The Usambara Mountains are located in northeast Tanzania, near the Mkomazi National Park and about a 3-hour drive (110 km) west of Tanga. It’s a beautiful mountain range with grassy plains, virgin rainforests and breath taking views over the hills, valleys, farmlands and colourful villages. The Usumbara Mountains are one of Tanzania’s lesser-known areas, making it a real paradise for nature and hiking lovers.
With over 3000 species of plants and over 600 species of trees, Usumbara is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots where nature lovers from all over the world come to observe birds and study trees, flowers and butterflies. Many species are endemic to the Usambara forests.
Here, you can hike with a local guide and discover the beautiful diversity of this vast area. On a clear day, you can see the grassy plains of Mkomazi as well as Kilimanjaro, and enjoy the magnificent scenery the area has to offer. You can climb to the Irente viewpoint for a panoramic view of the village of Mazinde, almost 1000m below, and the vast Maasai plains beyond.
You can also walk through the fertile farmlands of Jaegertal to a fruit tree nursery and learn about the different varieties of fruit trees and their propagation. The Growing Rock tour starts in Soni where you walk to the top of Kwamongo Mountain, famous for its butterflies, and enjoy views of Soni, Lushoto and the Handeni plains from the top.
Best time to visit the Usambara Mountains
Although the climate is pleasant all year round, the trails become too muddy for trekking during the rainy season, from March to May. The best time to visit is after the rains, from June to October.
