Usambara Mountains Trekking

Tour Overview

The Usambara Mountains of northeastern Tanzania in tropical East Africa, comprise the easternmost ranges of the Eastern Arc Mountains. They were formed nearly two million years ago by faulting and uplifting, they are split into two sub-ranges; the West Usambaras being higher than the East Usambaras.

Historically they were inhabited by Bantu, Shambaa, and Maasai people. The range is accessible from the towns of Lushoto in the west, and Amani in the east. Today, the population of the Usambara Mountains region has one of the highest growth rates, a staggering amount of poverty, and highest densities of people in all of Tanzania. Most of the inhabitants are subsistence farmers who rely heavily on the forests around them for timber, medicinal plants, clearing for agriculture, and fuel wood.

There are numerous attractions that are eye-catching for visitors looking for experiences beyond developed tourist resorts. Just to mention a few; the trade town of Lushoto, the once popular German resort Amani Nature Reserve and farm, and the Mazumbai University Forest, which is considered the last example of a pristine tropical forest in the East Usambaras.

Comments

• Please note that our itinerary is flexible and can be modified until it suits your needs and wishes.
• This is a quotation only. No reservations or arrangements have been confirmed on your behalf pending your authority to proceed and the final itinerary is subject to availability.
• All prices quoted are current and are subject to change at any time due to cost increases such as Park Entry fees or Hotel| Airline rates increases that are beyond our control. As a result, reserves the right to re-quote on a quotation if confirmation of the itinerary is not received within 14 working days from date of quotation.

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1: Arusha/Dar es salaam to Lushoto

  In the morning at 7:30 am depart from Moshi to Lushoto West Usambara where you will arrive in the early afternoon for lunch. Afternoon walk or drive to Irente viewpoint and Irente Farm. The farmers produce many types of fruits and vegetables.

  • Dinner and overnight:Lushoto Executive Lodge: Full board.
• Day 2: Lushoto- Magamba Forest Malindi Village.

  Breakfast followed by walking to the Magamba rainforest, visit an old stanch dug by the German during World War 1, the guide will provide an explanation of German and British Colonial history. Proceed on walking thru the rainforest of Magamba via Lukozi village to Malindi village.

  • Dinner and overnight:Lushoto Executive Lodge: Full board.
• Day 3: Malindi Village – Rangwi Village

  Breakfast, then walk along valleys and sloping hillsides of the inner Usambara Mountain passing by the vegetable farms lined with eucalyptus and banana trees. You will pass thru the villages of Makose and Kagulio, proceed to Rangwi.

  • Dinner and overnight:Mombo View Eco Lodge: Full board.
• Day 4: Rangwi – Mtae Village

  After breakfast walk to Mtae via Sunga village and thru Shengayu forest, on the way you will see Mamboleo village, these villages are well known for their soil conservation and traditional irrigation project which concentrate on the development of stone and bench terraces to improve farming, thorough explanation by your guide on how the people of Shambaa tribe living in the area do keep their surrounding environment

  • Dinner and overnight: Mombo View Eco Lodge: Full board.
• Day 5: Mombo - Arusha/Dar es salaam

  On this day will be your final day hence you will have breakfast from your lodge and drive back either Arusha or Dar es Salaam.