Wildlife Safari 10-Day Mkomazi, Usambara Mountains & Saadani Safari
Mkomazi National Park (2) · West Usambara · East Usambara (2) · Saadani National Park (4) · Dar Es Salaam
Explore Destination · Tanzania
East Usambara
East Usambara Amani: The East Usambara Mountains are lower, wetter and warmer than their western neighbours and sit only about 40 km from the Indian Ocean.
- CountryTanzania
- Best timeJune to October and December to February are the drier periods and the...
- Trips1 sample trip
- Destinations nearbyWest Usambara, Mkomazi National Park
East Usambara Amani: what to know
The East Usambara Mountains are lower, wetter and warmer than their western neighbours and sit only about 40 km from the Indian Ocean. Moist air from the sea has kept rainforest growing here for millions of years, and the result is one of the richest concentrations of unique plants and animals in Africa.
What to know before you go
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Amani Nature Reserve
Most of the remaining forest is protected in Amani Nature Reserve, established in 1997. Marked trails of one to several hours lead from the old research station through tall forest to viewpoints and waterfalls. Amani began as a German botanical garden and agricultural institute in 1902, and exotic trees planted then still stand among the native forest.
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What lives here
The African violet, a houseplant grown around the world, comes from these mountains and still grows wild on shaded rocks beside streams. Birders come for species such as the Usambara eagle-owl, Amani sunbird and long-billed tailorbird. A night walk with a guide turns up several kinds of chameleon, tree frogs and bushbabies, and black-and-white colobus are easy to see by day. A butterfly-farming project near the reserve gives local families an income from the forest.
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Getting there
Amani is reached from the town of Muheza, on the road between Tanga and the main highway, by a steep unsealed road of about 35 km. It combines naturally with Tanga, Pangani and Saadani on the coast.
When to visit East Usambara
June to October and December to February are the drier periods and the easiest for walking. It can rain in any month. The forest is at its wettest from March to May, when the access road can be difficult.
Where It Is
East Usambara and the other places we travel to nearby.
East Usambara
Trips that include East Usambara
Sample itineraries. Every trip is private, so we change the days, lodges and pace to suit you.
Wildlife Safari Plan Your Safari to East Usambara
Our team in Arusha answers in English, French, German and Spanish.
Questions about East Usambara
What is Amani Nature Reserve known for?
Old rainforest with an unusually high number of species found nowhere else, including wild African violets, rare birds and several chameleons.
What is the difference between East and West Usambara?
The West Usambaras around Lushoto are higher, cooler and best for village-to-village hiking. The East Usambaras are lower and wetter and are visited for rainforest, birds and botany.
Is East Usambara good for birdwatching?
Yes. It is one of the top forest birding sites in Tanzania, with several Eastern Arc endemics. A specialist local guide makes a big difference.
Shall we plan your trip?
Tell us your dates and what you would like to see. A specialist in Arusha sends a route and a clear proposal within 24 hours.
Plan this trip
