20 of the Best Hikes in Africa

1. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) via the Machame Route

• Perfect for: The ultimate African adventure
• Country: Tanzania
• Level: Challenging
• Duration: 7+ days

Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters, is the tallest peak in Africa and one of the seven great mountains of the globe. No list of the top African treks would be complete without include this mountain.

Acclimatisation time en route is critical for safety on any of the many routes up Kilimanjaro. The Machame Route is known as the “Whiskey Route”, simply because it’s a harder journey than the most usual path up the mountain, the Marangu Trail, which is also known as the “Coca-Cola route”.

Located south of Kili, near the Machame Gate, you will begin this trek in the rainforest zone. Since this is a camping route, you won’t find any cabins to spend the night in. Due to the lower volume of hikers, it is also considerably less crowded than the Marangu Route. As you ascend and descend the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Shira volcanic cone. The trail begins at the base of Mount Barafu and winds its way around the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall. Beginning your ascent on summit day at around midnight, you will pass Gilman’s Point, Stella Point, and Uhuru Peak, allowing you to witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises you have ever seen. You’ll reach Mweka Camp in the rainforest zone after descending via an alternate route.

We suggest the Rongai route, a fascinating northern approach, or the Lemosho route, a maybe the most beautiful western approach, if you’re interested in exploring alternative routes up Kilimanjaro. Once you include a safari and Kilimanjaro, you’re looking at the pinnacle of African adventures.

2. A desert hike to Egypt’s Sinai Desert

• Perfect for: Combining desert and colourful coral reefs
• Country: Egypt
• Level: Challenging
• Duration: 3-6 days

In the middle of the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea lies the massive Sinai Peninsula, which is bounded on the south by Egypt and on the west by Israel and Jordan.

Within this peninsula is the parched Sinai Desert, a lunar landscape of pebbles, rocks, and mountains. Not only is it well-known as the location of the events described in the book of Exodus, but it is also a popular destination for adventure tourists. Here, visitors may learn about the nomadic lifestyle from local Bedouin guides, go on wild camping trips, and trek into the desert.

Immerse yourself in the local culture with the help of knowledgeable indigenous guides who can lead you on a variety of adventures through this expansive wilderness. Imagine making your dinner over an open fire and sleeping under the twinkling stars.

An ideal route would start in Wadi Rimhan and descend into a valley dotted with verdant palm trees; from there, one would scramble to the top of Jebel Um Shomer, a 2,587-meter mountain. As the second-highest peak in Egupt, it offers breathtaking views of the Red Sea, mainland Egypt, and the Gulf of Suez from its peak. Additional attractions include the adjacent Telah Braika gorge and the magnificent Naqab El Ahemar (the crimson passage), a rocky passageway.

If you’re feeling adventurous after your walk, you may add rock climbing to your itinerary or even go snorkelling in the Red Sea, where you can see vibrant coral reefs like the ones at Ras Abu Galum.

3. Climb Mount Toubkal (4,167m) in Morocco

• Perfect for: Bagging a first 4,000m mountain
• Country: Morocco
• Level: Challenging
• Duration: 2 days

Mount Toubkal, at 4,167 meters, is both North Africa’s highest mountain and Morocco’s highest point. Located in the world-famous Atlas Mountains, this non-technical peak requires a two-day hike. On the first day, you’ll reach the Refuge du Toubkal, a mountain hut where you’ll spend the night. Then, on the second day, you’ll descend to Imlil after making it to the top.

Imlil is a gateway town to the Atlas Mountains, situated at an elevation of around 1,800 meters, and it is approximately a 90-minute drive from Marrakech. The first day of your trip will take you through Berber settlements, snow-capped mountains, and high mountain valleys.

Following the routes over 2500m, approximately the height where, depending on the time of year, snow can be present, can give you a sense of the true altitude on this ascent. Almost immediately after this, you will reach the refuge at 3,207 meters. There, you will find dormitories, restrooms, hot meals, and, naturally, plenty of cheerful hikers to converse with.

To reach the peak of Toubkal, you will need to get up while it is still dark and then begin to scramble. The sunrise over North Africa can be seen from the peak if you are fast enough and depart at the correct time. After that, the lengthy descent to Imlil awaits.

