While the Drakensberg and Kilimanjaro are undoubtedly celebrated for their hiking allure, Africa offers an abundance of other trails that are equally mesmerizing. The continent beckons adventure enthusiasts from Central to Southern, North, East, and West Africa to explore its diverse landscapes.
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1. Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda
Often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon” due to their snow-clad summits, the Rwenzori range straddles the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These peaks, once thought to be the origin of the Nile by ancient Greek scholars, host the Central Circuit Trail.
This well-maintained route, which takes about seven to nine days to traverse, provides a journey through various landscapes, with huts along the way. Mount Stanley, the highest peak at 5109 meters, is a significant draw, and though the mountains are home to wildlife, sightings are infrequent. Among the animals that reside here are the giant forest hog, leopards, and a variety of primates and birds. The retreating glaciers, impacted by climate change, have created new lakes that hikers might encounter along their journey.
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Read: Walking on the moon: Climbing the Rwenzoris
2. Chamarel Waterfall and Seven Coloured Earths, Mauritius
Mauritius’s southwestern region offers a vibrant natural spectacle known as the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel. This phenomenon, characterized by sand dunes of various hues, results from the transformation of lava into clay minerals.
Photo by Martin Falbisoner
A hike through the tropical forests here, typically lasting around six hours, leads adventurers past the 80-meter-tall Chamarel Waterfall and offers routes to the island’s highest peak, Black River Peak. The surrounding Black River Gorges National Park is another treasure trove of trails waiting to be explored.
3. Mount Cameroon, Cameroon
Picture: jbdodane/Flickr Commons
Standing tall at over 4000 meters, Mount Cameroon is West Africa’s highest peak and one of its most active volcanoes. The preferred route to the summit is the Guinness Route, a steep and direct path that can be conquered in two days. For those seeking more extended experiences, guided tours offer options ranging from one to five days. The mountain’s ecosystem is rich, with endemic flora and fauna spread across its varied landscapes, from rainforest to savannah.
4. Mount Meru and Pugu Hills, Tanzania
Although overshadowed by Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru offers a more challenging climb and is an excellent preparation for conquering Tanzania’s highest peak. Situated within Arusha National Park, the mountain’s trails pass through areas teeming with wildlife, making an armed ranger’s accompaniment advisable. The nearby Pugu Hills, located just outside Dar es Salaam, contain some of the world’s oldest forests and offer a variety of trails for hiking and biking.
Mount Meru escapes its cloudy covering to tower over Ngurduto Lodge. Photo by David Youldon
5. Mount Mulanje, Malawi
Located in southern Malawi, Mount Mulanje, also known as Mulanje Massif, is a paradise for both serious hikers and casual walkers. The area boasts a rich biodiversity, with deep ravines, plateaus, waterfalls, and trout fishing spots. With 18 different hiking routes, visitors can choose anything from a short stroll to a multi-day trek.
Mount Mulanje is a biodiversity hotspot
6. Monte Alen National Park and Pico Basile, Equatorial Guinea
Monte Alen National Park, often described as Equatorial Guinea’s hidden gem, offers well-marked trails through pristine forests where hikers might encounter elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees. Due to the challenging terrain and frequent wet conditions, waterproof gear is essential. For those interested in volcanoes, Pico Basile on Bioko Island offers a unique hiking experience, with views extending to Mount Cameroon on clear days.
Photo by John and Mel Kots
7. Rif Mountains, Morocco
The Rif Mountains in northern Morocco offer hikers expansive trails and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Starting from the town of Chefchaouen, known for its striking blue buildings, the trails lead through cedar forests and traditional Moroccan countryside. Longer treks can take hikers from the mountains to the coast, offering a deep immersion into Morocco’s natural beauty.
Picture: Steven dosRemedios/ Flickr Commons
8. Dogon Country, Mali
The Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its cliffside villages and ancient architecture. Treks here can range from short hikes to multi-day adventures, allowing visitors to explore the cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Dogon Country.
Photo by Ferdinand Reus
9. Malolotja Nature Reserve, Swaziland
Covering 18,000 hectares, Malolotja Nature Reserve in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) offers a wide range of hiking opportunities through varied terrain, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands. The reserve is known for its wildflowers and the dramatic Malolotja Falls, the highest waterfall in the country.
Sunset over Malolotja Nature Reserve. Photo by Tyson Jopson/ Getaway Gallery
10. Bokong Nature Reserve, Lesotho
Located in the highlands of Lesotho, Bokong Nature Reserve offers trails that wind through grasslands, wetlands, and the Maloti Mountains. At an altitude of 3000 meters, it is Africa’s highest nature reserve. Highlights include the Roof of Africa hike and the Lepaqoa Waterfall, which freezes into a stunning ice formation during the winter.
The Lesotho highlands. Picture: Boundless Southern Africa/ Flickr Commons
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