When people think about the best hikes in Africa, iconic names like Kilimanjaro or Table Mountain usually spring to mind. But there’s far more to hiking in Africa than these well-trodden routes.
At Journeys With Purpose, we believe that the most rewarding treks happen off the beaten path, where the wilderness is raw, the landscapes are untouched and every step connects you with the natural world.
Instead of joining long lines of tourists, you find yourself walking in true solitude, fully immersed in Africa’s remarkable environmental diversity.
From volcanic peaks and deep canyons to remote rainforests and dramatic escarpments, trekking Africa offers experiences that go far beyond the ordinary. Here’s our curation of some of the best hikes in Africa that combine adventure with purpose.
Marojejy National Park, Madagascar - Rainforest Biodiversity and Immersion
While mountains, escarpments and waterfalls showcase Africa’s dramatic geology, Marojejy National Park in northeastern Madagascar offers something completely different when it comes to hiking in Africa.
This multi-day hike takes you from lush lowland jungle to misty mountaintop ridges, passing through ecosystems that are among the most biodiverse on earth. Marojejy is one of the last refuges of the critically endangered silky sifaka lemur, and trekking here ensures that your tourism dollar directly supports conservation efforts and local communities.
It’s a soulful journey, less about conquering peaks and more about immersing yourself in nature’s richness. For travellers who want their adventure to have real impact (helping protect fragile ecosystems and sustain local livelihoods in a region off the usual tourist trail) Madagascar offers an experience that is both meaningful and genuinely captivating.
Mount Kenya – Wilderness, Camaraderie and a Summit Moment
Often overshadowed by its neighbour Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya offers one of the best hikes in Africa for those who want a true summit experience without the overwhelming crowds.
For anyone unsure on where to begin planning an expedition, our 2026 hosted journey to Mount Kenya is designed to be both challenging and welcoming. With the guidance of an experienced team and the camaraderie of fellow trekkers, you’ll move steadily through a tapestry of ecosystems: from montane forest to giant heather zones and finally into the striking alpine peaks.
Over five days, you will ascend the tallest mountain in Kenya, walking through contrasting microclimates with over 130 bird species and spectacular plantlife, before each evening unwinding with a hot meal and stories shared around the camp fire. The journey culminates at Point Lenana (5,188m), a summit moment that rewards you with breathtaking views without the need for technical mountaineering skills.
But this journey is about more than just the climb. As part of our Rise for Rhinos expedition, every step supports the Kenya Rhino Expansion Range Plan (KRRE), a national effort to restore rhino numbers to over 2,000 by 2037.
With Segera Conservancy playing a vital role as a biodiversity stronghold and wildlife corridor, your participation directly contributes to protecting one of Africa’s most threatened species. By joining, you are not only summiting Africa’s second-highest peak, you are walking in solidarity for nature. This is both an adventure and a stand for conservation – a call to the wild, and we invite you to be part of it.
Are you ready to go hiking in Africa with genuine purpose? Find out more about our Rise for Rhinos Mount Kenya expedition.
Simien Mountains, Ethiopia - Trekking Through Wilderness and Heritage
The Simien Mountains in northern Ethiopia remain one of the most authentic wilderness trekking experiences on the continent.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to jagged peaks, dramatic escarpments and sweeping plateaus. Along the trails, you’ll encounter the endemic Gelada baboons, grazing in their hundreds against a backdrop of rugged cliffs.
Known as the “bleeding-heart baboons” for the distinctive red patch on their chest, these grass-eating primates are found nowhere else on earth.
Unlike more commercial hiking destinations, Simien Mountains National Park retains its wild character. Under the radar yet stunningly beautiful, the Simien Mountains are also culturally rich, lying in the historic heartland of Ethiopia, a nation revered in Rastafarianism as the Promised Land and the spiritual home of Emperor Haile Selassie.
The park was established during Selassie’s reign, part of his lasting legacy in conservation and wildlife protection. Trekking through these mountains, you don’t just move across dramatic terrain; you walk through landscapes layered with cultural and spiritual significance, adding a deeper historical dimension to the journey. For those seeking raw authenticity and truly rare wildlife encounters, this is one of the best hikes in Africa.
Tugela Falls, South Africa - The World’s Tallest Multi-Drop Waterfall
The hike to Tugela Falls in South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains combines dramatic geology with accessibility.
Dropping 948 metres in five distinct tiers, Tugela is the tallest multi-drop waterfall in the world. The trail leads you into Royal Natal National Park and through the shadow of the Amphitheatre, a five-kilometre wall of basalt cliffs that forms one of Africa’s most well preserved backdrops.
Standing below the cliffs, you feel the weight of geological time in every layer of rock. Accessible as a day hike yet thrilling in its scale, the route winds along river valleys and up to chain ladders that reveal sweeping views across the escarpment.
It’s a spectacular reminder of Africa’s geological grandeur and one of the best hikes in Africa for those seeking maximum impact without the commitment of a long expedition.
Mount Cameroon - West Africa’s Volcanic Giant
Rising to 4,040 metres, Mount Cameroon is the highest peak in West Africa and one of the continent’s most iconic active volcanoes.
Trekking here is a demanding adventure that cannot be undertaken without an experienced guide, as routes cross shifting terrain shaped by centuries of eruptions. Over the course of two to four days, the trail carries you through fertile farmland, rainforest foothills alive with biodiversity, stark volcanic rock and alpine grasslands near the summit. It is a tough climb, but the rewards are immense: on clear days, the peak reveals panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and deep into Central Africa. Beyond the physical feat, Mount Cameroon is also a cultural journey, with surrounding villages offering a glimpse into West Africa’s rich traditions and warm hospitality.
Why These African Hikes Stand Out
Together, these treks represent the variety and depth of hiking in Africa:
- Accessible adventures with shared purpose (Mount Kenya).
- Wild and authentic wilderness (Simien Mountains).
- Volcanic giants with cultural richness (Mount Cameroon).
- Geological wonders (Tugela Falls).
- Conservation-driven rainforest immersion (Marojejy).
Each offers a different way to experience trekking Africa, yet all share the same spirit: meaningful connection, wild beauty and the chance to walk a path less travelled.
Interested in Hiking In Africa?
Our team of travel specialists is ready to help you design your dream African trek, ensuring every detail is seamless from start to finish. Enquire today at connect@journeyswithpurpose.org to be connected with one of our experts, or call us on +44 20 8044 9538 and start planning a journey that effortlessly combines exploration with positive impact.
