USAMBARA MOUNTAINS

Featuring - Introduction | Short Tours | Longer Tours

The Usambara mountains are situated in the North Eastern part of Tanzania; between Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean. The mountains rise up steeply from the surroundings plains and can only be entered via few roads. The only tarmac road in the area winds along a small river to Soni and Lushoto, the largest towns in the area. Because of its pleasant climate, the mountains were favoured by the Germans and the English during colonial times. Germans and the English during colonial times. Historic building stand as reminders of this past.
From a distance the mountains are a colorful mosaic. On the fertile slopes around Soni and Lushoto farmers cultivate small plots. But further away from the towns large areas are still covered by dense tropical forests.
The viewpoints on the southern and western side of the Usambara are well known for the spectacular views of the plains of Mkomazi and Handeni. Kilimanajaro can be seen on the horizon and at the end of the day the sunset turns the area in to a tremendous pallet of unforgettable colours

The born free Safaris we can offer you the best on the following:

- visits to superb viewpoints on the edge of the Mountains
- visit to several development projects in the district (soil conservation, irrigation, cross breeding, afforestation, health care)
- a climb to Kwa Mongo, the mountain with the many butterflies on top
- walks through dense natural forests and along small rivers that race downhill
- a view into the history and daily life of the Wasambaa farmers

Short Tours
From the town of Lushoto
Montessori Sisters of Ubiri: This tour takesyou for a short walk from 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: From the famous Irente Viewpoint you see the village of Mazinde, almost 1,000 metres below, and the vast Maadai Steppe beyond. On the return trip to Lushoto, you visit the Irente Farm and the rolay village of Kwembago.

Usambara Farm and Flora: 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 continue uphill to the village of Vuli to learn about local soil conservation, and irrigation projects, and farming methods. You return to Lushoto via the Arboretum.

Magamba Rain Forest: This tour begins with an uphill walk from Lushoto to the royal village of Kwembago, where you learn about the cultural history of the traditional ruling clan, the Kilindi, of the centruries-old Kingdom of the Washambaa from Kwembago, you have a beautiful view over Lushoto to the Maasai plains. You proceed to the lush Magamba rain forest, home to the rare black-and white colobus monkeys, frequently visible as they sit in groups high in the forest canopy and exchange views with each other. The return to Lushoto passes via an old German middle school and the village of Magamba.

Western Usambara Mountians: From Lushoto you pass through tropical rain forests, trek over mountains and through valleys to the villages of Lukozi, Monolo, and Sunga, before finally reaching your destination at the historical village of Mtae. En route you reach several superb viewpoints and visit various development projects.

Short Tours - from the small town of Soni
Growing Rock: From Soni, located halfway between Mombo and Lushoto, you walk to the top of Kwa Mongo Mountain, famous for its multicolored butterflies, via the villages of Shashui and Kwemula. You pass the grave of Mbega, who 300 years ago founded the line of Usambara Kings. From kwa Mongo you have views of Soni with its lovely waterfall, Lushoto and the Handeni plains. You then 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: From the village of Mbuzii, which overlooks Soni and Soni Falls, you weave slowly down the steep slopes of the Bangala River valley, at times, wading through cool mountain streams that offer a welcome relief from the rising savanna heat. Throughout the walk, you see traditional irrigation systems and have beautiful views over the Maasai plains.

Mazumbai Forest Reserve Tour: This physically challenging walk continues to the Bumbuli Mission, a historic German settlement and also the place where, the legend says, Mbega, the first Kilindi king, entered the Usambaras more than 300 years ago. From Bumbuli, the tour continues to the Mazumbai rain forest reserve, a bird watcher's paradise. After enjoying the forest, you return to Soni via the villages of Mgwashi and Kwesine.

Longer Tours
Lushoto to Mtae
Option 1 (3 days). Lushoto -=Kwembago Magamba -Mtae-Mamboleo or Tema-Mtae-Lushoto.

Day 1 (4 hours on foot, 2 on a bus)
The tour begins in Lushoto with an uphill walk to Kwembago, the ancient village of the Daffa family, a subclan of the royal Kilindi lineage. Typical of most Shambaa villages, Kwembago is situated along a mountain ridge with panoramic views over the Lushoto Valley, the Maasai Steppe and the surrounding mountains of the Western Usmabaras. From Kwembago, the walking tour continues through the Magamba rain forst, where rare plant and animal life can be. After two hours of walking through the rain forest you catch a bus to Mtae, arriving in time to view the multi-colored sunset over the plains and distant Pare Mountains. You stay the night in a local guest house.

Day 2 (5-6 hours walk)
The day begins around 7:30 a.m with a short stroll through the village of Mtae to a viewpoint from which you can see Mt. Kilimanjaro on clear days. After which you begin to climb the Shaghain Peak, approximately 2,220m high, which has spectacular views to the Pares and across the border with Kenya. On you way, you pass Mpanga, a village whose name, "cave," derives from its grotto-like enterance; a traditional religious site viewed by local people as an abode of the spirits; and the Shegayu rain forest, where towering trees serve as playgrounds for various monkey species.

Day 3 (6-7 hours walk)
This last day's walk takes you either to Mombaleo or Tema. These villages are noted for their soil conservation and traditional irrigation projects which concentrate on the development of stone or bench terraces to improve farming. Your guide will give you full explanations about traditional Shambaa farming methods and how they fit the local environmental conditions. Mamboleo and Tema also present picturesque examples of how the Shambaa have combined their traditional architecture conical, thatched earthen houses with introduced architectural such as the rectangular "Swahili" house. The following morning, you leave for Lushoto by bus at around 5:30 am arriving at approximately 7:30am.

Option 2 (4 days): Lushoto Kwembago Tema Mtae Lushoto.

Day 1 (6-7 hours walk).
In the Magamba rain forest, you visit an old trench dug by the Germans during World War I; here your guide will provide an explanation of local German and British colonial history. You continue on an extensive walk through the Magamba rain forst, weaving in and out of magnificent trees, along lush pathways, and a dirt road that takes you to the village of Lukozi, where you spend the night at a guest house.

Day 2 (5-6 hours walk).
From Lukozi you walk along the valleys and sloping hillsides of the inner Usambara Mountains, passing by vegetable farms lined with eucalyptus and banana trees. You pass through the villages of Malindi, Mokose and Kagulio, until you reach Rangwi, where you spend the night at the Rangwi Catholic Mission or at a guest house.

Day 3 (5-6 hours walk)
The tour continues uphill via either Tema or Mamboleo

Day 4 (5-6 hours walk)
Day 4 of this extended Mtae tour is spent as described above on Optiona I, Day 2 you leave for Lushoto the following morning at around 5:30 am arriving approximately 7:30 am.

USAMBARA MOUNTAIN CULTURAL TOURISM - PRICE LIST IN US DOLLARS

The price above including the following below: -

- accommodation before and after
- full board (3 meals a day)
- Transport 4WD
- Guide
- Village fees
- Salaries
- Water
- Office commission

Not included on the price above; -
- Drinks like alcohol etc
- Warm clothes and sunglasses
- Tips

contact us for pricing and more details...