Trekking Tour In The Usambara Mountains

Day 1: Arusha City- Lushoto

After breakfast, you will leave Arusha and drive past Moshi town onto Lushoto. The cross-country drive provides excellent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Usambara Mountains as well as the Indian Ocean at some points. The tour takes you to explore the Usambara Mountains in northeast Tanzania.

Landscape, tropical forests and numerous spectacular viewpoints, historical sites, 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 is nick-named Switzerland of Africa because of the mountain range. In Lushoto, you will leave the car taking only what you need for a short hike.

First, you will meet your local guide. He is from the Usambara Region and will be able to tell you all about the area, its people, and its local vegetation. Once you have said your greetings, you will hike to a waterfall, which will take about 1 hour. It will be your first of many hikes in the area, so take in your surroundings and enjoy the gorgeous view and incredible climate.

After spending some time at the waterfall, you will hike to Irente Cliff Viewpoint. This is a hike with a real prize at the end! You won't believe the dramatic, panoramic view. You will enjoy a sundowner as you take in your first sunset in Usambara. Welcome to paradise! After sunset, you will walk the short distance to your lodge, Irente Farm, for a delicious dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Night at Irente Farm Lodge (Tambwe double or triple room)

Day 2: Lushoto

After a delicious breakfast at your beautiful, small lodge, nestled in the Usambara Mountains with views of Lushoto, you will pack a small bag and head out for a two-hour hike around the Farm. Irente Farm is bigger than you might expect. You will take a walk around the farm as you learn about the history of the area, as well as the trees, birds, and other wildlife that can be found here.

You will return to the lodge for a delicious, rustic, and freshly prepared lunch. All cheeses, bread, and jams are prepared on-site. After lunch, you will go back out for some birdwatching. You do not need to be a bird enthusiast to be enthralled by all the species of birds in the area and to be fascinated to learn about them from your knowledgeable guide. Dinner and overnight will be at your lodge.

Accommodation: Night at Irente Farm Lodge (Tambwe double or triple room)

Day 3: Lushoto- Mambo

Enjoy your breakfast at Irente Farm Lodge before packing your things, ready for the next adventure.

This morning you will hike through Magamba Nature Reserve. This reserve has incredible biodiversity, thanks to the conservation efforts by the local people and the government. Your guide will be able to tell you all about the species of trees and animals found in the reserve. You will have the opportunity to visit an old cave. If you're lucky, you may see the black and white Colobus monkeys that live in the reserve.

You will eat a packed lunch at a lovely spot with a beautiful view. After lunch, you will walk to the meeting point where you will be transferred by car to Mambo. Just as you thought the views in the Lushoto area couldn't get any more dramatic, you will arrive at your lodge in Mambo with incredible cliff views! Dinner and overnight will be at your lodge in Mambo.

Transfer: Private transport from Lushoto to Mambo

Excursion and hotel: Night at Mambo Cliff Inn

Day 4: Mambo

Enjoy your breakfast on the edge of a cliff! Early morning, as you sip your coffee, you may be lucky enough to see Kilimanjaro in the distance. Even if you don't, the view is sure to wow you.

After breakfast, you and your guide will set off for a hike to local pottery makers. These women (and men) will show you how they make their pottery from the local mud. They sell their pieces, big and small, and though there is no pressure to buy, you will surely be enticed to bring some home with you. You can even buy creations from small children, who love to craft animals from the clay. People use the pots to cook local delicacies. The round trip will take about 3 hours on foot.

After this visit, you will walk back through the villages with their painted houses and enjoy the rest of your day at the lodge. If you would like to take an afternoon hike, this can be arranged with your guide. Dinner and overnight will be at your lodge.

Excursion and Hotel: Night at Mambo Cliff Inn

Day 5: Lushoto- Mambo

Early morning you will enjoy breakfast at your lodge before packing your things.

You will set off for a hike to the incredible Mtai Viewpoint. The hike will take about 3 hours but you can go as slow as you wish, taking in the incredible views along the way. You will eat your lunch at the viewpoint.

Sadly, this will be the day that you will leave the gorgeous Usambara region. Depending on your itinerary, you will be transferred back to the Arusha region, or on to the coast (Pangani), or catch your flight from Tanga.