Usambara Mountains Travel Guide
Travel to Usambara Mountains - Two Diverse Rainforest Environments
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The Usambara Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc chain in the north-eastern part of the country. Their western and eastern ranges are divided by a 4 km wide valley of small villages and farms, and hiking trails cover the foothills and larger peaks.
Day walks and overnight treks take visitors through some of the most concentrated areas of biodiversity in Africa. Bird watching is especially rewarding, and the views from the mountaintops stretch over the Masaai Steppe and, on a clear day, as far as the Indian Ocean.
The mountain ranges that the Usambara Mountains are a part of began to take shape approximately 100 million years ago, then they began to take their current form approximately 25 million years ago.
Attractions in Usambara Mountains
The Usambara Mountains are divided into the West Usambara and the East Usambara. Towering over 1000m high the lush green mountains are highly impressive and equally beautiful. In the West Usambara visit the town of Soni to see mountain peaks surrounded by rainforest and waterfalls or visit the market in this busy vibrant village.
Further up on the West Usambara is Lushoto which has a busy market selling traditional crafts and local produce or visit Mtae with its stunning views and typical African vibe.
In the East Usambara visit the rainforest where you should look out for wildlife such as snakes, chameleons, toads, butterflies and several species of birds. Or how about visiting the Amani Nature Reserve for the opportunity to see black-and-white colobus monkey, yellow baboons, blue monkeys, Tanganyika mountain squirrel and elephant shrew as well as hundreds of species of birds.
Activities in Usambara Mountains
The Usambara Mountains provides many hiking opportunities for those keen to see more of the rainforest environment here. From Lushoto there are walks ranging from half a day to several days which go from Lushoto to Mtae and afford spectacular mountain views.
Also in Amani Nature Reserve there are eight walking trails which take no longer than a day to trek along. They provide awe-inspiring views as well as the chance to visit tea plantations, a botanical garden, rainforest and a butterfly breeding project. There are also three driving tracks through the reserve.
For the more adventurous visitor you can take night walks which allow you to see wildlife that you wouldn’t spot during the day, you can climb the 1360m Lutindi Peak or you can take the 5 day trail back to West Usambara. A challenging trek but well worth it for the stunning views.
Relaxing
In the East Usambaras you can visit the Amani Nature Reserve where you can relax by trying a spot of bird watching as there is over 335 species of bird here. Attempt to see Amani sunbird, Usambara red-headed bluebill, Usambara eagle owl, Tanzanian weaver and green-headed oriole.
Getting Around
You can get around the Usambara Mountains on foot and there are qualified local guides to accompany visitors on the treks. It is possible to take a rental vehicle on the driving tracks in Amani Nature Reserve.
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