Usambara Mountains & Lushoto - 5 Days
The Usambara Mountains are located in northeast Tanzania, not far from Mkomazi National Park and 110 km west of Tanga. This lush green mountain range with its green grassy plains, virgin rainforests and amazing views over hills, valleys, winding paths and small villages offers a cool climate, making it ideal for travellers wishing to embark on beautiful hikes with panoramic views.
Accompanied by local guides, you will witness the beauty and vastness of the area while learning about the numerous plant and animal species that exist here. With over 3000 species of plants and over 600 species of trees, Usumbara is a hotspot for biodiversity. Nature lovers from all over the world visit the area for birdwatching, as well as to study trees, flowers and butterflies. Many species are endemic to the Usambara forests.
The Usumbara Mountain region is ideal for scenic drives, hiking, biking and birdwatching or just relaxing. A hike in this area, led by a local guide, is the best way to get in touch with the friendly locals and experience the diversity of this extensive area.
Lushoto
This lively town is the main hub of the Usambara Mountain region boasting an excellent market and good amenities. Located high in the mountains, Lushoto has a cool and refreshing climate year round. Built by German colonialists in the 19th century, old buildings from the colonial era are still seen today, as well as a tree garden and a plant museum.
A popular spot just outside of Lushoto is Mkuzi, a small village near a waterfall at the edge of the Mkuzi Forest Reserve where nice accommodations are available. Hikers on overnight trails will also find accommodation in the villages of Mtae and Mambo which are close to the Mambo Footprints and Caves, as well as the beautiful Shagayu Forest.
Thanks to the charming villages, colourful markets and plantations, the Usambara Mountain region is a perfect getaway from the busy cities and an ideal place to relax.
Best time to visit the Usambara Mountains
Although the climate is pleasant all year round, the trails become too muddy for trekking during the rainy season that stretches from March to May. The best time to visit is from June to October.
Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi- Lushoto
You will be picked up at your hotel in Moshi after breakfast and be transferred to Lushoto in a private vehicle driven by your guide. During your drive, you will have beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Usambara Mountain range (on clear days), as well as the Indian Ocean at certain points on your journey.
Upon arrival in Lushoto you will meet your local guide. He is a native of the Usambara Mountain region and will thus be able to tell you all about the area, its people and its vegetation. You will experience the beautiful landscapes from the numerous spectacular viewpoints, see historical sites and have the opportunity to discover the development projects of the local communities with explanations from your guide about the history and life of the local farmers.
After the introductions are made and information received, you will leave the car behind, taking only what you need for a short hike to a waterfall. This will take approxiamtely 1 hour. It will be your first of several hikes in the area.
After spending some time at the waterfall, you will continue your hike to Irente Cliff Viewpoint which offers a spectacular panoramic outlook of the region. A wonderful gift following your efforts on the hike! Here you will enjoy your first Usambara sunset before walking the short distance to your lodge for a delicious dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Irente Farm Lodge
Day 2: Lushoto
After breakfast at the lodge surrounded by the beautiful Usambara Mountains, you will head out on a 2-hour hike around Irente Farm, learning about the history of the area, as well as the trees, birds, and other wildlife that are found there. You will then return to the lodge for a lovely home-cooked lunch.
After your meal, you will head back out to the farm for some birdwatching. You do not need to be a bird enthusiast to be mesmerized by the number of different species of birds in the area and their beauty. Your experienced guide will teach you all about them.
In the late afternoon, you will return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Irente Farm Lodge
Day 3: Lushoto – Mambo
After breakfast you will leave Irente Farm Lodge and continue on to your next adventure.
This morning you will hike through Magamba Nature Reserve, bearing witness to its incredible biodiversity, thanks to the conservation efforts by the local people and the government. Your local guide will still be with you to answer all your questions and inform you about the species of trees and animals found in the reserve. You will also have the opportunity to visit an old cave and maybe spot some black and white Colobus monkeys in the trees.
You will be served a picnic lunch in a lovely spot with a beautiful view, after which you will walk to a meeting point where you will be transferred by car to Mambo village. Here you will check in to a lodge with incredible views of the cliffs for dinner and an overnight stay .
Accommodation: Mambo Cliff Inn
Day 4: Mambo
After a wonderful breakfast with views of the cliff, you will set out on another hike to the village to visit the local pottery makers. The men and women in the workshop will show you how they make their earthenware such as cooking pots, from the local clay.
After the visit, you will hike back through the villages while admiring the colourful painted houses. The round trip will take around 3 hours.
After lunch you will have 2 options : you can either spend the rest of your day relaxing at the lodge, or you can organize an additional hike in the afternoon with your guide.
You will remain at the same lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Mambo Cliff Inn
Day 5: Mambo – Moshi
Today you will enjoy an early morning breakfast at the lodge before packing your things and heading out on the last part of your journey. Your approximately 3-hour morning hike will take you to the splendid Mtai Viewpoint. You will be able to walk as fast or slow as you wish while taking in the incredible scenery. A picnic lunch will be served at the viewpoint.
Sadly, this will be the end of your adventure in the Usambara region as we will have to head back to Moshi in order to arrive before nightfall. Depending on your itinerary, we can also drop you off in Pangani or Tanga, as these towns are on the way.
Included in package
- Transportation from Moshi to Usambara and back in a private vehicle with an English-speaking driver/guide
- 4 nights accommodation in mid-range lodges
- English-speaking local guide in Usambara
- Entrance fees where applicable
- All meals starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with lunch on Day 5
- All Government taxes, VAT and service-related charges
Not included in package
- Flights
- Visa for entry into Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, beverages or any other items of a personal nature)
- Additional nights
- Tips for your driver & guides
