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Visit Usambara Mountains
Visit the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania and hike in ancient forests which are ecologically unique. The quaint German style town of Lushoto is the gateway to this beautiful area.
About Usambara Mountains
The Usambaras consist of two mountain blocks; the smaller is the East Usambaras lying closer to the coast with slightly higher rainfall. This block is less populated and its primary attraction is the Amani Nature Reserves, approached from Muheza, with its botanical garden, butterfly farming, tea & spice plantations. The West Usambaras are separated from the East by a valley and are approached via the district centre of Lushoto.
Usambara Mountain
The mountains boast of over 3000 plant species in total and over 600 tree species. The Usambaras are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains which run parallel to the Tanzanian coast extending into Taita Hills in Kenya, and recognized as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. This exceptional diversity attracts naturalists and nature lovers from all over the world who come to watch birds, study trees and flowers or butterflies.
Make your own Adventure
The Usambara Mountains, situated in the north eastern part of Tanzania, are known for their pleasant climate, beautiful view points and fertile slopes. Favoured by the Germans and English during colonial times, the area is rich in historical buildings from the period. Excursions, which take half day or less, will include hiking and visits to Wasambaa villages, where visitors may have a glimpse of daily life of the local people.
Lushoto and Usambara Mountains Tours
The lush green Usambara mountains have a cool climate and invite you make to beautiful walks with panoramic views
Imagining yourself in the Usambara Mountains yet?
Have a look at the example trips that can be customized to your specific preferences or contact us directly!

EXCELLENT Based on 13 reviews Anna2024-12-06Verified The best guide in Lushoto Emmanuel was an amazing guide! I was solo travelling so it was so nice to have such an attentive and friendly guide. He was very informative about the local area, was careful to make sure I could walk at my own pace and helped me down numerous hill (I have the worlds least grippy shoes!). I really enjoyed chatting to him about all sorts of topics (and especially admired his passion for beekeeping and how it can impact local people in the area!) Thanks Emmanuel for an amazing time in Lushoto- I’ll send anyone I know your way! William B2024-12-01Verified Best of the best !!! First of all I would like to thank Emanuel and the whole family for their kindness.And of course the hikes were excellent, with great scenery and always in a good mood. Thank you for everything. I highly recommend if you go to the area Sean B2024-11-28Verified Amazing experience in the Usambaras! Amazing experience with Emmanuel! He is a great guide and was able to impact so much knowledge about the local flora and fauna. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area. It’s definitely an experience you can’t miss! Jet361840496662024-11-07Verified Amazing location in the middle of the mountains A very unique hostel in the middle of the mountains. Very peaceful with a beautiful view and large rooms. I was there as the only guest and the owners welcomed me very friendly. Annemiek J2024-08-08Verified Great hiking! I had a lovely hiking tour with Emanuel through lush green forest and towards beautiful view points! Sunset was lovely at Irente view point, and great to top it off with a locally brewed sugar cane beer at a small, local pub. Was a nice experience with a great guide! alihussein k2024-08-08Verified Anmut Hostel Had an amazing stay !!!, with Anmut hostels , very affordable and a brilliant host , excellent climate and breath taking views Sebastian K2024-07-17Verified Amazing Hike with amazing View We had an amazing trip. We stayed in Anmut Hostel. The host and also our trip Guide was Emmanuel. Super cool guy. We enjoyed it a lot.We would definitely recommend it! Sabrina M2024-06-26Verified A highlight of our two month trip through Tansania! We went to Lushoto as a stop between Moshi and the Coast and because someone recommended it. But it quickly became one of the highlights of our trip (and we came from doing safari!).We stayed at Anmut Hostel with Emmanuel and he was a great great host. I enjoy couchsurfing a lot and staying at Anmut felt almost like it, because we got to meet Emmanuels family. We had very nice rooms with extra comfortable beds and an amazing view.We did two hikes, both of them spectacular! We can especially recommend Irente View Point! My travelbuddy and I agreed, that it was probably the most spectacular view we've ever had! (And we're from Switzerland, so we know what we're talking about ;))Please visit the Usambara mountains and stay at Anmut so that Emmanuel can build the second and third floor of the hostel soon!! 😀 Sadie A2024-04-04Verified Amazing day in Usambara Mountains & best viewpoint! I went on an incredible day hike & adventure through the Magamba Nature Reserve up to Kigulu Hakwewa Peak, did a coffee tour, where I got to learn their process & help make the coffee, stopped for delicious farm-made food at Irente Farm, and then watched the sunset from Irente view point. It was one of the most incredible views I saw in ALL of Tanzania! Emmanuel was my guide. He was so kind and knowledgeable about the area and I’m so grateful I chose this day trip in the Usambara Mountains! I’d go again in a heartbeat. I would highly recommend booking with Visit Usambara Mountains! Finian R2024-02-15Verified Lushoto Hike I stayed with Emmanuel at Anmut Hostel and he gave a overview of the hikes available so decided to go with him the next day as his passion for it was obvious.We started the hike literally opposite the hostel which was a great being able to walk out from where you are staying.The hike was great, stopping at numerous points of interest and discussing African life, nature and Lushoto history.The Irente viewpoint is one of the best I have ever seen in all my travelling. It was an awesome day out and to top it off in town at the end Emmanuel helped me book my bus ticket for the next for my onwards travel.Thanks for an excellent stay and day out Emmanual.