Tanzania · 6 Mountains · Live Conditions

Mountains & Trekking

From Africa's highest summit to active volcanoes and hidden highland craters.
Live weather · Altitude health guides · Real-time summit conditions.

Mount Kilimanjaro 5,895m —°
Mount Meru 4,566m —°
Ngorongoro Highlands 3,648m —°
Ol Doinyo Lengai 2,962m —°
Mount Hanang 3,417m —°
Loolmalasin 3,682m —°
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Tanzania Highlands

All peaks, one map

Click any marker for live weather, elevation profile, and trekking data.

Complete Profiles

Every peak, every detail

Stratovolcano (dormant) UNESCO

Mount Kilimanjaro

The Roof of Africa
5,895 m asl
Summit Area 🌤 —°C Loading… 💨 —
Base / Trailhead 🌤 —°C Loading… 💨 —
🌅 — 🌇 — 🌕 —

Overview

Africa's highest peak and the world's tallest free-standing mountain. Five distinct climate zones from equatorial rainforest to glaciated arctic summit. No technical climbing required — but altitude, weather and fitness are serious challenges.

5,895m Summit altitude
4,075m Elevation gain
1,820m Base altitude
Kilimanjaro National Park Protected area
Trek Difficulty 5/5
Fitness Required 4/5
Altitude Risk 5/5
Best Months
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Trekking Routes

Lemosho 8 days

Most scenic, best acclimatisation profile. Recommended.

Success
90%
Scenic
★★★★★
Crowds
●●○○○
Book This Route →
Machame 7 days

The Whiskey Route. Popular and challenging.

Success
85%
Scenic
★★★★☆
Crowds
●●●●●
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Marangu 6 days

The Coca-Cola Route. Hut-based, least preparation time.

Success
65%
Scenic
★★★☆☆
Crowds
●●●●●
Book This Route →
Rongai 7 days

Northern approach from Kenya border. Drier.

Success
80%
Scenic
★★★★☆
Crowds
●●○○○
Book This Route →
Northern Circuit 9 days

Longest, highest success rate, most remote.

Success
95%
Scenic
★★★★★
Crowds
●○○○○
Book This Route →

Ecosystem Zones

Arctic 5000–5895m

Glaciers, snowfields, volcanic rock

Alpine 4000–5000m

Desert moorland, rock, ice

Heather 2800–4000m

Giant heather, Senecio, lobelia

Forest 1800–2800m

Montane rainforest, colobus, buffalo

Cultivation 800–1800m

Farmland, banana, coffee

Health & Altitude

  • AMS likely above 3500m
  • Slow down at Lava Tower (4600m)
  • Pole pole — the Swahili mantra
  • Diamox optional: 125mg twice daily from day 3
  • Avoid alcohol at altitude
  • Minimum 7 days recommended

Emergency Contacts

  • KINAPA Rescue: +255 27 275 3134
  • Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
  • AMREF Air Rescue: +255 20 600 0090
Elevation Profile (schematic)
Active stratovolcano

Mount Meru

Kilimanjaro's little sister
4,566 m asl
Summit Area 🌤 —°C Loading… 💨 —
Base / Trailhead 🌤 —°C Loading… 💨 —
🌅 — 🌇 — 🌕 —

Overview

Tanzania's second highest peak. A spectacular 3-day ascent inside a dramatic volcanic crater with views of Kilimanjaro on clear mornings. More technically demanding than Kilimanjaro with a narrow knife-edge ridge approach to the summit.

4,566m Summit altitude
3,066m Elevation gain
1,500m Base altitude
Arusha National Park Protected area
Trek Difficulty 4/5
Fitness Required 4/5
Altitude Risk 3/5
Best Months
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Trekking Routes

Momella Route 4 days

Only route. Dramatic volcanic crater scenery. Armed ranger required.

Success
85%
Scenic
★★★★★
Crowds
●○○○○
Book This Route →

Ecosystem Zones

Crater Rim 3500–4566m

Rock, volcanic ash, ice patches

Heathland 2500–3500m

Giant heather, Afroalpine moorland

Montane Forest 1500–2500m

Colobus, giraffe, buffalo, elephant

Health & Altitude

  • Lower altitude risk than Kilimanjaro
  • Armed ranger escort mandatory
  • Knife-edge ridge requires confidence with exposure
  • Allow 4 days for proper acclimatisation
  • Good Kilimanjaro acclimatisation warm-up

Emergency Contacts

  • Arusha National Park: +255 27 255 3995
  • Arusha KCMC Hospital
  • AMREF Air Rescue: +255 20 600 0090
Elevation Profile (schematic)
Volcanic highland plateau UNESCO

Ngorongoro Highlands

The highland above the caldera
3,648 m asl
Summit Area 🌤 —°C Loading… 💨 —
Base / Trailhead 🌤 —°C Loading… 💨 —
🌅 — 🌇 — 🌕 —

Overview

The Ngorongoro Highlands offer spectacular walking above 2,300 metres through Maasai pastoral land, crater rim walks, and ascents to Olmoti and Empakaai craters. Less about summitting, more about the extraordinary highland landscape.

