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.

After the Sambaa tribe kingdom of Mbegha Germans settled down in this area far back in 1880s. This made the Usambara mountains part of German East Africa territory and later after WWI became under British mandate of Tanganyika.

Lushoto was called Wilhelmsthal in German times and was favourite holiday destination for colonial rulers a thing that made them to build a rest house which to date is used as Lushoto District presidential state house.

The Usambara mountains are fairly unusual in East Africa with their natural regions still covered in tropical forests which remains prime location in significant ecological and Biodiversity hotspot. There many protected zones throughout the range which are being expanded and contributed to by the Tanzania government, associate NGO’s, research teams and donor countries.

The mountains are rich in nature, vast flora and fauna, spring rivers, green vegetations, colorful birds and butterflies, steep waterfalls, a lot of viewpoints, different types of fruits, vast insects species, the only world horns chameleons and many more interesting herbs and spices.

The Usambara mountains are the acclimatization best spot for the trekkers and climbers who are planning to do Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru due to conducive and calm weather, steep and flatlands which will definitely suit your mountain climbing experience.

Travelers and tourists who are traveling between Dar es Salaam and Arusha/Moshi or the opposite direction should think of shortening their long journey by taking a break to Usambara mountains. The mountains are very welcoming and worthy a thousand times visiting.

Travelers and tourists who loves being to the mountains, unspoiled nature and culture exchange then Usambara mountains are the best spot.

NO COMPLETE SAFARI AND BEACH EXCURSIONS WITHOUT A VISIT TO USAMBARA MOUNTAINS…!!!