The primary mountains are Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain not only in Tanzania but in all of Africa, standing at 5,895 meters. The second-highest is Meru at 4,566 meters, and Ol Doinyo Lengai at 2,878 meters.

All of these mountains are technically volcanoes:

• Kilimanjaro – an extinct volcano
• Meru – a dormant volcano (last eruption over 100 years ago)
• Ol Doinyo Lengai – an active volcano that saw volcanic activity in 2017

Additionally, there is Mount Longido (2,637 m), which is a granite mountain situated near the border to Kenya, and the Usambara Mountains, which are part of the larger chain of Eastern Arc Mountains that cross through southeastern Tanzania.

No technical skills are required to climb the mountains in Tanzania.

For Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, especially, we suggest good physical fitness and preparation for high altitudes.

Be prepared to hike for several hours each day and participate in acclimatization hikes to help adapt to the high elevations.

Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai is very steep. While you don’t need any special gear beyond hiking boots and trekking poles, be prepared to scramble in a few places near the top and be very careful on the steep descent.

Mount Longido and the Usambaras are both great hikes, suitable for beginners or advanced climbers alike. They require no technical skills to reach the top.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro and Meru is during the dry seasons, either from late June to October or January to March.

For Ol Doinyo Lengai, the dry season is ideal, but the main consideration is a new eruption. The volcano is estimated to erupt every 20-40 years, but the area is under constant research to check geothermal levels, any changes or expected volcanic activity are taken seriously.

While Kilimanjaro could be climbed in as little as 5 days, we do not suggest this, since it is only advised for experienced climbers with prior altitude acclimatization. We offer Kilimanjaro climbs from 6 – 8 days, on both Machame and Lemosho Routes. Teams interested in an additional acclimatization day can certainly be accommodated, as well. Extra acclimatization will increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.

Mount Meru is a 3 or 4 day climb. We suggest 4 days, as it gives more time for descent and includes a walking safari in Arusha National park at the end of the trek.

Ol Doinyo Lengai is climbed in a single night (10-12 hrs total), but due to the remoteness of the location, it is good to set aside 2 or 3 days and include a visit to stunning Lake Natron and have plenty of rest after climbing all night.

Mount Longido can be climbed in a day.

Treks in the Usambara Mountains span 3-5 days, depending on the route you choose. Irente and Mambo Viewpoints are usually 3 days hikes, while climbs to the Chambolo Peak could take 5 days.

Essential gear includes warm clothing, a good pair of hiking boots, a sleeping bag, and a headlamp. For Kilimanjaro, altitude sickness prevention is a good idea, talk to your doctor about using Diamox.

We also suggest trekking poles, especially for the three highest mountains; Kilimanjaro, Meru and Ol Doinyo Lengai

Rent Gear in Tanzania

There are arctic conditions atop Mount Kilimanjaro, and it is very cold and windy at the summit of Mt Meru, as well. If you are combining these climbs with a wildlife safari or beach vacation, you may not want to pack a heavy jacket, rain gear or winter hat. Fortunately, you don’t have to! You can rent these items on-location in Tanzania. The gear is in excellent condition and is a great option for first-time climbers who do not want to invest in equipment they may only use once or twice. This is a budget and eco-friendly option.