Traveling to Africa should be a priority. That is for every enthusiastic explorer. The continent has beautiful sceneries. It is an ideal trekking destination. The terrain varies a lot. There are semi-desert jeep tracks. You will find soaring mountains. Besides, paths meander through the thriving rain forests. Volcanoes and coastal regions are plenty. There are gorges and canyons too.
Importance of Africa and Places
It is the second-largest continent in the world. Africa has a rich geography. The history is exciting. The flora and fauna is inspiring. Besides, the equator passes through the middle of the continent. Due to that, you find plenty of time to visit most of the places. It is an excellent trekking. The continent is a great escape for winter. Follow this website, for more information on other hiking trails, destinations, and hiking tips.
Below are the eight best hiking trails in Africa:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Fish River Canyon
- Mount Kenya
- Simien Mountains
- Ruwenzori Mountains
- Bylade River Canyon
- Mount Mulanje
- Atlas Mountains
1. Mount Kilimanjaro
It is a snow-covered dormant volcano. It is located on the northeastern side of Tanzania. The highest point is 5895 meters. The mountain is so huge that you won’t see it while at the bottom. The best time for trekking is between July and October.
No need for special equipment to climb. However, you need to be physically fit. Besides, be aware of the effect of high altitudes. There are several routes to reach the summit. The shortest will take you around four nights.
2. Fish River Canyon
It is the largest canyon in Africa with a 160 km stretch. It’s a dramatic canyon with valleys. They cut through the feature. It allows you to trek through a foundation laid millions of years back. It is the second-largest in the world. It is only beaten by The Grand Canyon in the United States. Some exciting features include the Ai-Ais natural hot springs. It is ideal for enjoyment of the healing
waters. They are present on the southern end of the canyon. You can take your trail between May and September. The rest of the year experience high temperatures.
3. Mount Kenya
It is the tallest mountain in Kenya. It ranks second in Africa. It attracts skilled climbers from all over the world. In addition, it is a challenging technical climb. Therefore, it requires expert guides and equipment. The mountain has three peaks.
You will find Lenana, Nelion, and Batian. Hikers can reach the Lenana which is at 4985m high. Nelion is the second highest summit at 5188m. The tallest peak is Batian at 5199m. However, for the two, you need to be a technical mountain climber. The best time to climb is generally between July and October. You can use 30 technical trails to reach the mountain. In all these, you will enjoy animal encounters. You come across spectacular granite peaks. The track passes through thick forests.
4. Simien Mountains
The mountains are present in the northern part of Ethiopia. It is a habitat for some wild species. You will see the Walia ibex. It is is a rare animal found nowhere else in the world. Besides, there are mountain goats. The cliff climbing species oversaw the rise of the range to a national park level. It offers an enjoyable trek for you. It does not matter about your fitness. Inexperienced hikers are okay for the walk too.
You will come across coarse mountain peaks. There are thrilling cliffs going up to 1000m deep. You will also come across the Jinbar waterfall. The 533m high feature dries up to a trickle during the dry periods. You can trek the simian mountains any time throughout the year. However, every season has its experience.
5. Ruwenzori Mountains
The mountain is located in Uganda. It is near the border with Congo. The Ruwenzori Mountains National Park will give you a stunning view of high glaciers. It is a safe environment. The trail is easily accessible. It’s thus among the best treks you will come across.
You will come across a beautiful valley with lakes snow-capped peaks. You will come across diverse vegetative zones. That makes your walk more enjoyable. You can take your excursion at any time of the year. However, the best times are January and February. Besides, July to September is also suitable.
6. Bylade River Canyon
Bylade River Canyon is the largest canyon in the world. It has vast green vegetation. That makes it one of the coolest natural wonder of the continent. It is 25 kilometers long. The depth is 750m. Besides, the highest summit is 1944m long.
Bylade River Canyon is a section of the Drakensberg escarpment. Three Rondavels are notable features of the canyon. Those are round glass-topped peaks resembling the traditional houses of the locals. A famous mark is God’s window. It is likened with God’s view of the Garden of Eden.
7. Mount Mulanje
The mountain is located in Malawi. It is locally known as the ‘island in the sky’. That is due to how it rises abruptly from a plain. There are several gorges containing rivers. As you trek along them, you will view spectacular waterfalls. Besides, you will walk across a forest with large cedar trees. The best time to trek is from April to August. During this time, the region is dry. On the other hand, the temperatures moderate.
8. Atlas Mountains
It is a range of mountains. They stretch for 2500 kilometers. The mountains are present in Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria. Toubkal is the highest peak. It is found in Morocco. The second and third highest summits are found in the same country too.
It is the country where the most luxuriant vegetation lies. Suitable times for trekking are between April and September. You can use mount Toubkal trail. Besides, you can also walk through Ait Bouguemez or Jebel Sarhro treks.
Conclusion
The features along the Bylade River Canyon of South Africa will keep coming into mind days after your trek. You now know the most exciting hiking trails in Africa. It’s your time to pick the best for you and enjoy the excursion.
