Usambara Mountains are situated in the North Eastern part of Tanzania; between Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean. The mountains rise up steeply from the surroundings plains and can only be entered via few roads. The only tarmac road in the area winds along a small river to Soni and Lushoto, the largest towns in the area. Because of its pleasant climate, the mountains were favored by the Germans and the English during colonial times. Germans and the English during colonial time Historic building stand as reminders of this past.
From a distance the mountains are a colorful mosaic. On the fertile slopes around Soni and Lushoto farmers cultivate small plots. But further away from the towns large areas are still covered by dense tropical forests.
The viewpoints on the southern and western side of the Usambara are well known for the spectacular views of the plains of Mkomazi and Handeni. Kilimanajaro can be seen on the horizon and at the end of the day the sunset turns the area in to a tremendous pallet of unforgettable colors
Early in the morning at 7:30 am, depart from Moshi to Lushoto in the West Usambara Mountains. You will arrive in the early afternoon for lunch. In the afternoon, take a walk or drive to the Irente viewpoint and Irente Farm, where local farmers produce various types of fruits and vegetables.
Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel arranged by Kilismile: full board.
After breakfast, drive to the Usambara Mountains through the Eastern Arc, with several short stops for photos, visits to sisal plantations, and environmental explanations. Lunch will be provided on the way before reaching the designated hotel, which is about a 5-6 hour drive from Arusha. After checking in at the hotel, take a short walk to the nearby waterfalls.
Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel arranged by Kilismile: full board.
After breakfast, explore the Usambara Mountain forests on foot. This is a great opportunity to see a variety of forest bird species, reptiles, butterflies, black and white colobus monkeys, and more. A picnic lunch will be provided along the way. You can also arrange a village tour to learn about the traditional way of life of the indigenous communities.
Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel arranged by Kilismile: full board.
After breakfast, hike to Vuga Peak, where you can see the towns of Mombo and Korogwe. The walk takes about 4-5 hours and goes through the Montane Forest, offering a high chance to see colorful forest birds, reptiles (like chameleons), butterflies, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and forest flowers. A packed lunch will be provided on the way. You will also visit a village near Vuga Peak. Upon arrival at the lodge, you can take a short walk for bird watching or visit the waterfalls.
Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel arranged by Kilismile: full board.
After breakfast, drive to Lushoto town for a full-day tour. Activities will last 3-5 hours and include a visit to Irente Farm. If your visit coincides with a market day in Lushoto town, the group will have the chance to interact with local people conducting business at the market. After this, visit Irente Farm via the Irente viewpoint, where you can observe the Maasai plains, view Lake Jipe (an alkaline lake), and see Mazinde town and the main road to Dar es Salaam. You will pass through plantations of sugarcane, bananas, coffee, potatoes, and vegetables. Lunch will be served at the farm. You will then walk back to Lushoto through natural trails inside the Montane Forest.
For those interested, short walks can be arranged for bird watching or to visit the waterfalls.
Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel arranged by Kilismile: full board.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Arusha or Moshi.
| 1 Pax | 2 – 5 Pax | 6 – 10 Pax | 11+ Pax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $ 1,800 | $ 1,650 | $1,600 | $1,550 |
