Usambara Mountains

The Usambara Mountains situated in the north-east part of Tanzania, are known for their pleasant climate, beautiful viewpoints and fertile slopes.Favoured by the Germans and English during colonial times, the area is rich in historical buildings from the period.

 The following is on offer:

1. A visit to Panoramic viewpoints from the mountainside

2. A visit to several development projects in the district-soil conservation, irrigation, cross-breeding-afforestation and health care

3. A climb to Kwa Mongo-the mountain home to beautiful butterflies

4. Walks through dense natural forests and along small rivers that rest downhill

5. A glimpse of the history and daily life of the Wasambara farmers

6. A visit to a traditional pottery village

  There are many one day walking tours from Lushoto:

1. Montessori Sisters of Ubiri

    2. Irente viewpoint 

3. Usambara flora and fauna.

Walk through the fertile farmlands of Jaergertal to a fruit tree nursery and learn about different varieties of fruit trees and propagation. Continue uphill to the village of Vuli to see projects on soil conservation, irrigation and farming methods.

4. Magamba rainforest

Walk uphill from Lushoto to the royal village of Kwembago, where you learn about the culture and history of the Kilindi ruling clan. Proceed to Magamba rainforest, home to black and white colobus monkeys. Return via an old German Middle school , a German trench dug during the first World War and village of Magamba.

5. ‘Growing Rock’

The ‘Growing Rock’ tour starts at from Soni. Walk to the top of Kwamongo mountain, famous for its butterflies and enjoy views of Soni, Lushoto and the Handeni plains from the peak. Visit the villages of Shashui and Kwemula on the way. Descend to the village of Magila at the foot of the ‘Growing Rock’ to visit a soil conservation project and learn the mystery behind the rock.

   6. Bangala river tour

From the village Mbuzi, go down the steep slopes to the Bangala river valley.Enroute see traditional irrigation systems and scenic views of the Maasai plains. On the way back, visit a local farm or tree nursery.

   Several days tours

1. Western tours

From Lushoto, pass through tropical rain forests, trek the Mountains and walk through valleys to the villages of Luzoki, Manolo and Sunga before reaching the historical village of Mtae, Enroute, visit various development projects.

2. Mazumbai forest

Walk from Soni and pass through Kwamongo and Magila. Continue to the Bumbuli Mission- a historic German settlement- and the Mazumbai rainforest, a bird-watcher’s paradise. Return via villages of Mgwasi and Kwesine.

New walking tours have been started .These include a walk to the viewpoint at Carter’s place , a hike up to Migambo peak, a 3-4 day walk to Mlalo, a session with a traditional healer and  a visit to a mountainside village of potters. Customised tours can be organised.

Getting there:

Lushoto is half way between Dar and Arusha and can be reached by bus in 6hours.

(Income from tourist visits will be used to support the development projects in the district.)