This little known mountain range is one of the gems of Tanzania. Located to the west of the coastal town of Tanga, the Usambaras offer incredible natural biodiversity, great hiking opportunities and a bird-watching paradise.
Usambara Mountains, with Irente viewpoint on top
Waterfalls in Usambara Mountains
Usambara Forest
Irente Viewpoint: From this famous viewpoint you can see the village of Mazinde almost 1000 meters below the vast Maasai plains beyond. On the return trip to Lushoto you can visit the Irente Farm cheese factory and the royal village of Kwembago . You can enjoy a whole meal picnic at Irente Farm.
Usambara Farm and Flora Tour: This walk takes you trough the fertile farmlands of Jaegertal to a fruit tree nursery where you can learn about different varieties of fruit trees and their propagation. You can continue uphill to the village of Vuli to learn about local soil conservation, irrigation projects and farming methods. You can return to Lushoto via the Arboretum.
Growing Rock: From Soni you walk to the top of Kwamongo Mountains Peak , famous for its multicoloured butterflies, via the villages of Shashui and Kwemula. From Kwamongo you have views of Soni, Lushoto and the Handeni Plains. You descend to the village of Magila at the foot of the “Growing Rock” to visit a soil conservation project and learn why the rock is growing.
Magamba Rainforest: This tour begins with an uphill walk from Lushoto to the royal village of Kwembago , where you can learn about the cultural history of the traditional ruling clan, the Kilindi. From Kwembago you have a beautiful view over Lushoto and the Maasai plains. You proceed to the lush Magamba rainforest, home of black and white colored monkeys. The return to Lushoto passes via the old German Middle School and the village of Magamba
Mazumbai Forest: This physically challenging walk begins in Soni and passes via Kwamengo and Magina. From there, the walk continues to the Bumbuli Mission - a historic German settlement – and continues to the Mzumbai rain forest reserve, a birdwatchers paradise. After enjoying the forest you return to Soni via the villages of Mgwashi and Kwesine.
Bangala River: From the village of Mbuzii you weave slowly down the steep slopes of the Bangal River Valley , at times wading trough Cool Mountain streams that offer a welcome relief to the rising savanna heat. Trough the walk you see traditional irrigation systems and have a beautiful view over the Maasai plains. Before returning to Lushoto you visit a local farm and nursery.
Western Usambara: From Lushoto you pass trough tropical rainforests, the ocher mountains and trough valleys to the villages of Lukozi, Manolo and Sunga before finally reaching your destination at the historical village of Mtae . On the route you can reach several superb viewpoints and visit various development projects.
