from wild animals to rare plant species, and to enjoy a variety of landscapes that change constantly as you climb the mountain. Trekking on Mount Kenya is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to see the mountains of Africa without taking on difficult mountaineering routes, and to enjoy trekking that offers breathtaking views and rare experiences.<\/p>\n Mount Meru (4566m), standing in the shadow of Kilimanjaro, is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, and a popular trekking route leads to its summit. Although it is less well known than Kilimanjaro, the ascent of Meru offers genuinely remarkable views and impressive landscapes, while being a quieter alternative to the fairly exhausting climb of Kilimanjaro. The mountain lies within Arusha National Park, which makes this trek particularly attractive to anyone who loves wild country, as on the way you can see a range of animals such as elephants, buffalo, giraffes and even leopards.<\/p>\n Trekking on Mount Meru takes about 3-4 days and usually starts from Arusha National Park. The main route, which runs through several climatic zones, begins in tropical forest and climbs through mountain meadows to the alpine zone. The way is known for its panoramic views of the surroundings, including a breathtaking view of Kilimanjaro at dawn.<\/p>\n One of the most striking moments of trekking on Meru is sunrise at the summit, when the light gradually fills the crater and falls on neighbouring Kilimanjaro. On the last section of the climb, trekkers cross a narrow ridge, which adds an element of adventure and gives many visitors a rush of adrenaline.<\/p>\n Unlike Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru calls for less physical preparation, though the altitude and the long climbs still have to be taken into account. Meru is often thought of as the ideal acclimatisation trek before a climb of Kilimanjaro, as it lets the body get used to altitude and gives you something of a head start on the Kilimanjaro climb that follows.<\/p>\n All in all, trekking on Mount Meru is an excellent option for anyone who wants to try themselves in the role of climber, enjoy the beauty of the natural world and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of wild Tanzania.<\/p>\n Virunga is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to gorillas and many other rare animals. Trekking in this park takes in the ascent of active volcanoes such as Nyiragongo, and walks through forest and savanna.<\/p>\n Trekking in Virunga also offers not only remarkable natural landscapes but the chance to get closer to the gorillas and monkeys that live in the forests, to learn more about their behaviour and to take fantastic photographs you will be proud of.<\/p>\n The Simien Mountains are in the northern part of Ethiopia and are known for their deep gorges, high plateaux and steep cliffs. The region is home to unique fauna, including the gelada (a rare species of primate), the Ethiopian wolf and the woodcock. The main trek in the Simien starts in the town of Debark and continues across plateaux, deep valleys and gorges, finishing with the ascent of Ras Dashen (4533m).<\/p>\n Trekking in the Simien Mountains takes from 3 to 7 days, depending on the route and the physical preparation of the group. It is one of the best places for walking in Africa, thanks to the extraordinary landscape and the variety of its wildlife.<\/p>\n The Drakensberg Mountains, in South Africa, are one of the most popular trekking destinations in the south of the continent. They are a massif of basalt cliffs and deep gorges stretching for hundreds of kilometres along the eastern part of South Africa. Drakensberg National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, for its natural and cultural importance.<\/p>\n Trekking in the Drakensberg can be anything from easy to extremely demanding, depending on the route. Travelling in this region often takes in walks along gorges, visits to ancient rock paintings and nights on high plateaux.<\/p>\n The Mafinga Hills are a remote and little-studied region on the border of Zambia and Malawi. The highest point of Zambia, Mafinga Peak (2339m), is here. The region draws people looking for adventure, for untouched country and for quiet. Trekking in the Mafinga Hills runs through scenic mountain ridges, forests and savanna. It is an excellent place for anyone who wants to avoid the crowds and enjoy solitude in wild country. Trekking here calls for good physical preparation, as the region is thinly populated and hard to reach. But the reward for the effort is impressive views of the surrounding mountain chains and the chance to watch wild animals in their natural habitat.