Welcome to Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserves

“Acclimatization Site”

Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve has an area of 5,871ha at an altitude ranging from 1860 - 3418 meter above sea level. The forests are in an extinct volcanic mountain situated in Katesh town – Manyara Region. Mount Hanang is the fourth highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro, Meru and Olmalasin with an elevation of 3,676 meter above sea level.

The reserve is a fascinating eco and cultural destination due to presence of a number of cultural, historical and heritage sites like Barabaig and Iraqw sacred areas, Soda lakes of Balang'dalalu and Gendabi. The mole-rat (Fukomys hanangensis) is endemic to this reserve. The area has an underground water of Lake Basotugang and attractive landscapes. Mount Hanang is a popular spot for acclimatization for climbers wanting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Ecotourism Activities

Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve has multi eco and cultural touristic activities such as traditional dances, traditional accessorizing, visiting sacred sites, local brew testing, hiking and trailing, mountain climbing, game viewing, bird watching, forest walks and photographing. Sight viewing of the Great Rift Valley and caves as you ascend to mount Hanang peak.

Accessibility

Accessibility to the area is by road either from Dar es Salaam via Dodoma and Manyara (about 800 km) or from Singida town (about 159 km). Visitors arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport can proceed to the reserve, about 270 km via Arusha City.

Other Tourist Attractions near Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve

Other tourist attractions found near Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve are Kondoa Rock Art Paintings, Essimingor Nature Forest Reserves, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.

Destination Activities

Hiking

MHNFR is a best place one can hike. The area offers long and short hikes ranging from 3 hours to 8 hours a day through the forest, woodland, grassland and waterfalls depending on the fitness of the visitors. One can be able to see endemic flora and fauna, beautiful landscapes of the mountain and the surroundings, viewpoints, waterfalls and cultural features/places. Weather is cool inside the forest and a bit hot in the grassland especially during dry season (September-November). There are several well informed tour guides who can explain about the local environment in terms of cultural and natural features.

Hiking Trails

1. Jorodom Trail: This route is 8.5 km (from the gate to the peak) and it takes 5-8 hours to summit (depending on the fitness of the visitor). It is an ideal route for hiking. The route is endowed with beautiful and colorful wild flowers, dense forest, reptiles and small mammals like dik-dik especially during the morning and evening. From this route, sunrise and sunset, beautiful scenes of Great Rift Valley and other areas/activities outside the reserve can be seen clearly.
2. Himit River Trail (forest trail): This route is 9km (from the gate to peak) through the Himit River and is 80% covered by dense forest with tough terrains. This route is rich in birds, reptiles and forest animals therefore is an ideal route for bird watching, walking safari and forest hiking. There are nice places for picnicking and camping and one can enjoy beautiful waterfalls and dense forest along this route.
3. Barjomot route: the shortest (6km from the gate) route but the toughest route one to summit. Its across also through dense moist montane forest. Via this route one can enjoy bird watching and walking safari. It is a good route also for night walking as many nocturnal animals, birds and insects can be seen (bush pigs, bush babies and birds). This route also is endowed with beautiful and colorful butterflies and wild flowers.

Camping

Mount Hanang’ Nature Forest Reserve offers camping services, mobile tents for visitors inside and outside the reserve with several camping sites/grounds. However, a guest can contact MHNFR friendly and reliable staffs to help you with all the arrangements in terms of accommodation whether inside or outside the reserve.

Cultural Tourism

Within and outside MHNFR tourism activities like Traditional dances, Traditional accessorizing, Local brew tasting,Visiting sacred sites all from the indegeniuos tribes of Iraq and barbaig. A combination of both nature and culture can breed a very wonderful and amazing experience; cultural tours can be conducted within the reserve and to villages adjacent to the reserve. Within MHNFR visitors can visit the local Barbaig Bomas,skin cloth making , Tourists can also visit traditional healers and participate in traditional dances and in preparation of local brew around the villages. Moreover tourist can visit farms, primary and secondary schools, churches and local markets which are conducted twice in a month

Bird Watching

Mount Hanang’ Nature Forest Reserve is home to a wide range of endemic, rare and endangered bird species. Currently, there are no specialized bird guides who will direct you to the right watching spots available such as Jorodom-Peak and Jorodom-Gitting-Barjomot trails. One can also conduct a night walking to view some birds which can easily be seen during the night. It is advised to get/carry your own equipment for bird watching such as a camera and binoculars and best bird’s professionals

Night Walk

Night walking is becoming very popular now days to most of the visitors, one can conduct a night walking inside MHNFR. It is permitted to conduct a night walking in MHNFR and one can ask for a ranger from the reserve or book a local tour guide who can offer night walking inside Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve. Some of the birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians can easily be sighted during the night. One can connect a night walking with a sunset in one of the peaks such as Nangwa peak, Gitting and Barjomot forest/viewpoints.

Research and Studies

MHNFR is rich in biodiversity characterized with high endemism of flora and fauna, high water catchment values and beautiful landscapes. The reserve is a perfect place for research and studies. The area is less researched and documented, therefore students and other researchers from different parts of the world can conduct their research in Mount Hanang’ Nature Forest Reserve especially in fields of entomology, ethnology, hydrology, geology, soils, ecology, zoology and social studies. Students from Primary schools, Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities are welcomed in Mount Hanang’ Nature Forest Reserve to learn different aspects in field of forests, ecotourism, history, culture and beekeeping activities. National Forest Policy favors research and information dissemination to improve biodiversity, watershed management and soil conservation.

Supporting Facilities

Accommodation can be secured at Katesh and Babati townships. Camping can be done at the foot of hills of the mountain or on the plateau.

4-Day Mount Hanang Hiking Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Mount Hanang Base

1. Depart from Arusha to Katesh (4-5 hours). Check-in and meet your guide for a briefing. Rest for the night.

Day 2: Hike to Camp 1

1. Hike from the base to Camp 1 (2,800m), 4-5 hours. Set up camp, lunch, and rest. Enjoy the sunset.

Day 3: Summit Attempt & Return to Camp 1

1. Early summit hike to 3,420m (4-5 hours), then descend to Camp 1. Rest and overnight at camp.

Day 4: Descent & Return to Arusha

1. Descend to the base (3-4 hours), then drive back to Arusha (4-5 hours). Arrive by evening.

Ready to Embark on Your Adventure?

Don’t miss the chance to hike Mount Hanang! This is more than just a hike; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Tanzania. So grab your gear, gather your friends or family, and set out on an adventure you’ll never forget!

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Book Your Trip Now: tours@safari56.co.tz / 255 683 833 513