Tanzania Usambara Trekking Tours

The Usambara Mountains in northern Tanzania are home to many  endemic species of flora and fauna. Usambara is a hot spot  for   biodiversity well known world wide This trek  will take you deep into the heart of Africa for a truly memorable experience.

Usambara is the  green and spectacular region located between the Mount Kilimanjaro region and the Indian Ocean in the north-east of Tanzania ,its also located half way between Arusha and Dar es salaam.

Its a Fertile green mountains, amazing rainforests and lots of animals like endemic bird species, not the first thing to think about with Tanzania but it’s here! Some people told me it’s like the Asian mountain feeling. Due to the more chilled climate of the mountains this is a go to place after your warm and sweating safari and your busy city stay. It’s the ideal hiking and relaxing spot and one of the best Tanzanian beauties!

LUSHOTO.

Lushoto is the main town and administrative area in West Usambara mountain ,it is the ideal  place  for hiking and trekking  enriched with with nice hiking trails,  nature ,villages and stunning views. Half of Usambara mountain is in Lushoto District

MULTIPLE DAY USAMBARA TREKKING  .

 3 DAYS USAMBARA MOUNTAIN HIKE. (Can be extended to 4 days …)

Get ready for your off the beaten track experience with this great hike through the Usambara Mountains. Hike while enjoying the Stunning  views, admire the rich vegetation ,rainforests ,birding ,farming activities , local culture, villages, as well as  looking for chameleons. This tour will cover the distance of about 60 km witin 3 days . We shall walk 45km  and  15 will be covered by car. Walking distance per day is 12-15 km .

DAY ONE. HIKE TO LUKOZI VILLAGE VIA MAGAMBA NATURE FOREST.

Take  an uphill walk from Lushoto to Magamba nature  forest via Kwembago village. On the way you will   learn about the culture and traditional life of wasambaa tribe as well as natural herbs.

Exlore Magamba rain forest , admiring the rich vegetation ,colourful birds and butterflies. Look for colobus monkeys though its not guaranteed to see them. While in the forest pay a visit to a historical cave   believed to have been  used in first world war made by Germany during Germany colonial rule in Tanganyika..

Continue  walking to Kigulu hakwewas peak, a peak found  in the middle of magamba forest 1840m above sea level ,enjoy  the  view overlooking the town of Lushoto and the rolling hills of Usmbara  from the peak. Have lunch at this stunning view or somewhere on the way, then continue to Lukozi village. Spend a night in the guest house at Malindi village or Bush baby homestay.

DAY TWO. HIKE THROUGH  VILLAGES  TO RANGWI SISTERS CONVENT.

 Continue walking heading to Rangwi .This tour will take you through the villages along the  nice trails , pass through farming fields  and learn local farming techniques ,keep walking while enjoying the good views of the villages  and mountain’s peaks .Walk uphill off the beaten tracks  to reach 2000m high during the trip and enjoy the view all the way up. Take some rest for a picnic  lunch .

After lunch the walk  will continue  across the villages and farming fields heading to a village called Rangwi  .Spend the  night in the village at the sisters convent .

DAY THREE.                                                                                                                                                              

HIKE TO MAGUMBA VIEW POINT.

 Again after  breakfast   the hike will continue ,start walking from the Sisters convent heading  to Mambo village ,This walk will combine several experience as you will cross villages ,mountains peaks and some parts of forests. The tour will start with an uphill walk to a point that you will be rewarded with good view  of the villages and beautiful landscape .Take short rest then continue through the pine forest to the village of Sunga , explore the local life and stop for Lunch  at the local  family.. After the lunch you can visit a pottery project being run by

then group of women and learn how they mould pots using clay soil. Overnight at Magumba view cottages   situated at 1900m with a nice and comforting view, on a clear day you can see mount Kilimanjaro from this places. ( It's not  a must due to cloudy weather on Moshi’s side)

DAY 4. In the morning you will take a private car and drive to Lushoto town where you will catch bus to either Dar ,Tanga, Arusha ,Moshi etc.

