Africa is one of the best continents for trekking, with mountains from north to south and east to west, and a great variety of landscapes and wildlife along the way. The weather high up can turn rough, so it pays to carry the right gear. Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania in particular have peaks and trails that adventurous trekkers will enjoy. Here are some of the best treks in Africa.
1. Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya, in Kenya, is Africa’s second-highest peak. Its highest points, Batian (5,199 metres) and Nelion (5,188 metres), are technical climbs for experienced mountaineers only. Point Lenana, at 4,985 metres, is the trekking summit most walkers aim for, with wide views over the grasslands of Kenya. The mountain lies within Mount Kenya National Park. The best times to go are January to February and July to October, when the air is clear.
2. Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 metres. It is one of the most popular climbs in the world, with tens of thousands of people attempting it each year. What sets it apart is that the route takes you through five different climatic zones. The paths to the summit vary in traffic, difficulty and scenery: the Marangu and Rongai routes are the easiest, while Machame, Shira and Lemosho are harder but longer and more scenic.
3. Atlas Mountains
In Morocco, the Atlas Mountains offer some of the country’s finest walking. The high point, Mount Toubkal at 4,167 metres, is a demanding trek but well worth it for the views, and the village of Imlil is the usual starting point. You can climb it and return in a day, but three days is better if you want to take in the mountain at a gentler pace.
4. The Drakensberg
The Drakensberg, known in Zulu as uKhahlamba, “the barrier of spears,” is the great mountain range of South Africa. Its lower slopes are ideal for day walks, horse riding, camping and birdwatching, while the higher ground is challenging and best left to experienced trekkers. The Drakensberg Traverse, a two-to-three-week hike, takes you along the finest peaks in the range. The range is also home to Tugela Falls, which drops about 948 metres over five tiers, among the tallest waterfalls in the world.
5. Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano on the border of Kenya and Uganda, has five main peaks, the highest being Wagagai (4,321 metres) in Uganda and Sudek (4,302 metres) in Kenya. Along with open skies, the trek takes you through gorges, waterfalls and sandstone caves, with professional guides to lead the way. About five days is ideal to cross the range, and December to March is the best window, when it is neither too hot nor too cold.
6. Simien Mountains
In Ethiopia, the Simien Mountains have several peaks above 4,000 metres, the highest being Ras Dashen at about 4,550 metres, one of the tallest in Africa. Trekking here is memorable for the streams, the scenery and the wildlife you may see along the way, including the Gelada baboon and Walia ibex.
These are just a few of the mountains scattered across the continent. Between them they offer forests, grasslands and clear skies, along with the chance to see some of Africa’s wildlife, and they make fine places to spend time in nature.
