Top 10 Stunning Mountain Treks in Africa

1. Introduction

This article explores some of Africa’s most iconic trekking destinations, covering stunning peaks and unique hiking experiences. Whether you want to summit towering mountains or enjoy scenic trails, Africa offers a diverse range of adventures.

2. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s most popular trekking destination, boasting an elevation of 19,336 feet — the continent’s highest peak. The trek to the summit encompasses five different climatic zones, resulting in varied landscapes and experiences. Over 20,000 adventurers attempt the ascent each year.

Routes to the summit differ greatly in difficulty, traffic, and scenic beauty. The Marangu and Rongai routes are considered less challenging, while the Machame, Shira, and Lemosho routes are more demanding. Choosing longer routes often enhances acclimatization and increases the likelihood of reaching the peak.

3. Mount Kenya, Kenya

Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak, features the technical climbing of its highest summits: Batian (5,200m) and Nelion (5,188m). However, the Lenana peak (4,985m) allows trekkers to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of forests and moorland leading up to icy terrains. This mountain is part of a larger reserve, creating an ecologically diverse environment.

The ideal time to climb Mount Kenya spans from January to February and July to October, offering hikers opportunities to camp or utilize mountain huts for rest.

4. Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Jebel Toubkal, located in the High Atlas Mountains, stands as North Africa’s premier peak at 4,167m (13,667 ft). This challenging ascent rewards climbers with breathtaking vistas. While it’s feasible to reach the summit and return to Imlil in a single day, a leisurely three-day trek is recommended for a richer experience. Imlil is just an hour’s journey from Marrakech.

The Atlas Mountains extend widely and offer numerous excellent trekking options across the Mid, High, and Anti Atlas, where trekkers can immerse themselves in Berber culture.

For those interested in trekking to the High Atlas Mountains, several companies can organize treks:

• Lawrence of Morocco
• Rediscover Morocco
• Naturally Morocco Limited
• Tourdust Adventure Travel

5. Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

The Simien Mountains in Ethiopia present a breathtaking landscape with multiple summits exceeding 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). The highest among them, Ras Dashen, stands at 4,543 meters (14,901 feet), ranking as Africa’s fourth highest mountain. The trekking experience here is further enhanced by the region’s stunning scenery, including gorges and streams, along with opportunities to observe unique wildlife such as the gelada baboon and Walia Ibex.

Most treks commence from Debark, requiring a 3-4 hour drive from Gondar. Here, hikers can arrange for necessary equipment, porters, and supplies.

6. The Drakensberg, South Africa

The Drakensberg, which means ‘Barrier of Spears’ in Zulu, is South Africa’s highest mountain range. Its lower elevations are ideal for day hikes, horse riding, San rock art viewing, and bird watching, while the higher passes provide more challenging trekking routes.

Adventurous hikers may explore the “Drakensberg Traverse,” a 2-3 week journey encompassing many of the range’s significant peaks, including the dramatic Tugela Falls, known for its breathtaking drops. For shorter hikes, the trek from the Sentinel to the Cathedral is highly recommended.

7. Mount Meru, Tanzania

Mount Meru, at 4,566 meters (14,980 ft), serves as Tanzania’s second highest mountain. It is frequently utilized as an acclimatization trek for climbers heading to the neighboring Mount Kilimanjaro. The ascent to its picturesque summit generally takes 3-4 days, passing through lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, including buffaloes, baboons, and giraffes.

The optimal months for climbing are between August and October, with accommodations available in well-maintained huts along the route. An armed ranger is mandatory for safety, hence, planning and organization are essential.

8. Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda

The Rwenzori Mountains, located just north of the Equator along Uganda’s western border with the DRC, boast Mount Stanley, the highest peak in the range. These mountains are characterized by their permanent glaciers and rich biodiversity, being home to unique wildlife and stunning trails.

The main trail to Mount Stanley, known as the Central Circuit, takes between 4-10 days to complete, guiding trekkers through dense forests, bogs, boulders, and glaciers. Due to the challenging nature of the trek, hiring a guide and armed ranger is required. Basic huts are available along the routes, with optimal trekking seasons occurring from December to February and June to August.

9. Mount Elgon, Uganda and Kenya

Mount Elgon is a vast extinct volcano straddling the border between Kenya and Uganda, featuring five major peaks. The tallest is Wagagai (4,321m) in Uganda followed closely by Sudek (4,302m) in Kenya. The caldera itself is among the largest globally, offering explorers scenic hikes through gorges, waterfalls, and caves.

The best hiking period spans December to March, where trekkers are required to hire official guides. In Uganda, check in at Mbale for vital equipment, information, and trekking permits. There are numerous routes available for hikers, with a recommended minimum of five days to achieve any of the main summits.

10. Mount Cameroon, Cameroon

Mount Cameroon, known locally as Mongo ma Ndemi or “Mountain of Greatness,” is West Africa’s highest peak at 4,040 meters (13,255 ft). This active volcano last erupted in 2000, providing a unique geological experience for trekkers.

Numerous trails lead to the summit, the most notable being the steep Guinness Trail, named after the marathon race once sponsored by the Guinness Beer company. To ensure safety, porters and guides are mandatory throughout this 2-3 day trek, which passes through diverse terrains, including farmland, rainforest, montane forests, and savanna before reaching the rocky summit.

11. Mulanje Mountain, Malawi

Located in southern Malawi, Mulanje Mountain is a prominent granite massif with its highest peak, Sapitwa, reaching just over 3000m. This region provides various routes for trekkers, with simple huts available at the end of each path. It’s an excellent destination for families, featuring a plethora of streams and peaks to explore, with a recommendation to spend at least two nights on the mountain.

The Mountain Club of Malawi offers crucial route information as well as fee structures and guidelines on engaging porters. Starting your hike from the Lihkubula Forest Lodge is advisable. The prime time for climbing Mulanje lies between May and October.