When it comes to natural beauty, East Africa exudes an unsurprisingly captivating and awe-inspiring charm. But while it’s incredibly popular for its impressive wildlife and diverse landscapes, East Africa is also home to some of the most iconic mountains in the world. Besides, what better way is there to view nature from the top but to climb high peaks? So if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush that rewards you some of the most breathtaking views on Earth, East Africa is your ideal destination! Without further ado, here are 4 best mountains to trek in East Africa:
1: Mount Kilimanjaro
Where: Northern Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro is the most popular mountain in Africa, and for good reason. At 5,985 meters, it is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s highest free-standing mountain. It is one of the Seven Summits and yet it offers a climb that’s even friendly to beginner trekkers — no special gear or equipment needed.
A World Heritage Site, Mount Kilimanjaro features a year-round snow-capped peak, 5 climatic zones, some very interesting wildlife, and a phenomenal view of Tanzania, one of Africa’s most iconic lands. To get to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, there are 7 established routes that trekkers can choose from. These routes vary in difficulty, number of days, traffic and scenery.
2: Mount Kenya
Where: Kenya
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest peak, peering over the Kenyan plains at 5199 meters (Batian point). While the highest peaks Batian (5200m) and Nelion (5188m) require some technical climbing, most travelers trek Lenana (4985m), which offers 8 trekking routes to reach its summit: Kamweti, Naro, Moro, Chogoria, Meru, Burguret, Timau, and Sirimon routes.
The best time to trek Mount Kenya is between January – February, and July – October.
3: Simien Mountains
Where: Ethiopia
The Simien Mountains of Ethiopia is an ethereal mountain range that offers fantastic treks and super interesting features. It has glorious sceneries, gorges and streams, and one distinctive thing in the mountain is the set of unique, endemic wildlife like the gelada baboon, Simien Fox (otherwise called Ethiopian wolf) and Walia Ibex.
Known as the fourth highest peak in Africa, the Simien Mountains are also known to be a great spot in Africa where snow never falls. The journey up its peak usually takes approximately three to five days.
4: Mount Meru
Where: Tanzania
Mount Meru, as the myth says, is a “golden mountain that is positioned in the heart of the cosmos, and is the world’s axis”. It is Tanzania’s second highest peak, and it features savannah grasslands that provide safe havens to a variety of wildlife including 400 bird species, leopards and the monkeys.
Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano located 70 kilometers west of the world-famous Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Its slopes are coated with dense rainforest up to about 2,900 meters, which then give way to rocky areas, providing a scenery that’s out of this world.
It really is not surprising that East Africa is becoming a mountain climber’s favorite destination. It offers scenic climbs and some of the world’s most iconic peaks, all with varying difficulty grades. Other mountains to explore in Africa include the Drakensberg in South Africa, Mount Elgon in Uganda and Kenya, Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda and DRC, Mount Cameroon in Cameroon and Mulanje Massif in Malawi. So yes, safaris and beach escapes are great. But wouldn’t it be more spectacular to also take your adventure to greater heights? If you’re ready for that ultimate African experience, plan your safari with us!
