USAMBARA MOUNTAINS TOUR:
The Usambara mountains are located between Kilimanjaro and the
Indian Ocean. Some of the tops rise to well over 2000m. Between
steep cliffs and rocky hilltops are set small communities of the
pastoral Usambani tribe. The high altitude and fertile soils
attracted German, British and other European settlers. This is an
excellent place to visit for a few relaxing days if you are
travelling overland between the coast and Kilimanjaro and the
northern gameparks. Lushoto, at the heart of the Usambara, can be
reached in a 5 hour drive from Moshi. It is a further 4 hours drive
to Tanga from where there are daily flights to Zanzibar, or 5-6
hours drive to Pangani or Saadani. Although a variety of
accommodation is available in the area we recommend two places in
particular:
*Muller's Lodge a beautifully built old farm house with a very
relaxed, comfortable atmosphere taking you back 50 years in time.
*St. Eugene's Hostel, a modern and very well presented guesthouse
adjoining a Montessori Training College set in spacious gardens.
Both offer guiding services for walkers. Available walks include:
*A bird walk
*Forest walks
*Waterfall walk
*Mountain walk
Wildlife to be seen includes the elegant Colobus monkey, blue
monkeys and a wide variety of birds. In the rain forest euphoria's,
acacias, giant ferns, palms, lobelias, camphors (Japanese and
Usumbaru) eucalyptus and fig trees are all to be found.
Lengths of walks can be varied from just an hour or so to all day
long taking a packed lunch with you. To be able to see something of
the region it is best to spend at least two nights in the area.
6 DAYS - LUSHOTO AND USAMBARA MOUNTAINS TOUR ITINERARY - Walking
Trip Notes:
The tour takes you to explore the Usambara Mountains on the
northeastern of Tanzania. Landscape, tropical forests and numerous
spectacular viewpoints, historical sites and the opportunity to
visit local communities development projects, thorough explanation
of the history and life of the local farmers provide a memorable
experience. This area of west Usambara in nick named Switzerland of
Africa because of the mountain range. You will enjoy your tour.
DAY 1: ARUSHA - LUSHOTO
In the morning at 0730hrs depart from Arusha Moshi or Dar 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, which are sold in Arusha,
Dar, Moshi and Morogoro. Meals and overnight in Lawns hotel, White
house hotel, Grant hotel or Campsite.
DAY 2: LUSHOTO - MAGAMBA FOREST (6-7hrs)
Breakfast followed by walking to the Magamba rainforest, visit an
old stranch 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 to the village of
Lukozi for dinner and overnight in guesthouse or camping.
DAY 3: MAGAMBA FOREST - USAMBARA VILLAGES (5- 6hrs)
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
Malindi, Makose and Kagulio, proceed to Rangwi Catholic mission for
dinner and overnight, in Rest house or Camping.
DAY 4: USAMBARA VILLAGES
After breakfast walk to Mamboleo or Tema villages, 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 at Mamboleo
village camping.
DAY 5: USAMBARA VILLAGES - MTAE
After breakfast, proceed on walking to Mtae and there after you will
climb Shegayu peak 2,220 m, where on clear days you will be able to
see Mt. Kilimanjaro and Taita hills across the border to Kenya. You
will have lunch enroute, dinner and overnight at Mtae.
DAY 6: MTAE VILLAGE – LUSHOTO
Wake up at 0600hrs for early morning breakfast, after breakfast
check out from Mtae and yet in the private vehicles for Lushoto
where you will arrive in time for lunch. After lunch the driver with
take you back to Arusha or proceed with your next travel.