Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve (MHNFR) is central Government Nature Reserve of Tanzania. The nature reserve is situated in Hanang District in Manyara region, about 4 kilometers North of Katesh Township which is the administrative centre of Hanang District.
Access to the reserve is through Southern side at Katesh town ship and Eastern side at Gitting village which is about 240 km from Arusha town. The reserve area is 5,871 hectares, while the border length is 35.676 km.
The mountain is third highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro and Meru mountains with elevation of 3,676 m above see level .The reserve has steep slopes with declining vegetation as you go up. On the western side most part is occupied by rock in steep slopes. The forest is continuously intercepted by ridges and valley on the Western side and that the forest is found in valleys while on South and Eastern side ridge and valleys are covered by forest. The MHNFR is the major source of water in Hanang District with important rivers and streams. Soils are Dark to grey brown and Reddish brown to orange red. The reserve has oceanic rainfall with continental temperatures.
The reserve is comparatively rich in vegetation cover and species due to its wide altitudinal range and rainfall. The vegetations present are; Montane forest on weather Southern and Northern slopes and Dry montane forest- on Western slopes between 1,980-2,780 m, Grassland and Bushland between 2,100-2,700 m. Thicket occurs at the edge of the reserve and Moorland/Heath/upland occurs above 2,700 m.
The animals present are klipspringer, velvet monkeys, bush pigs, olive baboons, spotted hyena, leopards and a variety of snakes, birds and insects.
The reserve is used as an important worshiping area for Barbaig and Iraqw tribes the natives of Hanang District. Big ficus trees of thorning species are normally used for the purpose. Three summits of Mt. Hanang, the highest having an altitude of 3,676 m a.s.l which forms special sites where a local scenery of Hanang District can be viewed. Also Soda lakes of Balang’dalalu and Gendabi, underground water of lake Basotugang, Acacia woodland and 28,000 ha of wheat complex are clearly seen. Minjingu phosphate industry and Makuyuni trade centre along the Arusha to Babati road are among spectacular sites seen from the top of the summit. Also Mount Hanang Forest Nature Reserve is nestled right close to the great rift valley which is a major big game viewing and photographic tourism destination.
Clean hotels with reasonable price and good services are available at Katesh township where you can stay while you are in Hanang like Summit Hotel.
Tour 1:
3 Days Trekking Mount Hanang
Day 1: Depending on your preference and budget, you will travel by our arranged private car or local bus to Katesh Town. On arrival, our Mountain guide or a representative accompanying you will do the registration at the district council and overnight there in preparations for the trekking in next morning.
DAY 2: You will have an early breakfast at 06:00 am and start hiking at 6:30 am. It takes up to six hours to get to the summit (altitude 3417m. above sea level). You have your lunch there and then trekking slowly downhill to Katesh for a cold or hot shower, dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: After breakfast, you will begin your travel back to Arusha City to proceed with another tour itinerary with us on the next day or depends on the overall programme of your holiday in Tanzania, head to airport to catch your flight home.
PACKAGE: 50 – 60 USD per person per day – total 100 – 120 USD per person for two days.
This includes – meals, accommodation, registration and guide.
And excludes – transport, drinks and tips for guides.
NOTE. This package was just for 2 days. Please, advise the package for 3 days!
Tour 2:
3 Days Barbaig Tour
DAY 1: Depending on your preference and budget, you will travel by our arranged private car or local bus to Katesh Town. On arrival, you will get your lunch before walking 5 – 7 to Barbaig village. You will be carrying your thin mattresses and sleeping bags that will be arranged by us for you use on this tour there. You will have dinner and overnight there.
DAY 2: As usual, you will expect a breakfast then start your tour program. It is time to know each other, to know their history, your history, traditions and other things. You are allowed to ask anything you want or would like to know. Then you follow how to make their traditional beer theoretically (honey beer) called Gisuda. In addition, you will be shown and taught how to use a bow and arrows. Thereafter mock fighting (fighting using sticks). Finally the women will show how they dress traditionally (skin dresses), and then lunch. After lunch in the afternoon you will now start walking slowly back to Katesh for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: After breakfast, you will begin your travel back to Arusha City to proceed with another tour itinerary with us on the next day or depends on the overall programme of your holiday in Tanzania, head to airport to catch your flight home.
PACKAGE: 50 -60 USD per person per day – Total 100 – 120 USD per person for two days.
This includes: Meals, accommodation, hosts and guide.
And excludes: transport, drinks and tips.
NOTE. This package was just for 2 days. Please, advise the package for 3 days!
Do not hesitate please to contact us for the tour costs and as well, for more information about this trip!
For the Head
Sun Hat or cap, Bandana, Sunglasses, Sunscreen (SPF 25+), Lip Balm (SPF 25+)
Clothes (No Cotton)
Wool or synthetic layer (1 pc), Wool or fleece sweater, Wind/Water-proof jacket, Convertible hiking pants, Underwear, Water-Proof Pants, Gloves
For the Feet
Thin sock liners (1 pair), Wool hiking socks (1 pair), Good- broken-in hiking boots, Gaiters (optional), Tennis shoes or sandals (for camp)
For Sleeping
Zero degree sleeping bag, Sleeping mattress, Inflatable pillow (optional)
For Hiking
Day pack (no larger than 2,200cu), Water bladder 100oz/3ltr ot bottle, Rain cover for pack, Energy bars/gels (optional)
Personal Items
Toiletries, Small first aid kit, Small towel, Wet wipes, Bug Spray, Malaria pills, Flashlight/torch, Batteries, Camera, Cash for tipping, etc.