4. Trek Pico do Fogo (2,829m) in Cape Verde

• Perfect for: Discovering island life
• Country: Cape Verde
• Level: Moderate
• Duration: 7 hours

Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands situated 350 miles (570 km) west of the African peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean. Its magnificent Pico do Fogo serves as its highest point. You may reach the peak of this mountain in around three or four hours if you leave your house at sunrise and climb steadily. Unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby islands of Santiago, Brava, and Maio may be enjoyed from the peak.

Enjoy your lunch atop the mountain before leisurely descending the slopes covered in ash, taking in the breathtaking views along the way. You ought to be back in town with enough time to sample some local wines.

It goes without saying that you will be seeking for further adventure throughout your Cape Verde vacation if you are travelling all the way there. Explore the unmarked paths of Malagueta Natural Park and the Calabaceira Valley by foot, or go swimming and snorkelling in the Tarrafal area.

5. Trek the Atlas Mountains in Morocco

• Perfect for: A full Atlas adventure
• Country: Morocco
• Level: Moderate
• Duration: 4 day

Even without the dramatic two-day ascent of Mount Toubkal, the Atlas Mountains are a must-visit destination for many reasons; in fact, we’ve included them all in this list.

You should not be denied the opportunity to behold the majestic mountains simply because you choose not to ascend them. The trailhead for this hike is located at Imi Oughlad, some fifteen minutes before you reach Imlil, rather than Imlil itself. Hiking with the help of mules throughout the Moroccan landscape will bring you to the red clay settlement of Tiziane, where you may experience local culture and cuisine.

Hiking through the cherry and walnut trees to Assaka spring will reveal the area’s surprising verdant side, which impresses many. The large Atlas Mountains lie in the distance, behind which verdant forests stretch into the distance, along the orange horizon. Let this be the foundation of your stride. Stop by the Berber towns of D’knt, Agouns n Assol, and Tamsoult; see the 4,000-meter peaks in the distance; and relax in the freshwater springs that shepherds (pardon the pun) swarm to.

6. Hike the Spitzkoppe mountains of Namibia

• Perfect for: Desert lovers
• Country: Namibia
• Level: Easy
• Duration: 2 day

Although Namibia is most known for its beautiful sand dunes that stretch out into the Atlantic Ocean, the country’s breathtaking mountains can be found farther inside. Among the many intriguing features of the 55-80 million-year-old Namib Desert, which is widely believed to be the world’s oldest desert, are the Spitzkoppe mountains. Located between Usakos and Swakopmund, the mountains are a succession of stark granite peaks that carve out visually arresting desert landforms.

Hike up these enormous natural pyramids, some of which reach 1,650 meters in height, and you’ll pass past the famous stone arches that have attracted so many visitors. If you’re lucky enough to have a knowledgeable guide on your side, this is an ideal camping spot.

Experience the beauty of hiking around Grosse Spitzkoppe, a mountain that stands tall in the range and is often called the Matterhorn of Africa. After you finish exploring the area? Experience a traditional African safari by seeing Etosha National Park, Windhoek, the capital, and the stunning Skeleton Coast.

7. Hike Le Morne Brabant Mountain on Mauritius

• Perfect for: A world-beating day hike
• Country: Mauritius
• Level: Moderate
• Duration: 3-4 hours

Le Morne Brabant is a peninsula at the southwestern tip of Mauritius, an island a huge 1,240 miles (2000km) off the east coast of Africa. The stand-out feature of the peninsula is Le Morne Brabant Mountain, a site so special it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008.

The mountain is steeped in history; previously serving as a refuge for escaped slaves on the island. There are caves and underhangs on the mountain’s steep slopes, and the plateau at the peak is huge. The mountain and its surrounding area are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, making them ideal viewing locations for the rare Trochetia boutoniana, the national flower of Mauritius.

From the summit, you can look out to the lagoons of Mauritius and out to the ocean. Explore the paths of Black River Gorges National Park if you’re seeking additional hiking opportunities in Mauritus.

8. Bush walk in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

An enormous inland delta in Botswana, the Okavango covers 7,813 square miles (20,235 km2) and is famous for its seasonal floodplain grasslands, which are home to an incredible array of animals, including hippos, giraffes, rhinoceros, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and many more. Nowhere else can you find anything similar.

If you’re looking for a fantastic place to go animal watching, the African bush is the place to go. Local experts who can point out animals, recognise them and their trails, and fill you in on local life greatly enhance these visits.

In the days that follow, you can go on bush treks in the Maun and Planet Baobab, where you have a decent chance of seeing African Wild Dogs and, of course, that famous African tree. For the most memorable vacation, include bushwalks like this in a larger adventure schedule that also includes canoeing and/or a safari.