NB.This program needs 5 days in total,this means

DAY 1….Arriving day….. Accommodation IS NOT INCLUDED

DAY 2. HIKING….Accommodation is included

DAY3 .HIKING….. Accommodation is included

DAY4.HIKING…… Accommodation is included

DAY 5. LEAVING LUSHOTO

IRENTE VIEW POINT.

DURATION 3-4 HOURS , 12-15 KM

This tour will take you through the villages to one of the famous and stunning view point in Lushoto, having altitude of 1500 m above sea level with steep rugged cliff.

Enjoy the view overlooking the small towns of Mazinde ,maasai plains ,Germany sisal plantations, High way to Arusha. Visit the cave beneath a big rock lying at the edge of the view point. On the way learn about the culture and daily activities of locals. Have lunch at I rente farm or packed lunch then walk back to your lodge in Lushoto.

SUNSET AT IRENTE VIEWPOINT.

DURATION 7KM-3-4HOURS

This tour will start from your lodge and take you through the villages to one of the famous and stunning view point in Lushoto, having altitude of 1500 m above sea level with steep rugged cliff.

The view at Irente is amazing and stunning. The viewpoint is perched at the edge of the big rock which is part of usambara mountains block. This makes it a nice place for enjoying sun down . .

Enjoy the view overlooking the small towns of Mazinde and maasai plains ,German sisal plantations while waiting for sunset ,Sunset is always from 18;00 to 18;30 .

This tour can start in the evening or afternoon and will require car escort on the way back as it will be growing dark soon after the sunset. NOTE. It might be cloudy sometimes and the sun get hidden.

MAGAMBA RAIN FOREST.

DURATION 5-6HOURS 14KM

Take an uphill walk from Lushoto to Magamba rain forest .On the way learn about the local herbs ,culture and traditions of wasambaa tribe. Hear the stories of Sambaa kingdom .

Exlore Magamba rain forest , admiring the rich vegetation ,colourful birds and butterflies. Look for colobus monkeys though its not guaranteed to see them. While in the forest pay a visit to a historical cave which its believed that it was used in world war one. Ascend to Kigulu hakwewas peak, a peak in the middle of magamba forest 1840m above sea level ,enjoy the view overlooking the town of Lushoto and the rolling hills of Usmbara. Have lunch at this stunning view overlooking Lushot town. After lunch take a short break then walk back to your Lodge at Lushot.

LUSHOTO HISTORICAL TOWN TOUR .

DURATION 2 HOURS -

Discover the beauty and authenticity of Lushoto town and nearby villages. ,

This tour will take you around the town of Lushoto and nearby streets and villages. Hear the stories of Wasambaa tribe and their culture and traditions from your tour guide.

Walk around the town of Lushoto , visit the live market on Thursday and sundaya although in weekdays still you can visit but its not as colorful as in Thursday and Sunday. Visit Historical buildings ,such as churches, German post offices and old cemetery. The Police station of Lushoto was the first one in Tanzania and was built by Germans .Walk back to your lodge.

LUSHOTO HISTORICAL TOWN TOUR AND FOOD COOKING COURSE. .

Discover the beauty and authenticity of Lushoto town and nearby villages. ,

This tour will take you around the town of Lushoto and nearby streets and village. Hear the stories of culture and traditions of Wasambaa tribe from your tour guide.

Walk around the town of Lushoto ,the live market on Thursday and sunday although in weekdays still you can visit but its not as colorful as in Thursday and Sunday. Visit Historical buildings and old cemetery. The Police station of Lushoto was the first one in Tanzania and was built by Germans

After spending few hours of town tour you will bypass the market and buy fruits and farm produce that will be used for preparation of the dish ,You will also participate in preparing one of the local dishes suggested by your guide during your tour..At the end you will eat and enjoy the delicious food that you prepared.

Historical Town tour and food cooking

KISASA WATERFALL.

