Usambara Mountains, Tanzania: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. The Usambaras are part of the old Eastern Arc chain of mountains which runs in a broken crescent from the Taita hills in southern Kenya to Morogoro and the southern highlands. They are considered to be at least 100 million years old and the rocks they are made from could be as old as 600 million years. The mountains are home to an amazing array of flora and animals and are one of the highest concentrations of biodiversity on the continent.

The range is accessed from the town of Lushoto in the west and Amani Nature Reserves in the east approached via Muheza with its botanical park, butterfly rearing, tea & spice plantations. The Usambaras are frequently divided into two sub-ranges, the West Usambaras are separated from the East by a valley and accessible through the district center of Lushoto. The East Usambara is nearer the shore, receives more rain and is much smaller than the west.

In total, the mountains are home to more than 3000 plant species, including approximately 600 tree species. The Usambaras are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, which run parallel to the Tanzanian coast, stretch into the Taita Hills in Kenya and are recognised as one of the world’s ecological hotspots. So varied is the fauna and flora that it is unrivalled and draws naturalists and nature lovers from all over the world to come and watch birds, study trees and flowers, or butterflies.

The Usambara Mountains are in north eastern Tanzania and are well recognised for their nice climate, attractive view points and rich slopes. The region is full of old structures from the colonial times, preferred by the Germans and English. Half day or less excursions will involve hiking and trips to Wasambaa communities, where tourists will get a glimpse of daily life of the indigenous people.

Usambara Mountains Activities

  • Bird Watching
  • Walking/Hiking
  • Cultural Visits
  • Biking
  • Waterfalls
  • Forest Walk

Irente Viewpoint

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. The trip can be extended with visits to a nearby waterfall and the viewpoints of Kambe and Kwa Mkeke.

Hiking: (5-6 hours, 15 km)

Kisasa Waterfalls

Visit to Kisasa waterfall, a walk through farmland and planted forest to reach this beautiful sight. It is worthwhile to note that the Kisasa waterfall is more majestic than the Mkuzi waterfall however unlike the Mkuzi waterfall, Kisasa waterfall does not have pool for swimming. Also note that the climb down to the waterfall is quite steep. Enjoy your picnic lunch at the waterfall.

Hiking: (4-5 hours)

Magamba Forest

Walk uphill from Lushoto to the royal village of Kwembago, where you learn about the cultural history of the Kilindi ruling clan. From Kwembago you have a beautiful view of Lushoto and the Maasai plains. Proceed to the Magamba rainforests, home to black and white colobus monkeys. Return via an old German Middle School, a German trench dug during the First World War and the village of Magamba.

Hiking: (4-5 hours)

Growing Rock

The “Growing Rock” tour starts from Soni. Walk to the top of the Kwamongo mountain, famous for its butterflies, enjoy views of Soni, Lushoto and the Handeni plains from the peak. Visit the villages of Shashui and Kwemula on the way. Descend to the village of Magila at the foot of the “Growing Rock” to visit a soil conservation project and learn the mystery about the rock.

Bangala River

Walking along river valleys, sometimes wading through the water, you descend to the village of Bangala. On your way you have a beautiful view over the Maasai plains, you will see a traditional irrigation system and can visit a Wasambaa farm. In Bangala you can visit the tree nursery at the primary school and see traditional irrigation systems.

Hiking: (4-5 hours)

Magamba Rainforest

Walk through villages and farm land to the lush rainforest where you can see black-and-white Colobus monkeys. Hike to the peak of the forest where you can enjoy the view of lushoto town and the royal village while you have your lunch, 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.

Hiking: (4-5 hours)

Mkuzi Waterfalls

Drive and then start walking to Mkuzi water fall where you will enjoy the pleasant environment and later walk back to Lushoto

Hiking: (4-5 hours)

Ndelemai Forest

Visit one of the primary tropical rain forest which remains after the destruction of forests in Usambara Mountains and get a big chance for sporting animals such as Columbus monkeys, squirrels, butterflies, chameleons, flowers endemic species such as Ocotea usambariensis. Also you can visit Sakhrani mission for trying macadamia nuts.

Hiking: (4-5 hours)

Mtae View Point

This is combination of various attractions such as visiting traditional village, rain forests, A world view point, pottery women. During this trip you will be able to see much more of the traditional lifestyle of the Shambaa people. Don’t miss it as it will make your holiday memorable.

Hiking: (3-4 hours)

Best Time to Visit Usambara Moutanins

Although the climate is comfortable year-round, paths get too muddy for trekking during the rainy season from March through May. The best time to visit is from June to November, after the rains and when the air is clearest.

Getting to Usambara Mountains

Dar es Salaam – Lushoto: 6 hrs – Dar es Salaam – Mombo: 5 hrs

The Usambaras are approximately 90 kilometres (56 mi) long and ranging from 30’50 kilometres (19’31 mi) in width