9. Hike the Drakensberg Grand Traverse in South Africa

• Perfect for: A tough mountain epic
• Country: South Africa/Lesotho
• Level: Challenging
• Duration: 10-15 days

Running across the Drakensberg—the eastern part of the Great Escarpment that encircles the central South African plateau—and snaking between the South African and Lesotho borders is the renowned Drakensberg Grand Traverse. The region is well-known for its beautiful and diverse landscapes. You might be climbing steep moonscape mountains one day and hiking through verdant forests the next.

Frequently cited as one of the world’s most challenging, this monumental journey spans over 140 miles (230 km). One reason for that is that the majority of your walk will be above three thousand meters. Part of the reason for this is that the trail is completely unmarked and lacks a defined path, necessitating exceptional navigation skills from hikers. Having said that, just because a route is labelled as “non-technical” doesn’t mean it’s easy.

This path winds its way around 34 ridgelines, past numerous spectacular waterfalls, and offers nearly continuous breathtaking scenery. All six of the region’s tallest peaks are over 3,000 meters, and you’ll climb them all along the trip. Due to the steep ascent and descent involved, you will have gained more altitude than if you had started from sea level and climbed Everest via the grand traverse.

10. Climb Pico Papagaio on São Tomé and Príncipe

• Perfect for: The route less travelled
• Country: São Tomé and Príncipe
• Level: Challenging
• Duration: 5 hours

São Tomé and Príncipe is a beautiful couplet of islands off the west coast of Africa. It features lovely beaches, virgin rainforest, rare indigenous animals and stunning mountains – yet it remains one of the least visited destinations in the world today.

If you do visit the island, you’ll arrive on the island of São Tomé. Fly on over to Príncipe and if you’re up for a challenge, you may join a local guide for a walk up Papagaio Peak, the distinctive volcanic landmark of Principe seen from the capital.

In exchange for enduring the steep and muddy forest trails that lead to the 680m peak, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas. The path actually delves into the Parque Natural do Pri̺ncipe, which is teeming with wildlife, including monkeys, butterflies, oca trees, and vibrant wild orchids.

After that, get your reward at Roça Sundy, a massive cocoa plantation.

11. Spot the Mountain Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

• Perfect for: Primate lovers
• Country: Rwanda
• Level: Moderate
• Duration: 1 day

Located in northern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park extends over 100 miles (160 square km). Amazing creatures call this area home, and it’s all a part of the massive Virunga volcano protection area.

Among the many apes found in the area, the mountain gorillas are perhaps the most well-known.

Permitting such trips requires a hefty sum (US $1500 per person per day as of writing), but it’s worth mentioning that the program is commendable and uses the money for conservation efforts as well as the construction of local schools, health centres, and roads. Also, seeing a family of mountain gorillas up close is an experience you won’t soon forget. Twelve families call the national park home right now.

It is crucial to make a reservation in advance because Rwanda only has 96 permits available daily. The length of these treks can range from forty minutes to four or five hours, depending on factors such as your fitness level, the area, and the route chosen by your local guide, who will take into account the group’s fitness level.

Volcanoes National Park is still a great place to go even if you’re trying to be frugal. Spend an hour on a woodland walk jumping from tree to tree with a group of golden monkeys.

12. Climb Pic Boby (2,658m) in Madagascar

• Perfect for: Lemur lovers
• Country: Madagascar
• Level: Challenging
• Duration: 1 day

Beyond all else, Madagascar is famous for its lemur population. Off the southeastern coast of Africa, on this fabled island, you can find more than 110 different species of lemur. These lemurs can be short or tall, lanky or cuddly. Madagascar is a vast island with some hefty mountains to climb, but there are plenty of places to observe lemurs, including Anja, a community-run nature centre home to the country’s highest concentration of ring-tailed lemurs.

Andringitra National Park, located about 47 kilometres (29 miles) south of Ambalavao, the capital of the Philippines, is the destination of this entry. This park is home to thirteen different kinds of lemurs and Pic Boby, Madagascar’s second-highest peak and one of the best to climb.

The trail starts with a traverse of the Andohariana plateau, which brings you to massive granite cliffs that indicate the start of the climb. Once you’ve climbed steadily for 2.5 hours, you’ll reach the peak and be able to take in a 360-degree view of the landscape.

