Famed as the home of the breathtaking Rift Valley, which runs through 12 countries, East Africa presents boundless opportunities for mountain trekking and highland climbing. From gentle hill walks in Kenya's Ngong Hills or endurance trials on Mount Kenya, to hiking the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, East Africa offers rocky summits, mountain forests, and pristine jungles.

Thanks to the endless trails, mountains, and volcanoes dotting the region, East Africa is one of the best places on earth to enjoy incredible hikes. Its soaring hills and mountains with accessible summits, snaking forest trails, and flatland Savannah have made it the home of trekking experiences to suit most time-frames and fitness levels.

Roughly 68 kilometers from Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa's highest mountain, is the 4,565-meter Mount Meru. Located in the Arusha National Park, Meru is widely considered to be an excellent alternative to its bigger neighbor.

As Tanzania's second highest mountain, Mount Meru is often used as a practice acclimatization run for Kilimanjaro.

Trekking up to the summit of the volcano takes between 3-4 days and as they approach the summit, climbers are treated to the sight of lush ancient rainforests of fig trees, which give way higher up to heather, and rocky moors. The trail also passes through the habitats of a number of wild animals including buffaloes, baboons and giraffes, as well as hundreds of species of birds.

On the border of Kenya and Uganda, climbing enthusiasts will find Mount Elgon, which is perched high in the misty hills that stretch from Kenya into Uganda. The towering volcanic giant is home to labyrinthine caves, beautiful valleys and several streams. Visitors can also explore nearby forests, visit elephant caves, and enjoy biking and hiking. At 4,321 meters, Mount Elgon is the eighth-highest mountain in Africa.

Biodiversity hotspot

For hikers who do not want to undergo the rigors of summiting challenging peaks like Kilimanjaro or Kenya, Tanzania's Usambara Mountain Range offers a great alternative. Unlike many of the hikes that require permits and the company of park rangers, Tanzania's Usambara Mountains are casual, idyllic, and easily accessible.

At 2,440 meters, Usambara Mountain is home to over 3,000 plant species and over 600 tree species. The Usambara Mountain Range is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, which run parallel to the Tanzanian coast and extend into the Taita Hills in Kenya. They are recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.

Other climbing destinations in the region include the Rwenzori Mountains in Western Uganda, which reach a height of 5,109 meters and run across the border into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There is also Ol Doinyo Lengai in Tanzania, which rises to a height of 2,962 meters. Referred to as the "Mountain of God", it is sacred to the Maasai people that live in its vicinity.

Most hiking sites in East Africa can provide communal equipment like tents, food and cooking ingredients. However, hikers are responsible for bringing personal gear and equipment.

Drinking water is essential during hikes, but most parks in the region do not allow the entry of plastic water bottles. Visitors are advised to carry their water in Nalgene bottles, water bladders, or other similar devices.