Usambara mountains are mountain ranges on the north eastern Tanzania region. The mountains are believed to have formed 100 million years because of block faulting and uplifting. The ranges are divided into two sub ranges: the East Usambara and Usambara west mountains separated by the 4 km wide lwengera valley. Both ranges are alluringly beautiful and boast the most diverse tropical forest habitat. Here there are over 2000 plant varieties, over 500 of them being endemic to the forest. A wide range of avian amphibian and reptile varieties are also unique to the forest. The West Usambara mountain trek is highly sought after, as it is conveniently located around the Lushoto region which is within a 6-7 hour drive from both Dar es Salaam and Arusha. The East Usambara treks are mainly located in the Amani region. Importantly, both ranges offer a whole new experience to trekkers. Since the eastern ranges are more closer to the coast, they receive more rainfall than the western ranges.
Western Usambara trails
Hike to point Irente
This is the most sought after trail in the Western Usambara region. The trek starts from lushoto town and is the most popular day hike in west usambara. During your trek, you will pass through several authentic villages. The trail will take a maximum 2 hrs to get to the irente point and is the easiest trail you can pick in the western ranges. Along the way, your guide will show you some chameleons dangling from the branches of the trees in the rainforest. Importantly, the west Usambara two horned chameleon is unique to the forest and can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. The irente point is a highly rewarding viewpoint for the widespread rainforest, Masai steppes on the lower reaches and the outstanding traditional villages. On the walk down to Lushoto you will pass through irente farm village where you will have lunch. They are known for their inviting African dishes coming at very affordable rates.
Magamba trail
What makes the difference in the Magamba trail is the great opportunity to encounter colobus monkeys that dwell in the forest reserve. Magamba forest reserve is part of the western usambara ranges in Lushoto region. The trail takes about 3 hrs to ascent uphill to Kigula hakwewa peak ( 1840 m a.s.l). Kilindi village is the most outstanding African village you will come across. Living in impoverished homesteads with semi-permanent houses on the slopes of Usambara mountain has not dampened the community’s receptive attitude towards visitors. You will also come across a world war 1 cave dug by the German who colonized Tanzania.
Importantly, the Magamba trail can be combined with the irente viewpoint trail. However, for a more profound experience, we recommend taking each for a day.
Hike to Mkuzi waterfall
The trail starts at Lushoto town heading uphills to Jergeastal. Mkuzi village is the only village you will pass through on the way to the incredible water cascades. As you pass through the Kadecho forest, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the sceneries in the lower reaches as you walk along treelined pathways. The area offers one of the best view of both white and black colobus monkeys. The waterfall stands out for their unique setting tacked in alluring, lush rainforest away from human settlements. The sound of the water splash amidst the profound serenity also makes this paradise a perfect picnic spot.
Mtae trail
The trek is the most sought after multi day hike in the Usambara west ranges and follows a 82 km trail from lushoto. The trek can be adjusted to pass through the magamba forest reserve. This trail takes a minimum 3 days and gives hikers an opportunity to encounter phenomenal features like magamba peak, Mambo viewpoint and Kidhege waterfalls. The trail will also lead to local villages and farmlands where you will interact freely with the local people as they go on with their daily activities. During your trek you will spend the night in Rangwi Catholic mission rest house and Mambo viewpoint in the mambo region.
Eastern Usambara trails
Amani reserve to magoroto forest reserve trail
The trail is the most sought after in East Usambara. Most hikers taking this trail merge it with a trip to Mkomazi national park or pangani beach. The trail starts at the amani nature reserve where you will begin your first day trek venturing the incredible features in the park most prominently Delema waterfalls. As an additional activity, you can visit one of the local villages along the way to meet the people and learn more about African ways of life. Having explored the Amani forest on the first day, the trail then leads to the Magoroto forest reserve on the second day via the Mbomole trail coming across the botanical garden and Chemka waterfall. The culmination of the trek will be at the Lake Magoroto. Straddling between the dense evergreen rainforest atop the eastern ranges and with alluring turquoise clear waters, the lake forms one of the most photogenic places in the world. Here you can engage in activities like swimming, horse riding, forest walk etc before descending for pangani or Mkomazi.
When is the best time to visit Usambara ranges
The dry season between June and October and December and February are the best moment for hiking. The months immediately after the short (December) and long rains ( June) are particularly highly rewarding. Over this period, the forest is extremely lush; the birding is excellent, and the visibility is clear. For a great experience, avoid the rainy seasons from March to May and in November. During this period, the trails are slippery and the fog hinders visibility.