13. Chimpanzee Trekking in the Mahale Mountains

• Perfect for: Chimp spotting
• Country: Tanzania
• Level: Challenging
• Duration: 1 day

The world’s largest population of eastern chimpanzees may be found in Mahale Mountains National Park. According to David Anderson, a safari expert, Mahale is “an evolutionary triumph, where the clock seems to have stopped early, at the right time” in his 2005 book On Safari. The place is perfect for “the real adventurer,” he says.

Although it is less popular, this park is close to the more well-known Gombe Stream National Park, which is associated with Jane Goodall. There are very few locations on Earth where you can see lions and chimpanzees living side by side. When you go on an adventure in these stunning woods accompanied by an expert, you greatly increase your chances of seeing the apes, whether they’re napping or swaying from tree to tree in the high mountains. The experience of witnessing a family of chimpanzees is really unique, however there are time constraints on human interaction with these animals due to conservation concerns. This is the epicentre of most Mahale Mountain hikes, but if you’re looking for something more challenging, there’s always Mount Nkungwe (2,462m).

Only via air or boat can one reach this national park. For the most exciting adventure, we suggest the latter, and more specifically, kayaking in from Korongwe or Karema.

14. Climb Mount Kenya via Chogoria (4,985m)

• Perfect for: The ultimate Kenyan adventure
• Country: Kenya
• Level: Challenging
• Duration: 5 day

Ascents of Mount Kenya are, in a sense, mountaineering endeavours. We say that because the two highest peaks on the mountain, Batian, at 5,199m and Nelion at 5,188m, can actually only be reached with mountaineering equipment. A long and still very difficult hike up to Point Lenana at 4,985m is the only way to reach one of Mount Kenya’s peaks, though.

The quickest route to Point Lenana is the route with Naro Moru, but this isn’t the most scenic route. In our view, that’s the Chogoria Route. It has no huts along the way, so climbers have to be entirely self-sufficient, but in return you get a remarkable route, passing tussock grass and moorland, taking in Lake Ellis at 3,390m, with panoramas of the spikes of Mount Kenya beyond, and looking out over the Gorges Valley. Before you reach the peak, you’ll set up camp above Lave Michaelson, which is at an elevation of over 4,000 meters. The guides are just as enthusiastic about this fantastic route as the travellers.

Descend from Africa’s second highest mountains – then head out on safari to see the big five.

15. Climb Sapitwa Peak (3,002m) from Thuchila in Malawi

• Perfect for: A unique scramble
• Country: Malawi
• Level: Challenging
• Duration: 3 days

In Malawi, you’ll find the stunning Mount Mulanje, whose towering, rocky peaks offer breathtaking panoramas of the countryside and its verdant forests.

While Mulanje is home to more than 20 summits, the majority of which average 2000m, the highest point in Malawi is Sapitwa Peak, which reaches 3,002m. On the very first day, you’ll be brought along a path known as the Suicide Path. Do not be alarmed; the ascent is actually very gradual and steady, though it does culminate in a tough struggle. You will spend the night at Chisepo Hut after crossing the Thuchila River and ascending the valley. The following day, you’ll have to get up bright and early to start the arduous climb to the peak. You reach the Sapitwa ridgeline after making your way uphill via boulders and bushes to some very steep granite slabs. From here, you have approximately one mile of an unusual path—climbing boulders and through wilderness—to reach the peak of Malawi. After a very taxing day in the highlands, you will return to Chisepo Hut for another night before descending.

Those looking for easier strolls or more challenging climbs can choose from a number of routes that circumnavigate the surrounding villages, which is one of the many wonderful things about this area.

16. Go Trekking in the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia

• Perfect for: Spotting gelada monkeys
• Country: Ethiopia
• Level: Challenging
• Duration: 3 day

Popular hiking destinations in northern Ethiopia include the Simien Mountains. Situated inside the range, Simien National Park was established in 1969 with the aim of safeguarding the diverse array of animals found there, including walia ibex, gelada monkeys, klipspringers, and the rare Ethiopian wolves.

Ras Dashen, a tall peak measuring 4,550 meters, is the highest point in the park and in Ethiopia overall. It’s a peculiar peak because, although it can get snow at night, the sun’s heat tends to melt it away within a few hours. Even so, that snow can linger up there during the rainy season.

