Irente View Trail in Usambara Mountains'

Lushoto & Usambara Mountains Hiking: Discover Tanzania's Hidden Gems

Nestled in northeastern Tanzania, the Usambara Mountains offer an idyllic retreat for nature lovers, hikers, and adventurers. Lushoto, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” is the gateway to this breathtaking range. With verdant forests, scenic vistas, and charming villages, the Usambara Mountains provide a tranquil escape, offering unique experiences such as hiking, cultural interactions, and discovering rich biodiversity.

More About Lushoto and the Usambara Mountains

Getting There

Lushoto is accessible via a 5-6 hour drive from Dar es Salaam or a 6-7 hours drive from Arusha/Moshi. Public buses and private transfers are available, making it easy to plan a visit. The closest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a scenic drive to the mountains.

Best Time to Visit

The Usambara Mountains can be visited year-round, but the dry season (June to October) is ideal for hiking with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. The green season (November to May) transforms the mountains into a lush paradise, though occasional rains may make some trails slippery.

Activities

  • Hiking Trails: Explore trails that weave through forests, farmlands, and villages, each offering unique perspectives of the mountains.
  • Cultural Visits: Interact with local communities to learn about the traditions and lifestyles of the Sambaa and Pare people.
  • Birdwatching: Spot rare species such as the Usambara weaver and African violet.
  • Forest Walks: Enjoy serene walks in the pristine rainforests, soaking in the tranquility of nature.

Attractions

  • Irente Viewpoint: A stunning viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Maasai Plains.
  • Magamba Rainforest: A biodiverse forest teeming with unique flora and fauna.
  • Mkuzi Waterfalls: A picturesque cascade perfect for relaxation.
  • Traditional Villages: Experience authentic Tanzanian rural life in villages like Rangwi.

Animals in the Area

Because the Usambara mountains have been isolated for quite some time, its flora and fauna contain many unique species. Common animals include the diver antelope and wild boar, two types of monkeys and many bird species.

Unfortunately, the elephants and leopards that once inhabited the area are no longer here.

Usambara Day Trips Packages

Embark on a journey to the Lushoto and Usambara Mountains with Bantu Pori Journeys, where every trail leads to breathtaking beauty and unforgettable experiences.

Irente View Point 4-5 hrs

Walk to Irente view point a famous view point overlooking Mazinde and Maasai plane and on the way back visit Irente farm for picnic lunch.

Price:

$ 40 per person sharing minimum 2pax
$ 35 per person sharing minimum 3pax
$ 30 per person sharing minimum 4pax
$ 30 per person sharing minimum 5pax

Includes:

  • Lunch
  • Guide fee
  • Entrance fee
  • Administration fee

Magamba Rain Forest 5-6hr

Visit a dense Magamba rain forest with dramatic views and a home to black and white colobus monkeys, flowers, big trees, and chameleon and for bird watchers it gives a rare chance to see the Usambara akalat, Usambara weaver, Usambara nightjar, Usambara eagle —owl, Fischer’s turaco and the banded green sunbird. Also you can visit a German trench dug during 1st world war.

Price:

$ 45 per person sharing minimum 2pax
$ 40 per person sharing minimum 3pax
$ 35 per person sharing minimum 4pax
$ 30 per person sharing minimum 5pax

The Price Includes:

  • Lunch
  • Guide fee
  • Entrance fee
  • Administration fee

Mkuzu Waterfall 5-6hrs

Walk from Lushoto via Vuli village to Kivuga peak then continue to Mkuzu waterfall which found inside the forest. After enjoying the waterfall and the forest walk back to Muller’s Lodge for a drink then take a private transport back to Lushoto

Price:

$ 50 per person sharing minimum 2pax
$ 45 per person sharing minimum 3pax
$ 40 per person sharing minimum 4pax
$ 35 per person sharing minimum 5pax

Includes:

  • Lunch
  • Guide fee
  • Entrance fee
  • Administration fee
  • Transport

Maweni Spice Tour 4-5hrs

A relaxed tour from Soni to Maweni farm where you can have chance to learn about different types of spices such as cardamoms, cinnamon, coffee and other much more.

Price:

$ 30 per person sharing minimum 2pax
$ 25 per person sharing minimum 3pax
$ 20 per person sharing minimum 4pax
$ 20 per person sharing minimum 5pax

Includes:

  • Lunch
  • Guide fee
  • Entrance fee
  • Administration fee
  • Transport

Sakarani wine Tour 6-7hrs

Drive from Lushoto to Soni and start walking through coffee plantations to Sakarani where they produce Sakarani wine from grapes on the way back take a break at Soni waterfall.

Price:

$ 35 per person sharing minimum 2pax
$ 30 per person sharing minimum 3pax
$ 25 per person sharing minimum 4pax
$ 20 per person sharing minimum 5pax

Includes:

  • Lunch
  • Guide fee
  • Entrance fee
  • Administration fee
  • Transport

Ndelemai Forest Reserve 7-8hrs

Drive by private transport to Kwamongo village and farmlands and spectacular views over looking Soni and Vuga villages to Ndelemai forest a dense forest with huge trees, flowers, birds and a home to black and white colobus monkeys then catch a transport back to Lushoto.

Price:

$ 60 per person sharing minimum 2pax
$ 55 per person sharing minimum 3pax
$ 50 per person sharing minimum 4pax
$ 45 per person sharing minimum 5pax

Includes:

  • Lunch
  • Guide fee
  • Entrance fee
  • Administration fee
  • Transport

Our Multiday Experiences.

2-Day Cultural and Nature Tour

  • Day 1: Visit Irente Farm, hike to Magamba Rainforest, and enjoy cultural interactions.
  • Day 2: Explore Mkuzi Waterfalls and Rangwi Village.

3-Day Usambara Adventure

  • Immerse yourself in the forests, viewpoints, and cultural visits with moderate hikes.

4-Day Usambara Explorer

  • A comprehensive journey through the mountains, covering Irente, Magamba, Mkuzi, and Amani Nature Reserve.

Accommodation Options of the Usambara Mountains

  • Eco-Lodges: Enjoy cozy stays at Irente Farm Lodge or Mambo View Eco-Lodge, offering stunning views and eco-friendly amenities.
  • Guesthouses: Affordable options like Lawns Hotel in Lushoto or Rangwi Guesthouse in rural settings.
  • Camping: For adventurous travelers, there are designated camping areas to connect deeply with nature.

Amani Nature Reserve

Located within the eastern Usambara range, the Amani Nature Reserve is a gem for biodiversity. Known for its lush rainforests, the reserve is home to rare flora and fauna, including endemic butterflies and medicinal plants. Visitors can explore guided forest walks, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy serene picnics by waterfalls. Amani is a must-visit for those looking to combine hiking with ecological discovery.

Our team is always here to help.

Embark on a journey to the Lushoto and Usambara Mountains with Bantu Pori Journeys, where every trail leads to breathtaking beauty and unforgettable experiences.

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