The Usambara mountains are fairly unique because they support tropical forest  weather normally found in west Africa, and are home to euphorbia, acacia, giant fern, palm, and wild fig. Several bird species are endemic here, including Usambara eagle-owl, also called the East African nduk eagle-owl or Vosseier’s eagle-owl, and the usambara weaver. The mountains are located in the northeast of Tanzania and have got spectacular views.

LUSHOTO TOWN

Lushoto town has an elevation of 1500m. It was chosen by early Germans settlers to escape from the heat and dust for holidays, and called the town Wilhelmstal. The town was once thought to be a colonial administrative capital.

HIKES FROM LUSHOTO

Irente Viewpoint

From Lushoto, hike to the spectacular views over the village of Mazunde and the maasai plains almost 1000m below. Have lunch at the Irente farm (Biodiversity Reserve) in their natural forest patch.

Magamba Nature Reserve

Magamba is the largest forest fragment remaining in the western Usambara mountain range, 1850m above sea level. Some of the animals found within the forest include Vestergaad’s forest toad, warty frog and West Usambara two-horned chameleon. For bird watchers, the forest area offers a chance to see Usambara scalar, Usambara weaver, Usambara nightjar, Usambara eagle-owl, Fischer’s turraco and banded green sunbird. It takes four to five hours to reach the forest from Lushoto town and it’s the best choice for nature walks.

Mkuzu waterfalls

Mkuzu waterfalls is located within Magamba-Shume nature reserve. The trail always starts from Lushoto town via Magamba rainforest, and on your way you will come across monkey and squirrels. Our professional guide will explain the endemic species and plants on the way. You will also learn about rural life and farming which is the main economic activity within the surrounding villages.

Mazumbai Forest Reserve

Mazumbai is part of the Usambara mountain range, and is considered to be East Africa’s finest biodiversity hotspots. Most of the biodiversity of the Usambara is concentrated in the indigenous mountain forests. Our professional guide will take you on a walk through the forest, and it is essential to have a guide to prevent you from getting lost. Within the forest, there are many interesting trees, shrubs, climbers and flowers. The chameleons are also popular with visitors, including the Usambara two-horned and three-horned chameleon. There are also monkeys including the black-and-white colobus and shy blue monkeys.

Mtae World Viewpoint

The viewpoints on the southern and western sides of Usumbara are well known for the spectacular views of Mkomazi and Handeni plains. The surrounding region was among the first in East Africa to be settled, in 1902, by European farmers. The nearby town of Amani was a popular German resort for many years in colonial times. Much of the mountains are used in the production of coffee, sisal, tea, and cinchona, with rice grown in the swampy foothills. The inhabitants are mostly the Wasambaa tribe and are one of the friendliest people in Tanzania. On the way to Mtae world view, the women of Sunga village are happy to share their pottery activities so as to earn something through our guests. You will be able to see much more of the traditional lifestyles of the Tanzanian people in this area.