Walking / Hiking

Walking / Hiking

You have the choice between independent exploring, on a self-guided trip, and following the lead of an experienced guide with a small group on a guided walking holiday.

Hiking, Walking and Trekking in the Usambara Mountains
By some called the Switzerland of Tanzania, and as a part of the Eastern Arc mountains, this area give you a multitude of destinations and treks to choose amongst. You can do your hiking in the West Usambara, East Usambara or in Amani Forest Reserve, or a combination of them all.

1. It includes tropical forests that are home to native bird species that are not found anywhere else on earth. This includes the Naduk eagle owl, the Usambara alethe, and the Usambara weaver.
2. The Usambara Mountain area is home of the beautiful Amani Nature Reserve.
3. The Usambara mountain area is perfect for hiking and driving. The views of the forested mountains create a stunning backdrop for your safari.
4. The area has a cool climate, winding paths and picturesque villages, and offers you one of north-eastern Tanzania’s real delights.
5. The different areas and towns/villages have different and diverse history. When you visit Amani Nature Reserve who was made a reserve back in 1997, remember that the German colonists was starting the development here a century before. They developed a research station and botanical gardens here.
6. Lushoto’s charms were first discovered also by the Germans and they “created” Wilhelmstal, a favourite holiday spot, local administrative centre and also an important mission.

Facts

• The Western Usambaras around Lushoto are the most accessible and have the better roads.
• The Eastern Usambaras around Amani are less developed, but maybe even more attractive due to the forested areas.
• The best time to visit is from July to October, after the rain when it’s coolest, and not so muddy on the paths you want to trek.

Nature
Usambara Mountains are granite mountains, and you will find a Cultural Tourist Program in the western range. The nature is varied, from the hilly villages and rainforests, to the now controlled Amani Nature Reserve. But, for your hiking wishes, you have a multitude of treks to choose between, either by camping, bicycling or hiking from the one colourful village to another.

Activities

• Walking the Usambaras Mountains
• Visit the village of Lushoto
• Walking to Irente view point and through the Pare mountains and Eastern arch mountain ranges
• Visit the Armani nature reserve.
• Cultural walking safaris and hikes – day trips or extended day hikes to various picturesque villages. Meandering walking trials to million dollar view points.
• Mountain biking.

Features
Mountain ranges, forested areas, river systems, bird life, primates and forest dwellers.