DURATION 3 HOURS

Kisasa waterfall is one of the nice waterfall located few kilometers from the town of Lushoto. Take a walk in the nature ,beautiful surroundings and beautiful trails through the villages and small towns to Kisasa waterfall. Some parts of the trails will be along the sides of the river and water streams heading to the fall. Near the water fall you will descend down on a steep slopes to the bottom of the waterfall, enjoy the time with good view and god sound of the falling water. Take some picture then walk back to your hotel. The river flow all the year round but but the volume of water decrease and increase depending on season. April to june ,November to December the volume is reasonably high.

MKUZI NATURE FOREST AND NATURAL SWIMMING POOL.

DURATION 5-6 HOURS 14-18KM

Hike from your lodge all the way up to Magamba village via Gaegetal valley. Gaegetal valley was former known as hunting valley During the time of German in Usambara. This walk will continue through this valley and the forest to Magamba village. From Magamba the walk will continue through the villages and farming lands to Mkuzi. On the way experience the local life and their daily activities. On the way and in Mkuzi forest there is a chance to see blue and colobus monkey although this we can not promise. Enjoy being in the forest and its possible to swim. Have picnic lunch at the big rocks surrounding the water pool.

After all of these experiences you will drive back to Lushoto by either public or private transport.( extra cost for private 20 usd) private is recommended for best experience and public transports has lots of hustle.

BIRD WATCHING.

DURATION 3-4 HOURS

Wake up early in the morning and drive to Kwembago village.Drop from the car and start walking through the farming land looking for variety of bird species . Here you can see a lot of seed eaters birds and other birds found in human environments as well as forest and aquatic birds . Continue to Magamba rain forest for forest birds.

Get to see a lot of common birds and endemic birds species. Here is some of birds found ; specked mouth bird, cape robin, white browed robin chat, fire fich, bar throated apalis, batis, hatlaub turaco, horn bill, sunbird, yellow vented bulbul ,paradise flycatcher, manikin, waxbill and so many more.,

MOTOR BIKE RIDING TOUR.

Ride a motor bike or seat at the back of the rider. This tour will lead you to discover the beauty of Lushoto attractions. This tour can range from half a day to a full day experience. Half day will include riding to Irente view point , Magamba and Mkuzi swimming pool and full day will include riding a bike all the way to Magumba view cottages via Magamba rain forest.

COMBINED TOUR PROGRAM

MAGAMBA NATURE FOREST AND IRENTE VIEW POINT

DURATION 6-7 HOURD 18-19KM

Take an uphill walk from Lushoto to Magamba rain forest via the former royal village of Kwembago . Continue walking through the farming land while learning about the local herbs .On the way learn about the culture and traditions of wasambaa tribe and their Kingdom. Exlore Magamba rain forest , admiring the rich vegetation ,colourful birds and butterflies. Look for colobus monkeys though its not guaranteed to see them. While in the forest pay a visit to a historical cave which its believed that it was used in world war one. Ascend to Kigulu hakwewas peak, a peak in the middle of magamba forest 1840m above sea level ,enjoy the view overlooking the town of Lushoto and the rolling hills of Usambara.

From Magamba rain forest decend to Irente village via Kwembago village. Pass by Irente farm for the lunch. After delicious lunch walk 1.5 km to Irente view point. This tour will take you through the villages to one of the famous and stunning view point in Lushoto, having altitude of 1500 m above sea level with steep rugged cliff. Enjoy the incredible and stunning view perched at 1500 m from the sea level with a steep and rugged cliff , overlooking the small towns of Mazinde ,Germany sisal plantations ,high way to Arusha and maasai plains. Visit the cave beneath a big rock lying at the edge of the view point. Spend your time at the view point and walk back to Lushoto ,On the way learn about the culture and daily activities of locals.

MAGAMBA RAIN FOREST AND KISASA WATERFALL.

DURATION 6-7 HOURS -18K

Take an uphill walk from Lushoto to Magamba rain forest .On the way learn about the culture and traditions of wasambaa tribe. Exlore Magamba rain forest , admiring the rich vegetation ,colourful birds and butterflies. Look for colobus monkeys though its not guaranteed to see them. While in the forest pay a visit to a historical cave which its believed that it was used in world war one.