3,648m Summit altitude
1,362m Elevation gain
2,286m Base altitude
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Protected area
Trek Difficulty 2/5
Fitness Required 3/5
Altitude Risk 2/5
Best Months
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Trekking Routes

Olmoti Crater Walk 1 days

3-hour walk to the crater rim waterfall. Buffalo possible.

Success
98%
Scenic
★★★★★
Crowds
●○○○○
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Empakaai Crater 1 days

Descent into a deep soda lake crater. Flamingos at the bottom.

Success
97%
Scenic
★★★★★
Crowds
●○○○○
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Maasai Highland Trek 3 days

Multi-day cultural and highland walk through Maasai villages.

Success
98%
Scenic
★★★★☆
Crowds
●○○○○
Book This Route →

Ecosystem Zones

Highland Forest 2800–3648m

Cloud forest, giant heather, buffalo

Highland Farms 2200–2800m

Maasai pastoral, mixed agriculture

Crater Floor 1800–2200m

Grassland, wildlife, lake

Health & Altitude

  • Mild altitude effect — acclimatise in Arusha first
  • Armed ranger required for crater walks
  • Buffalo and elephant present on trails
  • Cold nights — layer well
  • No technical difficulty

Emergency Contacts

  • NCAA HQ: +255 27 253 7006
  • KCMC Hospital Moshi
  • AMREF Air Rescue: +255 20 600 0090
Elevation Profile (schematic)
Active volcano (unique natrocarbonatite lava)

Ol Doinyo Lengai

The Mountain of God — active volcano
2,962 m asl
Summit Area 🌤 —°C Loading… 💨 —
Base / Trailhead 🌤 —°C Loading… 💨 —
🌅 — 🌇 — 🌕 —

Overview

The only active volcano in the world that erupts natrocarbonatite lava — lava that is grey-black at eruption and turns white on cooling. Sacred to the Maasai. The night ascent starts at midnight to reach the summit at dawn before the brutal daytime heat.

2,962m Summit altitude
2,062m Elevation gain
900m Base altitude
No park — community land Protected area
Trek Difficulty 5/5
Fitness Required 5/5
Altitude Risk 2/5
Best Months
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Trekking Routes

Night Ascent (standard) 1 days

Midnight start, 4–8 hour vertical scramble, summit at dawn. Extremely steep.

Success
70%
Scenic
★★★★★
Crowds
●○○○○
Book This Route →

Ecosystem Zones

Summit Crater 2400–2962m

Active crater, lava flows, fumaroles

Ash Cone 1200–2400m

Volcanic ash slope, loose rock

Rift Valley Base 900–1200m

Dry savannah, acacia, extreme heat

Health & Altitude

  • Extreme volcanic gases at summit — turn back if strong fumes
  • Extremely steep loose ash — hiking poles essential
  • Night start mandatory to avoid daytime heat (40°C+)
  • Volcanic activity unpredictable — check current status
  • Not for casual trekkers
  • Caustic natrocarbonatite lava — do not touch active flows

Emergency Contacts

  • Lake Natron Camp (nearest lodge)
  • Engaresero Village Health Centre
  • AMREF Air Rescue: +255 20 600 0090
Elevation Profile (schematic)
Extinct volcano

Mount Hanang

Tanzania's forgotten fourth peak
3,417 m asl
Summit Area 🌤 —°C Loading… 💨 —
Base / Trailhead 🌤 —°C Loading… 💨 —
🌅 — 🌇 — 🌕 —

Overview

Tanzania's fourth-highest peak and one of the least-visited mountains in East Africa. The approach passes through Datoga and Gorowa community land. Excellent highland birdlife, no crowds, and a genuine off-the-beaten-track adventure.

3,417m Summit altitude
2,017m Elevation gain
1,400m Base altitude
No park — community access Protected area
Trek Difficulty 3/5
Fitness Required 3/5
Altitude Risk 2/5
Best Months
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Trekking Routes

Katesh Village Route 2 days

Two-day ascent via Katesh. Camping on the mountain. Local guide essential.

Success
88%
Scenic
★★★★☆
Crowds
●○○○○
Book This Route →

Ecosystem Zones

Summit Plateau 2800–3417m

Moorland, rock, dramatic views

Forest Belt 2000–2800m

Montane forest, excellent birding

Cultivation Zone 1400–2000m

Datoga farmland, maize, beans

Health & Altitude

  • Moderate altitude — no special precautions usually needed
  • Remote location — carry sufficient water
  • Local Datoga guide essential (no trails marked)
  • No rescue services nearby
  • Basic first aid kit essential

Emergency Contacts

  • Katesh District Hospital
  • AMREF Air Rescue: +255 20 600 0090
Elevation Profile (schematic)
Volcanic massif UNESCO

Loolmalasin

Tanzania's third highest peak
3,682 m asl
Summit Area 🌤 —°C Loading… 💨 —
Base / Trailhead 🌤 —°C Loading… 💨 —
🌅 — 🌇 — 🌕 —

Overview

Tanzania's third-highest peak sits inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is rarely climbed. The approach traverses Maasai highland meadows through cloud forest to an open rocky summit with views across the Rift Valley.

