Tanzania has a plethora of rock climbing sites and adventure opportunities, most of which are granite and basalt. Although not much has been done, we do provide top rope rock climbing east of Tarangire. This location offers fantastic granite, with most of the climbing taking place just near camp. The difficulty levels vary from 5.7 to 5.11, making it an excellent site to immerse the entire family in a day of climbing. Oldonyo Sambu is a communal place where you may walk about and learn from your Maasai hosts while exploring the region. This is a good spot to access Tarangire National Park’s less popular eastern side.
Tanzania, located in Africa’s Great Lakes area, is a natural paradise and home to Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Its nineteen national parks occupy a massive 42,000 square kilometers and are home to some of the world’s most diverse alpine ecosystems. Visitors are treated with lush woods, verdant meadows, and towering volcanoes, all of which are rich in wildlife and vegetation.
Great Rock Climbing Sites in Tanzania
Famous trekking peaks including Mount Meru, Ol Doinyo Lengai, Mahale Mountains, and Mount Kilimanjaro are nestled within this breathtaking scenery. Tanzania is a land of rocks, with many undiscovered crags that have excellent quality rock – usually granite and basalt – and offer superb sport and trad climbing opportunities.
Iringa Backyard Boulders
There is a unique group of memorable boulders in the Republic of Tanzania’s Ilula region that will challenge even the most experienced climber’s nerves while gracing them with views of the world’s last remaining Garden of Eden. The grades on the following five climbs should quench any climber’s thirst:
- Jan’O – 7A+
- Train Havana – 6C
- Nirvana itii – 6B+
- Thomas in Bush – 6A
- Sharkseal pup – 6A
Mwanza
Mwanza is a city in northwestern Tanzania, between the Zambian and Kenyan borders. On the southern side of Africa’s biggest lake, Lake Victoria, it is one of Tanzania’s major ports. Climbers may appreciate being one with nature as they summit beautiful mounds from Mwanza’s plethora of granite formations.
The “most featureless egg-shaped granite rocks” may be found in Mwanza. Crimps and cracks make up the holds that are present. “Perhaps there’s a chance for some truly difficult stuff?”
For movie aficionados and climbers alike, Mwanza provides a magnificent climb that gives a feeling of youthful purity to the bay. The climbing options in Mwanza hope to become a true bouldering paradise one day.
Usambara Mountains
The Usambara Mountains in northeastern Tanzania are part of tropical East Africa, which includes the Eastern Arc Mountains’ easternmost ranges. By being considered for inclusion in the Tentative World Heritage Site, this range has been memorialized. The range stretches for around 90 kilometers (56 miles). The Lushoto District in the Tanga Region, which was developed almost two million years ago by faulting and uplifting, accounts for around half of that breadth.
A cliff supports Mambo View Point Eco Lodge at a height of 1900 meters. In the northern portion of the Usambara highlands, it offers a spectacular perspective of the African lowlands. The community of Mambo is located in this tiny paradise, and its people still do not have access to running water or electricity.
Precambrian metamorphic rocks make up the majority of the climb. The West Usambaras and the East Usambaras are two sub-ranges that are closer to the coast and receive more rainfall, resulting in a more tropical environment.
Wilorock
The WILOROCK Mountain Range has towering rock formations and meandering trails that snake through deep valleys, creating a breathtaking scene. The Wilorock Mountain Range is found in Tanzania’s Western Arusha Region.
The Kilimanjaro National Park owns it. There are various additional mountain ranges, lowlands, and woods inside this park. Olmotonyi is Wilorock’s tallest summit (3432 m above sea level). The valley has an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.
The Wilorock climb reaches a height of 22 meters. The challenge is a 6A with a complete test overhang. There are no bolts, however, there are appropriate locations above for a top rope anchor. If an ambitious personality is interested in bolting it, there is a superb route for sports climbing lovers. The views from atop the mountain range are breathtaking, and the effort required to get there is definitely worth it!
Themi Falls
Themi Falls is an excellent place to spend a day climbing and is located near to Arusha town. There is some traditional climbing here, although it is largely top rope. This region is made even more spectacular by its gorgeous climbing backdrop, which is next to a wide river and massive forest trees. The day may be completed by rapping off a 20-meter waterfall! It’s ideal for individuals who wish to take a day off before or after your trip.
The gravel coastline of Lake Victoria and a smaller hillside near Mwanza town with many routes on some stunning rock formations are two of the most popular climbing areas. There are several solid-looking boulders with decent landings in Lake Victoria, but no rock features have yet been recognized.
Other places for rock climbing in Tanzania:
Mount Meru: For experienced multi-pitch rock climbers aiming to ascend Tanzania’s second-highest peak;
Arusha National Park: For sport and traditional climbing on overhanging sandstone walls;
Mambare River Campsite (only accessible if you are living in Mto wa Mbu Town): Single pitch routes that provide excellent views of Lake Manyara and the open savannah beyond;
Ras Kutani – Tanga Region, Pangani District: For sport climbing on granite at an old Arab settlement.
A rock climber’s destiny is to conquer the unknown. Tanzania’s unexplored rock climbing potential are what make it such a desirable destination for climbers. Climbing isn’t necessarily about overcoming the fear of staring the cliff in the face. We are looking forward to the travel and the people we will meet. From airport to airport, shuffle to new places, meet the people, and then take on each obstacle, hold after hold, relaxing to a vista only the courageous could dream of. Tanzania provides low-cost travel and lodging, as well as friendly natives. The environment is fit for high-budget 3D avatar film sets, and it includes some of the greatest mountains on the planet.