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
West Usambara
Usambara Mountains hiking: the West Usambara Mountains rise abruptly from the Maasai Steppe in north-eastern Tanzania, about midway between Arusha.
- CountryTanzania
- Best timeJune to October is dry and clear and best for hiking
- Trips1 sample trip
- Destinations nearbyMkomazi National Park, East Usambara
Usambara Mountains hiking: what to know
The West Usambara Mountains rise abruptly from the Maasai Steppe in north-eastern Tanzania, about midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam. The main town, Lushoto, sits at around 1,400 m and has a cool, damp climate that feels a long way from the plains below. This is walking country, with farms terraced up every slope and patches of old forest on the ridges.
What to know before you go
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Hiking around Lushoto
The classic half-day walk goes to Irente Viewpoint, a cliff edge with a drop of several hundred metres to the plains. Longer routes link villages over two to five days, the best known running north to Mtae, a village on a narrow ridge with views towards Kilimanjaro and the Mkomazi plains on a clear day. Local guides from Lushoto's community tourism groups lead the walks and arrange stays in guesthouses and mission houses.
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Forest and people
Magamba Nature Reserve protects a block of montane rainforest above Lushoto, with black-and-white colobus monkeys, chameleons and endemic birds. The Sambaa people have farmed these mountains for centuries, and the old royal village of Vuga is close by. Lushoto itself was a German colonial hill station called Wilhelmstal, and a few buildings from that period survive.
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Getting there
Lushoto is about 30 km up a winding tarred road from Mombo on the main highway, roughly five to six hours from either Arusha or Dar es Salaam.
When to visit West Usambara
June to October is dry and clear and best for hiking. December to February is also good. Trails are muddy and views often clouded during the long rains from March to May. Nights are cool all year.
Where It Is
West Usambara and the other places we travel to nearby.
West Usambara
Trips that include West Usambara
Sample itineraries. Every trip is private, so we change the days, lodges and pace to suit you.
Wildlife Safari Plan Your Safari to West Usambara
Our team in Arusha answers in English, French, German and Spanish.
Questions about West Usambara
What is there to do in Lushoto?
Guided hikes to Irente Viewpoint and Magamba forest, multi-day village walks to Mtae, visits to local farms and markets, and cycling.
How many days should I spend in the Usambara Mountains?
Two nights for the main day walks around Lushoto. Allow four or five if you want to hike village to village to Mtae.
Do I need a guide to hike in the Usambaras?
A local guide is strongly recommended. Paths are unmarked and cross farmland, and guide fees support community projects.
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