<\/p>\n Trekking in Africa offers a fantastic variety of landscapes and cultural experiences that are hard to find anywhere else. And where to go on your next holiday is for you alone to decide! From snow-covered summits to hot savanna, this continent surprises the most demanding travellers, and people of very different levels of fitness can find a route within their powers. But when you set off trekking in Africa it is important to keep safety and preparation in mind. The right kit, a reliable company and respect for nature and local traditions will help make the journey safe and unforgettable.<\/p>\n “The ascent of Toubkal in Morocco was a real test for me, but at the same time an incredible adventure! Climbing to a height of 4 167 metres gave me the feeling of taking on the world. We started with a walk through colourful Berber villages, where the local people welcomed us warmly. From the summit of Toubkal there are tremendous views over the Atlas Mountains that take your breath away! Although it was not easy, especially on the last sections of the climb, the excellent organisation and the team’s care meant I felt confident throughout. This trek became an important milestone in my life!” <\/em>– Anna, Moscow<\/strong><\/p>\n “Trekking in the Rwenzori National Park in Uganda was a real revelation for me! I never thought the mountains of Africa could be so scenic and so varied. Glaciers, waterfalls and tropical forest – all of it on one route. The way was hard but incredibly absorbing. We passed through different climatic zones, and every day brought something new. Our guides deserve a special mention: they handled the altitude superbly and helped us in the difficult moments. Thank you to your team for the flawless organisation – this was a journey I will be talking about for a long time to come!”<\/em> – Mikhail, Yekaterinburg<\/strong><\/p>\n “Climbing Kilimanjaro is an experience that turned my idea of travel upside down. I had dreamed for years of standing on “the roof of Africa”, and at last it happened! The Lemosho route, which we chose, let us acclimatise gradually and enjoy a range of landscapes – from tropical forest to the glaciers at the summit. The most vivid moment was when we reached Uhuru Peak at dawn and the sun lit up the endless expanse below. That feeling of a victory over yourself is impossible to put into words! Thank you to your team for the precise organisation, the professionalism of the guides and the support at every stage of the way. Without your help I would not have managed it.”<\/em> – Olga, St Petersburg<\/strong><\/p>\n “Trekking in the mountains of Kenya exceeded all my expectations. We set off for the summit of Mount Kenya, and every day of that journey was unforgettable. The route through tropical forest, alpine meadows and rocky climbs was tremendously scenic. The morning climb to the summit of Lenana was the culmination of the adventure – the views over the surrounding valleys and the other peaks were simply spellbinding. Although it was hard because of the altitude, your team supported us at every stage – the guides were incredibly professional and friendly. It was a journey of a lifetime!”<\/em> – Sergey, Vladivostok<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n African trekking starts with defining the goal correctly. Kilimanjaro leads to an altitude of 5895m with no technical mountaineering. Mount Kenya offers Point Lenana at 4985m as a trekking summit, and Batian and Nelion as separate technical peaks. The Rwenzori joins swamp, equatorial forest and glaciers, while Toubkal shows you the high mountains of North Africa.<\/p>\n These routes cannot be compared by the altitude figure alone. On the Rwenzori the difficulty comes from humidity and terrain, on Kilimanjaro from the speed at which height is gained, on Mount Kenya from the difficulty of the central massif, and in the Atlas from seasonal heat and winter snow.<\/p>\n3. The Atlas Mountains, Morocco<\/h2>\n
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4. Mount Kenya, Kenya<\/h2>\n
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5. Mount Meru, Tanzania<\/h2>\n
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6. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo<\/h2>\n
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7. Simien National Park, Ethiopia<\/h2>\n
8. Drakensberg National Park, South Africa<\/h2>\n
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9. Mafinga Hills National Park, Zambia and Malawi<\/h2>\n
Where should you go?<\/h2>\n
What our customers say<\/h2>\n
Which treks Mountain Guide runs in Africa<\/h2>\n