East Africa is a stunning region as it is home to lush green forests, deep blue seas, cascading waterfalls, vast savannahs, sandy beaches, and scenic hills and mountains. Tourists can enjoy an exciting game drive or safari, a fun-filled beach vacation, or a great sightseeing trip to a major town or city. Those who want adventure can go for a hiking trip, as these are fun and physically challenging, so they can be life-changing for tourists and can allow them to have an unforgettable bucket list experience. Here is the ultimate hiking guide for beginners for their trip to East Africa!
Where to go:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is a famous hiking destination. As the world’s tallest freestanding volcanic mountain, and the highest mountain in Africa, this glorious tourist spot is ideal for a challenging climb. The mountain can be hiked year-round, and after an amazing trek, tourists can enjoy the aerial view of the surroundings. Here, tourists can also enjoy a private waterfalls tour or a forest nature walk where they can enjoy the lush green scenery!
- Ngurdoto crater
In Arusha National Park, Ngurdoto Crater is a great spot for hiking. Here, tourists can enjoy the view of the vivid greenery of the forest, and find animals such as elephants, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, baboons, rhinos, flamingos, hornbills, and gazelles. Tourists can also find stunning plantlife, with flora such as ferns, orchids, and strangler fig. The best time to go is at sunrise, as the views are extraordinary. Travellers should avoid going in the rainy season during March to May, and then, November to December, as the rain blocks the hiking trails. Tourists can also visit the Momella Lakes or take a trip to Lake Duluti to relax and enjoy the views.
- Serengeti National Park
Walking safaris at the magnificent Serengeti National Park involve a lot of hiking. On their hike, tourists can spot animals such as buffaloes, hippos, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, zebras, antelopes, lions, cheetahs and leopards! From Naabi Hill (also known as Lion’s Rock), tourists can enjoy a great view of the Great Migration of two million wildebeests, and watch the herds graze at the grass or get chased by predators!
- Mount Meru
The scenic and serene Mount Meru is a great hiking spot. The climb is more quick and easier than Mount Kilimanjaro, and tourists can even see Mount Kilimanjaro from here! This is lesser known than Mount Kilimanjaro so there are less travellers here, making this ideal for those who wish to avoid the crowds. Visitors can enjoy the views and see abundant wildlife!
What to pack:
Tourists should keep a light-weight bag which they can easily carry. Some items that they must keep are sunscreen, binoculars for sightseeing, travel documents, cash, mosquito repellant, an extra layer e.g. a light jacket for colder nights, and comfortable walking shoes. Tourists should pack clothes that can cover their skin, protecting it from the sun and insects. They must have shoes that are fit for hiking, and warm socks for colder times.
When to go:
The best time for a hiking trip in East Africa is during the dry season i.e from June to October, and between the months of December to February. This is when there is little to no rain, so it is unlikely for a thunderstorm or sudden rain to disturb the exciting and adventurous hike!