Best Things To Do After Climbing Kilimanjaro
Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip, but there are so many more things to see in Tanzania. Now that you’ve flown all the way here, it’s time to explore Africa’s natural beauty!
A safari is the quintessential bucket-list item for most travelers to Africa, right after scaling Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is home to all sorts of spectacular wildlife, and a safari also presents a unique opportunity to get to know the customs of the local people.
In addition to the wide range of safaris and outdoor activities on offer, a visit to Tanzania wouldn’t be complete without learning about traditional Tanzanian culture in the local villages.
We’ve rounded up the top 10 things to do after climbing Kilimanjaro.
1. Safari in Serengeti
The vast Serengeti National Park might just be the most famous safari destination in the world, and its reputation is well deserved.
This World Heritage Site boasts practically every iconic animal under the sun, from herds of buffalo, elephants and giraffes to predators like lions and leopards as well as more delicate creatures like dik dik, topi, and impala.
Meanwhile, the Olduvai Gorge offers an opportunity to explore the traces left by early humans. The Serengeti also offers the chance to go on a walking tour, or you can book a hot air balloon tour for a bird’s-eye view.
Head over to Tanzania Expeditions and check out some itinerary options!
2. Visit Zanzibar
Nestled in the Indian Ocean about 25 miles from the Tanzanian mainland, Zanzibar is a perfectly preserved island gem that harks back to ancient times.
Pamper yourself with an all-inclusive beach vacation in one of the picturesque villages, or step back in time at Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s rich in history.
Once you’ve discovered the world of the Arab sultans, treat yourself to a truly unique experience. You can choose between swimming with dolphins in the Kizimkazi fishing village, tasting exotic spices and fruits and climbing a coconut tree, or setting sail on the Indian Ocean in a traditional dhow.
Learn more about your travel options and explore itineraries at Tanzania Expeditions.
3. Camp in the Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater has singular appeal for the local wildlife as it provides comfortable access to food and water all year long. Here you’ll find the big five, as well as zebras, warthogs, cheetahs, hyenas, and flamingos and hippos at Lake Magadi.
Measuring 18km in diameter and more than 600m deep, the crater provides a striking backdrop.
Staying here gives you the chance to explore not only the crater, but also the rest of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area including the impressive Munge Falls and the Laetoli footprints from early humans more than 3 million years ago.
There is a very high concentration of game in the crater, which can make sightings a lot easier and more reliable.
4. Climb Mt. Meru
Technically, this one is better to do before climbing Kilimanjaro.
At 4,565m tall, Mt. Meru is the perfect warm-up trek before you tackle the highest mountain in Africa. Also a volcano, it’s situated in Arusha National Park, not too far from Kilimanjaro.
If you did decide to climb Mt Meru after you have summited Kilimanjaro, you would be in the unique position of being already pre-acclimatized.
Additional advantages to Mt. Meru include the relative lack of crowds and the chance to see more wildlife during your trek, including elephants, buffalo, and giraffes.
Get in touch with us now to discuss your Mt. Meru trek!
5. Explore Tarangire
Framed by volcanic mountain ranges and towering baobab trees populated by various species of bird, Tarangire National Park sets an impressive backdrop for roaming buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and other animals.
If you visit during the right time of year – June to September – you might be lucky enough to see a migration of elephants, wildebeest, and zebras.
Tarangire is a relatively small park compared to the vast expanse of the Serengeti, but it’s only 118 kilometers from Arusha, which makes it the perfect safari if you have limited time available after your climb.
Nearby you’ll find Maasai and Barabaig villages. History lovers can also view ancient rock paintings at Kolo, not too far away.
6. Hike Mt Ol Doinyo Lengai
This active volcano stands 2,878m tall and is known for its natrocarbonatite lava, which is significantly cooler than other types of lava.
When things are quiet, geologically speaking, at Mt Ol Doinyo Lengai, you can venture into the crater and view the huge expanses of molten lava.
Once every seven years or so, the volcano also has a more explosive eruption of ash and rock ejections. From the top it’s also possible to view the Lake Natron salt flats, home to large numbers of nesting flamingoes.
Hiking up Mt Ol doinyo Lengai is fairly strenuous and temperatures can be brutally hot. This is a good challenge if you’re not ready to put away your hiking shoes after Kilimanjaro!
Tanzania Expeditions offers a 3-day, 2-night trek departing from Arusha. Check out the details here.
7. Adventure activities in Lake Manyara
Those who want a more relaxed pace after their Kilimanjaro climb can visit Lake Manyara National Park. The park consists mainly of water and is home to populations of baboons and the famous tree-climbing lions. Driving through the park, you’ll also come across playful Sykes’ monkeys and perhaps the odd elephant or two.
Here you can go abseiling, mountain biking and canoeing when conditions permit. The park also offers night game drives in addition to the regular daytime tours.
At only one and a half hour’s drive from Arusha, this is a good option if you don’t have a lot of time after your climb.
8. Wildebeest migration
Pretty much every safari offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see exotic endangered wild animals. But if you’re in the neighborhood, don’t miss the annual wildebeest migration accompanied by millions of zebra and gazelle.
The migration takes place over many months, but the highlights are the river crossings from June to October. The wildebeest calving season that occurs in January and February is also a worthwhile sight.
Booking a specialized migration tour is the best way to gain insider access to these sights.
9. Go on a cycling safari
A twist on the classic safari is a cycling safari. Cycling several dozen kilometers a day offers a challenge as well as the chance to explore the countryside at a more individual pace.
During your cycling safari you’ll see coffee and banana plantations and Maasai homesteads, and learn about local medicinal plants. Bike tours can be combined with vehicle safaris in order to glimpse the larger wildlife.
Fully guided, all-inclusive safaris are offered by Tanzania Expeditions from two to 11 days. You can also talk to the friendly staff about a bespoke cycling safari to suit your needs.
10. Cultural tourism
Tanzania is home to more than 120 different ethnic groups, many of whom preserve their traditional ways of life.
Go on a cultural tour to visit their villages, which are nestled amongst rainforests and waterfalls, and learn about indigenous culture from an insider’s point of view.
Optional activities during a cultural tour include climbing Mount Hanang, seeing hippos and going fishing in local canoes on Lake Babati, learning to brew beer, or visiting up-and-coming development projects in farming, water, and bio-gas energy.
There’s More to Tanzania than Kiliamanjaro!
Climbing Kilimanjaro is something you will have planned and trained for, so after all that exertion, why not treat yourself to some of the spectacular and unique sights that Tanzania has to offer?
Whether it’s lying around on the beach in Zanzibar, tackling a second climb of Ol Doinyo Lengai or Mt Meru, or taking the opportunity to go on safari, there’s plenty to do after your climb. And immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of Tanzania will extend your memories of your amazing climb.
Get in touch with our friendly staff now and we will be happy to make some suggestions or offer any help and guidance you may need.
And if you haven’t booked your Kilimanjaro climb yet, what are you waiting for? Let’s go!
