Tours: Usambara Mountains

On this page: Overview | Itinerary | Pricing | Tours

Overview

Duration: 3-5 Days
Minimum: 4 people

The Usambara Mountains are situated in the northeastern portion of Tanzania between Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean. The mountains rise up steeply from the surrounding plains and can only be entered from a few roads.

From a distance, the mountains are a colorful mosaic. On the fertile slopes around the towns of Soni and Lushoto, farmers cultivate small plots, but further away, large areas are still covered by dense tropical forests. The viewpoints on the southern and western side of Usambara are well known for the spectacular view of Mkomazi and Handeni plains. Kilimanjaro can be seen on the horizon, and at the end of the day, the sunset turns the area into a tremendous pallet of unforgettable colors.

Because of its pleasant climate, the mountains were favored by the Germans and the English during Colonial times as is evidenced by the numerous historic buildings from the past.

Itinerary

Day 1:	Drive 3 hours from Moshi to Loshoto, afternoon walk around lodging. Overnight Mullers Lodge or Maweni Farm.
Day 2-4:	Choose from tours below.
Day 3/4/5:	After breakfast, drive to Moshi.

Pricing

$675 for 3 days
$900 for 4 days
$1125 for 5 days

Included:

Accommodation (Mullers Lodge or Maweni Farm)
Half board
Transportation to and from Moshi
Daily tour of your choice (see below)

Tours

Montessori Sisters of Ubiri (3-4 hours)

This tour takes you for a short walk from the town of Lushoto to the Catholic Mission of the Montessori Sisters in Ubiri. At this beautifully landscaped mission, you can learn about, taste, and buy locally-made cheeses, wines, and jams.

Irente Viewpoint (5-6 hours)

From the famous Irente Viewpoint, you can see the village of Mazinde almost 1000 meters below and the vast Maasai plains beyond. On the return trip to Lushoto, you visit the Irente Farm cheese factory and the royal village of Kwembago. Enjoy a picnic meal at Irente.

Usambara Farm and Flora (4-5 hours)

This walk takes you through the fertile farmlands of Jaegertal to a fruit tree nursery where you 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 prjects, and farming methods. You return to Lushoto via the Arboretum.

Magamba Rainforest (5-6 hours)

This tour begins with an uphill walk from Lushoto to the royal village of Kwembago where you will 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 luch Magamba rainforest, home to black and white Colobus monkeys. The return to Lushoto passes via an old German midle school and village of Magamba.

Growing Rock (5-6 hours)

From the Soni, you walk to the top of Kwamongo Mountain peak, famous for its multicolored 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.

Bangala River Tour (5-6 hours)

From the village of Mbuzii, you weave slowly down the steep slopes of the Bangala River Valley, at times wading through cool mountain streams that offer a welcome relief to the rising savannah heat. Throughout the walk, you see traditional irrigation systems and have beautiful views over the Maasai plains. Before returning to Lushoto, you visit a local farm or tree nursery.

DESTINATIONS

Safari

Kili Routes

Preparation