Africa’s Top Trekking Destinations

Livingstonia, Malawi

Livingstonia is a town nestled in the northern Malawi mountains. If you’re considering this trek, the easiest will be to leave from Khondowe. Of course, there are trucks present but the trek up the mountain barely takes three hours and leads you up to Livingstonia, a beautiful throwback to a missionary settlement that is about 900 meters above Lake Malawi.

The trek itself has steep points that requires a medium level fitness. A guide is advised as the trail itself is not straight forward but takes you from grasslands through to rolling hills and plateaus. When you get to the top, it is recommended you try the coffee made from locally grown beans, visit Livingstonia missionary church and the local shops that dot the area.

The best time to visit is in October but prepare for the heat from the sun and make sure to bring enough water.

Ameln Valley, Morocco

Ameln Valley is deep in the heart of the Anti-Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The trail gives you an opportunity to experience wildlife up close and personal; wild boars, snakes amongst others.

The trek itself isn’t particularly strenuous and only takes about half a day to complete. One of the incredible things about this trail is how friendly and welcoming the people are. You might get an invitation to drink mint tea over conversation.

Usually the trek starts from the outside of the village of Tafraoute and winds through the notable lion face shaped cliff, taking you to the foot of the majestic mountains. You can hike through this area all year long.

Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo

This mountain has one of the world’s largest lava lakes. One of the few active volcanoes in Africa, this mountain poses a difficult trek to the top. Optimum level of fitness is needed to get up to the peak through ascending rock outcroppings made even more challenging by the lava lake and loose stones.

The hike upwards usually takes about six hours to get to the peak but it’s definitely worth to see the view from the top. It’s perfect to visit all year round.

Simien National Park, Ethiopia

A trek in the Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia can either be done as a day trip, a longer four to five day trip or even longer depending on your level of fitness and interest. A trek through the park will show you unique wildlife like the mountain goat and the gelada monkeys that populate the areas surrounding the park.

The park itself is a mix of grassland and jagged peaks with grand waterfalls in between. It is a great way to experience the majesty of Ethiopia first hand.

The best times to visit are September to November. 

Unique sights are just waiting to fill your eyes. What are you waiting for?  Hike through any of Africa’s top trekking destinations today.

This article first appeared on http://www.africa.com. The original can be read here.