3,682m Summit altitude
1,482m Elevation gain
2,200m Base altitude
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Protected area
Trek Difficulty 3/5
Fitness Required 3/5
Altitude Risk 2/5
Best Months
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Trekking Routes

NCAA Highland Route 2 days

Two-day highland traverse. NCAA permit required. Armed ranger escort.

Success
90%
Scenic
★★★★★
Crowds
●○○○○
Book This Route →

Ecosystem Zones

Summit Rock 3400–3682m

Volcanic rock, heather, panoramic

Cloud Forest 2800–3400m

Dense cloud forest, moss, colobus

Highland Meadow 2200–2800m

Maasai pastoral, wildflowers

Health & Altitude

  • NCAA permit required in advance
  • Armed ranger escort mandatory
  • Elephant and buffalo possible on approach
  • Cold cloud forest — waterproof essential
  • Rarely climbed — bring comprehensive first aid

Emergency Contacts

  • NCAA HQ: +255 27 253 7006
  • KCMC Hospital Moshi
Elevation Profile (schematic)
Critical Reading

Altitude Sickness
Complete Guide

🟢

AMS — Mild

2500m – 3500m

  • Headache (responds to paracetamol)
  • Mild fatigue and breathlessness
  • Light nausea
  • Poor sleep quality
Action: Slow down. Rest. Do not ascend further until symptoms resolve. Hydrate.
🟡

AMS — Moderate

3500m – 5000m

  • Severe headache (does not respond to paracetamol)
  • Vomiting
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Difficulty walking straight
Action: Descend at least 500m immediately. Take Dexamethasone if available. Seek medical help.
🔴

HACE / HAPE

Above 4000m — life threatening

  • HACE: confusion, loss of coordination, coma
  • HAPE: breathlessness at rest, pink frothy cough
  • Cyanosis (blue lips)
  • Inability to stand unaided
Action: Emergency descent NOW. Call AMREF rescue. Dexamethasone 8mg immediately. Gamow bag if available.
💊

Medications

Prevention & treatment

  • Acetazolamide (Diamox): 125–250mg twice daily from day 3. Helps acclimatisation.
  • Dexamethasone: Emergency treatment only. 8mg initial, 4mg every 6h.
  • Ibuprofen: Prophylactic 600mg three times daily reduces AMS incidence.
  • Nifedipine: HAPE treatment. 30mg extended release.
Consult a doctor before your trek. Diamox contraindicated with sulfa drug allergy.
🏔️

The Golden Rules

Always apply

  • Pole pole — Swahili for "slowly slowly". The cardinal rule.
  • Climb high, sleep low — acclimatise at altitude, descend to sleep.
  • Drink 3–4 litres of water per day at altitude.
  • No alcohol above 3000m.
  • Never ascend with symptoms. Ever.
  • Trust your guide over your ego.
Most summit failures and all altitude deaths are caused by ignoring these rules.
🎒

Essential Kit

Kilimanjaro specific

  • Layering system: base, mid-fleece, hardshell
  • −20°C sleeping bag (summit night)
  • Trekking poles (collapsible, carbon)
  • Headtorch + spare batteries
  • Gaiters for Lemosho/Machame scree
  • Buff/balaclava for summit night
  • Blister kit + moleskin
  • Water purification tablets
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Physical Demands

Body stress toll
by altitude zone

What happens to your body at each elevation band — and how to manage it.

1000–2000m Low

Minimal physiological stress. Oxygen at ~90% sea level. Normal exertion.

Strategy: Normal hydration. Start slow.

~90% O₂
2000–3000m Moderate

Oxygen ~80% sea level. Breathing faster. AMS possible in first 24h.

Strategy: Ascend no more than 300m/day. Rest day if headache.

~80% O₂
3000–4000m High

Oxygen ~70% sea level. Sleep disrupted. VO₂ max drops 25%. Fatigue increases sharply.

Strategy: Mandatory acclimatisation days. Diamox consider. Hydrate aggressively.

~70% O₂
4000–5000m Very High

Oxygen ~60% sea level. Risk of HACE/HAPE rises. Cognitive function impaired.

Strategy: Climb high sleep low. Never ascend with symptoms. Guide decision is final.

~60% O₂
5000m+ Extreme

Oxygen ~50% sea level. Death Zone begins above 8000m but risks acute above 5000m.

Strategy: Summit push only in perfect conditions. Turn back without guilt.

~50% O₂
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