Tanzania is an East African country that is home to the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro as well as more than twenty active and extinct volcanoes, which seems to be a lesser known fact. Tanzania is quite famous for natural attractions and many tourists from around the world visit the country every year.
However volcanoes site visiting in the country doesn’t get the attention it deserves. So we thought it fitting to shed some light on the topic. So ket’s talk more about the volcanoes in Tanzania including the ones that are most frequented by the tourists and the ones that are considered dangerous.
Active and Dormant Volcanoes
There is only one active volcano in Tanzania and about eight dormant volcanoes. Here are some of the most prominent ones:
Ol Doinyo Lengai
Ol Doinyo Lengai, which translates to the “Mountain of God”, is an active volcano located in the Arusha region of Tanzania. It erupts black lava and the lava is much cooler than that of other volcanoes. The speed of the lava is also very high and it runs with almost the same speed as water! The Volcano last erupted as recently as 2013.
How to get there
Ol Doinyo Lengai is about 120 km away from Arusha. Trips usually begin at Arusha. Upon reaching the volcano, you can hike up the volcano. However, the hike is pretty challenging and the slope is very steep. It starts with an angle of 25 degrees and eventually becomes 40 degrees. Most hikers start climbing at around midnight so that they can see the sunrise by the time they reach the top!
Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano, Image Source: Volcanodiscovery.Com
Igwisi Hills
They are unique hills where kimberlitic lava flows, which sometimes contains diamonds. The hills consist of three cones. It has been dormant for centuries now!
How to get there: Igwisi Hills can be accessed from the city of Tabora. It’s about 2 hours away from Tabora!
Mount Meru
Mount Meru is also a dormant volcano located in Arusha National Park, about 40 minutes away from Arusha. It is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and had a minor eruption in 1910. Mount Meru can be climbed by tourists in a total time of three days!
What to see: The scenery is beautiful and the Meru Crater is stunning. On your way up, you’ll also get to spot wildlife including elephants, giraffes and buffaloes!
Mount Meru , Image Source: Kimkim.Com
Mount Rungwe
Mount Rungwe is located in Tanzania’s Southern highlands and last erupted about 1200 years ago.
How to get there:
It’s located about an hour’s car ride away from Mbeya city. You can hike up and down the mount in less than a day. Make sure you take a guide along because it’s easy to get lost on the mountain!
What to see:
Mount Rungwe and its surrounding area is known for the biodiversity of flora and fauna that resides there, including the rare Abbott’s duiker.
Mount Rungwe, Image Source: Twitter.Com
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. 19,341 feet tall, Mount Kilimanjaro is also a dormant volcano with three cones. Kilimanjaro's two cones, Mawenzi and Shira are believed to be extinct. The third, named Kibo, sometimes shows signs of activity. The volcano has been dormant for hundreds of years.
How to get there:
A car ride from Arusha to the start of the hiking point takes about 2 hours!
What to see:
The scenery from Mount Kilimanjaro is stunning! You must visit this mountain if you’re in Tanzania! Climbing to the top generally take about 6 days. If you don’t want to climb to the top, you should visit the base camps which offer scenic views!
Mount Kilimanjaro, Image Source: Pinterest.Com
Extinct Volcanoes
There are around a dozen extinct volcanoes in Tanzania which attract tourists, some of which are listed below:
Embagai is an extinct volcano. It is located in the Tanzanian Rift valley. It’s home to a splendid lake that is inhabited by thousands of flamingoes!
Mount Loolmalasin is the third-highest mountain in Tanzania with a peak elevation of 3,682 m. It is also an extinct volcano and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It’s located in Arusha Region, Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Volcano is located 110 miles west of Arusha city.
Things to see at Volcano areas in Tanzania
Kilimanjaro was formed by volcanic movements along the Rift Valley over one million years ago. Other than being the highest mountain of Africa, Kilimanjaro is also surrounded by a national park and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989. It is located near Moshi Town. The mountain’s ecosystems are diverse and exceptionally beautiful.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the best experiences a visitor can have in Tanzania. From the peaks of Kilimanjaro, you can witness breathtaking views of the Maasai Steppe of Kilimanjaro, the Rift Valley and Amboseli National Park in Kenya.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the Arusha region is famous owing to the Ngorongoro Crater and is considered one of Tanzania's most cherished wildlife viewing areas. Tourists come here mainly for viewing animals and birds in their natural habitats such as lions, rhinos, elephants, gazelles, and buffaloes, wildebeests and zebras.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Image Source: Tripsavvy.Com
Travel tip! If you’re a volcano fanatic you may also be interested in checking out volcano spots in Kenya
Erupting with excitement
We can conclude that visiting diverse and rich natural landscapes of Tanzania, including volcanoes, ought to be a dream of every nature-loving tourist. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Tanzania and visit these one of a kind destination!
You can check out our “Flights” section for the cheapest flights to Tanzania!
