African Ambition Tours

Tanzania is a land of contrasts, from the vast flat plains of the Serengeti to Africa’s highest mountain, the landscape never fails to amaze or inspire. For those with an ambition to hike to the “roof of Africa”, our dedicated and professional team will help you every step of the way. You will also discover some of Tanzania’s other impressive mountains on this page, take a look and prepare to get ambitious!

However, even the most adventurous traveller needs some time for relaxation, and there’s no better way to unwind than taking a trip to Tanzania’s glorious beaches. Enjoy the photos and let your mind wander… white sand, sound of gentle waves lapping the shore, cocktail in hand and warm sunshine to brighten your day. Come to Tanzania and experience paradise for yourself!

Mount Kilimanjaro

At 5895m, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and its striking beauty has inspired thousands to climb it over the last one hundred and fifty years. The great advantage of Mount Kilimanjaro is that it involves no technical climbing, and whilst it does test one’s endurance, fitness and will-power, any healthy person can successfully reach the summit. The trek usually lasts for 5-7 days, although we recommend at least 6 days as you are more likely to reach the top given longer to acclimatise.

There are 6 hiking routes around Kilimanjaro, but the most popular ones are Marangu and Machame. The Marangu route has huts located at specific sites along the trail for sleeping and eating, whilst going up via Machame means you will be camping and need a good sleeping bag as temperatures drop well below freezing at night. The Machame route is popular for its breathtaking views and variety of terrains as you ascend the mountain. There are toilet facilities at every campsite and your team will prepare delicious hot food ready for your arrival into camp each evening. You need to be prepared to carry a small rucksack with around 3 litres of water (which is provided fresh each day), as well as waterproofs (it can rain at any time on the mountain), sun lotion and snacks such as boiled sweets or cereal bars to keep up your energy between meals. All of your spare clothes, tents etc will be carried by a team of porters and cooks, whilst you will be accompanied at all times by a professional, friendly guide.

The first and last day of your climb will be through lush rainforest and if you look carefully you may well see black and white colobus monkeys in the trees. After the rainforest you will hike through different zones, from grassland savannah to rocky desert, lava scree to snow and ice glaciers at the summit. Weather permitting, you will have stunning views during your climb and the nights are lit up by bright stars, which appear much closer as you make your way up to the roof of Africa!

Mount Meru

Like its big sister Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is also the remnants of a once active volcano. A hike to the peak of 4562m is a rewarding climb from the outset, since Meru is located in a National Park where you can observe a variety of big game animals such as giraffes, zebras and buffalo. Safaris to Arusha National Park can be arranged independently from the Meru climb, and makes an ideal day trip from town. The park features some beautiful scenery, such as 7 alkaline lakes as well as a fresh water one. Canoeing can be arranged, allowing you to get even closer to the birdlife and animals around the lake shore.

A 3 or 4 day climb of Mount Meru is excellent acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro, but equally worthwhile in its own right. You will be sleeping in comfortable huts, accompanied by a guide and armed park ranger. The terrain varies from wooded savannah to heath land and finally the rocky summit with amazing views across to Mount Kilimanjaro.

Lushoto - Usambara Mountains

A trip to Lushoto takes around 6 hours by bus from Arusha. There are lots of walks to be enjoyed in the area, accompanied by an experienced local guide. For a pleasant short walk, you can head to Irente View Point, from which you will be rewarded for your efforts with lush scenery looking out to other mountains in the distance. On the way to the view point you can stop off at Irente Farm, which produces delicious fresh products such as cheese, yoghurt and bread. Other, longer hikes over the nearby mountains can be arranged, just let us know how long you wish to go for!

Beaches

Zanzibar

The island of Zanzibar (also known locally as Unguja) has sublime sandy beaches all around the coast, with many other attractions to keep tourists occupied when out of the sea. As well as snorkelling, scuba diving and sunbathing, you may also want to go on a spice tour around a local farm, visit Jozani Forest where rare red colobus monkeys live or wander around the narrow streets of Stone Town to browse a vast range of souvenirs to remember your holiday. The food on Zanzibar is fresh and delicious, especially if you like spices, fruits and coconut. When in Stone Town it is well worth visiting Forodhani Gardens at night, where dozens of chefs barbecue seafood as you wait, and others make sugar cane juice or serve coffee with sweet local doughnuts. If that doesn’t tempt you there are hundred of restaurants serving Italian, Indian or American dishes at prices for all budgets. For those who like to party, aim to be around during the full moon and head north to Kendwa beach, where you will have a great night listening to local bands, DJs and watching talented performers doing acrobatic displays or traditional dances.

The Mainland Coastline

In addition to Zanzibar there are excellent beaches without leaving mainland Tanzania. If you fly into Dar es Salaam you may wish to spend a day or two on the beautiful sandy beaches in the Kigamboni area, which is an easy and inexpensive trip from the city centre. North of Dar but only a drive of an hour or so, is Bagamoyo. This is a historic town, having once been the capital of German East Africa; its’ past involved slaves, ivory and salt, and continues to have an active boat-building and fishing community.

On the north coast is the historic town of Pangani, which features some interesting colonial architecture as well as good beaches. Here you will find accommodation for every budget, from campsites to luxury lodges with a host of water sports, snorkelling and sandy beaches depending on whether you’re seeking fun or relaxation.