The interesting thing is that the path to Ras Dashen is actually the most delightful portion of the hike, according to many Simien Mountain visitors that climb it. Therefore, we suggest a three-day trek throughout the national park, during which you may explore the grasslands, forests and escarpments, all of which offer excellent opportunities to see wildlife and provide breathtaking views of deep valleys. You can go hiking to Imet Gogo (3,925m) and even Ras Bwahit (4,430m), the country’s second-highest peak, or you can visit the Jinbar Falls viewpoint, where a waterfall plunges and the views are long.

17. Climb Lion’s Head in South Africa

• Perfect for: A scenic day out in Cape Town
• Country: South Africa
• Level: Manageable
• Duration: 2-4 hours

Cape Town is famed for its surroundings – the sprawling city set amongst mountains and ocean – and on a hike up Lion’s Head, in the midst of it all, you can get great views out over all of it.

From the parking lot, all you have to do is follow the well-traveled path as it ascends on a dirt road. Steps will soon appear, and the path will only get narrower and steeper from there until you reach some large boulders. To aid you in certain areas, there are chains and ladders set up. Take care. Ascending the hill offers sweeping views of Cape Town, the far-off ocean, Signal Point, the Twelve Apostles, and Table Mountain.

Close to one of the world’s great cities, this climb offers a lot of reward for a relatively quick ascent, making it the busiest on our list.

18. Take the Nyiragongo Volcano Trek in Virunga

• Perfect for: Volcano lovers
• Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Level: Challenging
• Duration: 1 day

The ascent of the Nyiragongo volcano is arguably the most extraordinary walk in all of Africa. The four-mile (6.5-kilometer) course is usually broken down into five segments, with a fifteen-minute break in between. Ascending from the Kibati Ranger Post at 1870m, you will reach the summit at 3,470m. On your walk, you will pass through verdant forests teeming with monkeys and other species. Eventually, you will reach a more open area with breathtaking valley views. As the scenery comes to life in Section 3, you’ll travel past old lava flows and volcanic fissures; in Section 4, you’ll be walking through high mountain forest. The last leg of the trail involves a strenuous 300-meter climb to the peak of the mountain.

The vantage point from above? Directly beneath is the biggest lava lake on Earth, which is erupting and consuming itself.

19. Take the Canopy Walkway in Kakum National Park

• Perfect for: A bird’s eye view
• Country: Ghana
• Level: Easy
• Duration: 1 day

Less than four hours’ drive from Accra, this family-friendly destination is one of the most developed tourist locations in Ghana. Tropical forests cover much of Kakum, a region that has only been a national park since 1992. Great bird watching is available, with over 600 species of butterflies and nine species of hornbills to be seen. Other endangered species include the African elephant, North African crested porcupine, and gigantic bongo antelope. One of just three canopy walkways in all of Africa provides access to this area. This one spans seven treetops and is 350 meters long.

The local community, rather than the State Department of species, established this park. This means that it serves the population’s needs while also protecting the incredible species and breathtaking scenery that they inhabit. Stay longer by reserving a treehouse, and get up early for the best bird viewing.

20. Climb the Mountains of the Moon in Uganda

• Perfect for: A huge physical challenge
• Country: Uganda
• Level: Challenging
• Duration: 7 day

Little is known about the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda, yet they contain six of Africa’s tallest mountains. One of these, Margherita Peak, which is at the top of Mount Stanley and stands at 5,109 meters, is the third highest. The Rwenzori are commonly called the moon mountains because their lofty summits are adorned with snow. Almost every high route in East Africa calls for technical gear, so if you’re a climber, you’ve come to the right location.

As you ascend to the peak of Uganda, this path leads you through rural areas before dropping you off at some breathtaking mountain cottages. Stopping at the Nyabitaba Hut at 2,651m, you get a chance to witness colobus monkeys and chimpanzees. Continue on to the John Matte Hut (3,505m) for a first look at Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. Then, via the secluded Bujuku Lake in the faraway Stuhlmann Pass, between two towering peaks, climb to the Bujuku Hut (3,962m).

As you climb over 4000m to Elena Hut (4,541m) on Mount Stanley, you’ll remain before reaching Margherita Peak. The terrain changes from grass to rock as you go. The next step is to climb the Stanley Plateau with an ice axe and crampons in order to reach the peak and get a perspective of Uganda.

Stay safe out there: 
Our guides are well-researched, concise summaries, aimed to inspire but not for navigating needs. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee completeness. Outdoor activities come with substantial risk, and individuals must assume full personal responsibility for their own safety. Kabira Safaris Africa, and the authors, disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of the information from this article.