Hiking in Usambara Mountains
Usambara Mountains are a beautiful series of mountain ranges between Moshi (Mount Kilimanjaro region) and Tanga region in the east.
Usambara Mountains are home to an unspoiled tropical forest that is rare in East Africa and of great ecological interest. The valuable ecology of the Usambara is seeking increasing protection by conservation organizations and some donor countries like Norway.
The tropical forests are home to endemic bird species including the Naduk eagle owl (Bubo vosseleri), the Usambara Akalat (Sheppardia montana), Amani sunbird, green-headed oriole, southern banded snake eagle and the Usambara weaver (Ploceus nicolli).
Forest in Usambara Mountains is species that are endemic to the Usambara Mountains include the tree Calodendrum eickii.In addition to learning about the conservation needs of this mountain range and doing some spectacular birding, there are ample opportunities for hiking with stunning viewpoints over the forested mountains.
The surrounding region was among the first to be settled in East Africa in 1902 by European farmers, especially German farmers. The nearby town of Amani was a popular German resort for many years in colonial times. Much of the mountain areas are used in the production of coffee, sisal, tea and some species of rice grown in the swampy foothills. The East Usambara Mountains are home to over 30 species of reptiles found nowhere else, 50 tree species and is home to the largest number of species of African Violets.
We offer guided treks in the beautiful Usambara Mountains from one day to one week. It’s best to take around three or four days, allowing you to see Lushoto Town, many small villages, and the wonderful viewpoints off the escarpments from where you can look to Kilimanjaro far off and down to the plains below.
IRENTE VIEW POINT IN USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (5 TO 6 HOURS)
From Lushoto, hike to this outlook for spectacular views of the village of Mazinde and the Maasai plains almost 1000 meters below. Eat lunch at the Irente Biodiversity Farm in their beautiful flower garden
MAGAMBA RAINFOREST IN USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (5 TO 6 HOURS)
Walk through villages and farm land to the lush rainforest where you can see black-and-white Colobus monkeys. On the way back, pass by the historic royal village of the Kilindi (the Washambaa ruling clan) and an old German bunker dug during World War I.
Combined Trip—Magamba Rainforest & Irente Viewpoint (7-8 hours, 20km)
For shorter stays in the area, we recommend a combination hike to the Irente Viewpoint and Magamba Rainforest, where you can see Colobus monkeys.
LUSHOTO TOWN TOUR IN USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (2 TO 3 HOURS)
Walk through villages and farm land to the lush rainforest where you can see black-and-white Colobus monkeys. On the way back, pass by the historic royal village of the Kilindi (the Washambaa ruling clan) and an old German bunker dug during World War I.
Combined Trip—Magamba Rainforest & “Irente Viewpoint” (7-8 hours, 20km)
For shorter stays in the area, we recommend a combination hike to the Irente Viewpoint and Magamba Rainforest, where you can see Colobus monkeys.
SONI WATERFALL IN USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (3 TO 4 HOURS)
hese falls are right in the village of Soni, famous for its fresh fruit and vegetable.
You will take a small regional bus to get there.
Have a local dish in the village of Soni.
Enjoy walking a very nice way back to Lushoto.
GROWING ROCK TOUR IN USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (4 TO 5 HOURS)
Starting from Soni you walk through the villages of Shashui and Kwemula to the foot of Kwa Mongo. In half an hour you can climb this mountain which has a colorful variety of butterflies on top, and oversee the Southern “Usambara Mountains”, including Soni and Lushoto, and the Handeni plains. From here you descend to Magila, situated on the foot of the growing rock, where you visit two irrigation projects and the tree nursery of the primary school. The farmers and schoolteachers will tell you all the ins and outs of their development projects and explain, before your return to Soni, why the rock is growing.
SAKHARANI WINE TOUR IN USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (4 TO 5 HOURS)
Departing from Soni, walk through coffee plantations on the way to Sakarani where “Usambara” wine is processed. Upon your return, take in the Soni waterfall and visit the local market offering fresh fruits.}
USAMBARA FARM IN USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (4 TO 5 HOURS)
Walk through the fertile farmlands of Jaegertal (“Hunter’s Valley”) to a fruit tree nursery. On your request the tour can be extended to include a hike to Vuli peak (2100 meters).
Combined Trip—Lushoto Town Tour and Usambara Farm (4-5 hours)
Tour Lushoto and learn about its German colonial past. Then walk through the fertile farmlands of Jaegertal (“Hunter’s Valley”) to a fruit tree nursery. On your request the tour can be extended to include a hike to Vuli peak (2100 meters).
MKUZI WATERFALL IN USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (5 TO 6 HOURS)
From Muller’s Lodge or Migambo Village, walk through the colorful forest to this local waterfall. Extend your tour by climbing Migambo peak (2400m high!).
MTAE TOUR IN USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (2 TO 5 DAYS)
Trek through rainforests, traditional villages, and farmland; visit and sleep in a local home; see local pottery being made; watch the sun set from the top of a village; and experience the traditional life of the Shambaa people. This trip includes many opportunities to visit and learn about the development projects supported by our program. Return to “Lushoto” by bus, bike, or private transport
MAGAMBA,IRENTE,AND CARTER’S VIEW POINT IN USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (2 TO 3 DAYS)
Trek through local villages and the Magamba rainforest to Irente viewpoint and then the “Irente Biodiversity Farm”, famous for their locally made organic food products. After staying overnight at the Farm, hike along the ridges of the mountains to Carter’s viewpoint. The next day, return to Lushoto or continue downhill to Mombo.
LUSHOTO, RANGWI CONVENT TO MLALO VIEW POINT IN USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (2 TO 3 DAYS)
Trek from Lushoto to the Rangwi Convent for an overnight. Continue with a visit to a village of the Kilindi (the Washambaa ruling clan) and the headquarters of the Shambaa sub-chief to learn about the history of the “Usambara” chiefdom. This tour can be extended to include a visit to a Shambaa blacksmith at Tewe.
MAZUMBAI FOREST RESERVE IN USAMBARA MOUNTAINS (2 TO 4 DAYS)
From Soni or Bumbuli hike through tea and coffee plantations to the Mazumbai Forest Reserve, home to numerous birds species and black-and-white Colobus monkeys. Return to Lushoto by private transport.