Ascend to Kigulu hakwewas peak, a peak in the middle of magamba forest 1840m above sea level ,enjoy the view overlooking the town of Lushoto and the rolling hills of Usambara.

Walk out the forest and have a picnic lunch. Continue walking in the nature ,beautiful surroundings and beautiful trails through the villages and small towns to Kisasa waterfall. Some parts of the trails will be along the sides of the river and water streams heading to the fall. Descend down on a steep slopes to the bottom of the waterfall, enjoy the time with good view and god sound of the falling water. Take some picture then walk back to your hotel.

TOWN TOUR AND IRENTE VIEW POINT SUN SET.

DURATION 4-6 HOURS - 12 KM

Discover the beauty and authenticity of Lushoto town and nearby villages. ,

This tour will take you around the town of Lushoto and nearby streets and village. Hear the stories of culture and traditions of Wasambaa tribe from your tour guide. Walk around the town of Lushoto ,the live market on Thursday and sunday although in weekdays still you can visit but its not as colorful as in Thursday and Sunday. Visit old missionary cemetery and Historical buildings including Police station and prison of Lushoto which was the first police station and prison in Tanzania built by Germans.

After few hours of Lushoto town exploration you will take another walk through the villages to one of the famous and stunning view point in Lushoto, having altitude of 1500 m above sea level with steep rugged cliff. The view at Irente is amazing and stunning. The viewpoint is perched at the edge of the big rock which is part of usambara mountains block. This makes it a nice place for enjoying sun down .

Enjoy the view overlooking the small towns of Mazinde and maasai plains ,German sisal plantations while waiting for sunset ,Sunset is always from 18;00 to 18;30 . Drive back to your hotel after sun set.

KISASA WATER FALL AND IRENTE VIEW POINT.

DURATION 6-7 HOURS 16-17 KM

Kisasa waterfall is one of the nice waterfall located few kilometers from the town of Lushoto.

Walk in the nature ,beautiful surroundings and beautiful trails through the villages and small towns to Kisasa waterfall. Some parts of the trails will be along the sides of the river and water streams heading to the fall .At last descend on a steep slope to the bottom of the waterfall. Enjoy your time at the bottom of the waterfall while listening to nice sound from the falling water.

Ascend from the bottom of the waterfall to the top and continue to Irente view point. This tour will continue through the villages and farming land to one of the famous and stunning view point in Lushoto, having altitude of 1500 m above sea level with steep rugged cliff.

Enjoy the view overlooking the small towns of Mazinde and maasai plains ,highway to Arusha and beautiful surroundings . Visit the cave beneath a big rock lying at the edge of the view point.

On the way learn about the culture and daily activities of locals. Have lunch at I rente farm or packed lunch then walk back to your lodge in Lushoto.

MAGAMBA RAIN FOREST AND MKUZI RIVER AND NATURAL SWIMMING POOL .

DURATION 7-8 HOURS 18 KM

Take an uphill walk from Lushoto to Magamba rain forest .Walk along the farming lands while enjoying birding .On the way learn about the culture and traditions of wasambaa tribe ,Hear storiesof sambaa kingdom. Exlore Magamba rain forest , admiring the rich vegetation ,colourful birds and butterflies. Look for colobus monkeys though its not guaranteed to see them. While in the forest pay a visit to a historical cave which its believed that it was used in world war one.

Ascend to Kigulu hakwewas peak, a peak in the middle of magamba forest 1840m above sea level ,enjoy the view overlooking the town of Lushoto and the rolling hills of Usambara.

Walk out of the forest and have a picnic lunch. After lunch continue hiking to Mkuzi forest ,in the heart of Mkuzi forest is where this small waterfall and water pool is found. You can enjoy swimming in the fresh water although it’s a bit brown . You can swim or enjoy the beautiful scenery then walk back 2 km to a point where you will take a public transfer or take a private transport at additional cost.