Embarking on an African adventure is a memorable experience. However, Africa is not just popular for its fauna and flora but also for its majestic peaks. In this article, we list six thrilling hikes to complement your safari adventures, elevating your experience.
For those looking to incorporate adventures with wildlife through your African adventure, specialists such as Naturetrek offer wildlife-focused group tours. Arranging tours yourself is also possible, with the continent becoming increasingly accessible to independent travellers.
Pairing a safari with a mountain hike offers a unique experience where you can spot Africa’s Big Five and at the same time challenge yourself physically to conquer some of the best mountains in Africa.
Here are 6 thrilling mountain hikes that can nicely complement your African safari itinerary.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
If you are looking for a hiking expedition on your African safari holiday you should head to Tanzania. This is one of the best places on the planet where you can see wildlife and at the same time enjoy some hiking experience.
Rising 5,895 meters, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and one of the top places to cover when you are exploring Tanzania. While exploring national parks in Tanzania like the Serengeti National Park you can club your mountain hiking activity with it. The hike would typically take five to nine days based on what route you choose.
While the hike is non-technical, certain routes can be challenging and can lead to altitude sickness. The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry months from January to mid-March and June to October when the weather is clear and favourable.
Mount Kenya, Kenya
While Kenya is known for its amazing safari experiences and the Maasai Mara National Reserve you can enjoy some amazing hiking experiences. Situated in central Kenya, Mount Kenya is the country’s highest peak and can provide you with the right mountain hiking experience you seek.
The good thing is that the mountain is surrounded by two national parks, Mount Kenya National Park and Aberdare National Park. This makes it easier for you to integrate mountain hiking into your safari itinerary seamlessly. The hike can take around a week based on what routes you choose.
Similarly, you can look out for moderately challenging routes that can make things easier for you. The best time to hike Mount Kenya is during the dry seasons from January to March and July to September to ensure clear weather.
Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
South Africa is among the top destinations for African safari holidays. However, there’s a lot more that South Africa has to offer than just exploring Africa’s Big Five. When you are in South Africa you can look out for various mountain hikes that can offer you the adrenaline rush you seek.
Drakensberg Mountains offer a stunning backdrop for a range of hiking adventures. These mountains are close to safari destinations like Kruger National Park, making it an ideal stop for safari and nature lovers. You can find various trails that differ in terms of difficulty and therefore you can choose the route that suits you the best.
It takes around three to four days to hike the Drakensberg Mountains if you choose a moderate trail. You can hike these mountains from May to September when the weather is cool and clear. This also allows you to spot wildflowers, birds and small mammals as you hike up the mountain. When you are done with your hike you can celebrate your hike by visiting top wineries in South Africa.
Virunga Mountains, Rwanda
Spanning the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Virunga Mountains can provide you with the right mountain hiking experience. Home to several volcanoes like Mount Karisimbi, the Virunga Mountains can offer a hiking experience like no other.
The mountain range is close to Volcanoes National Park and that allows you to combine your safari adventures with hiking expeditions. However, various mountains in the Virunga Mountains have higher altitudes and therefore you need to be prepared to navigate steep slopes and dense forests.
You can also combine the gorilla trekking experiences that you can find in Rwanda along with your hiking adventures, especially in dry seasons from June to September and December to February.
Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda
When you are keen on incorporating hiking adventures with your African safari itinerary you may want to choose Uganda as one of the destinations. Uganda is quite popular for its gorilla trekking activities. However, this also allows you to explore the Rwenzori Mountains.
These mountains are also known as the Mountains of the Moon. This UNESCO World Heritage Site can provide you with a rewarding hiking experience as you ascend through its rugged terrain and pristine alpine vegetation. There are multiple hiking routes and you may want to choose moderate trails if you have never tried hiking these mountains earlier.
The hike can be pretty demanding with muddy paths, steep slopes and frequent rain that can add to the experience. The best time to hike the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda is from June to September and December to February. While you are here you can also explore the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park which is one of the top national parks in Uganda.
Mulanje Massif, Malawi
While you are exploring African safari destinations you would also want to head to Malawi where you can explore Liwonde National Park. This is one of the top national parks in Malawi but to make it more interesting you can enjoy a hike to Mulanje Massif located in southern Malawi.
Known for its dramatic peaks and dense forest, this granite mountain range can provide you with an amazing hiking experience when you are exploring Malawi. Being closer to Liwonde National Park, you can pair your hiking adventure with a safari itinerary.
This allows you to make the most of your relaxing safari holidays with some adventure activity. Hiking Mulanje Massif typically takes three to five days. If you are looking for adventure, this hike can push your physical limits with long steep ascents and unpredictable weather.
While Africa is usually known for safari and wildlife holidays visitors can also make use of the continent’s diverse landscape and geography. From Mount Kilimanjaro to the Rwenzori Mountains, you can hike these peaks that promise you plenty of adventure, scenic views and unique encounters with nature and African wildlife.
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