4 Days Hike Mtae – Mazumbai Usambara Mountains

Detailed Overview

Overview

The Usambara Mountains are special – one of the last true Tanzanian wilderness. The Usambara Mountains contain an extensive, protected, lush and untouched tropical rainforest with a rich biodiversity and many endemic species like the African violet, the Usambara Eagl Owl, the red Usambara bird spider, but also chameleons, different colobus monkeys or rare butterflies and many tree species which can be found only there. With their magical, winding paths, breathtaking views, a refreshingly cool climate the Usambara Mountains are a paradise for hikers. If you are looking for an experience beyond the usual tourist attractions, this is the one for you. And it's affordable too!

This tour combines the World viewpoint and Mazumbai Forest Reserve and waterfalls and is suitable for people who wants to see nature, such as viewpoints, natural forest, and for those who wants to learn about different species of insects, endemic plants, birds and flowers which are to be found only in the West Usambara Mountains like Usambara violet, occottea Usambariencis, Usambara green bull. This tour is recommended for the enthusiastic bird watchers, too.

Tour Highlights

• Compared to the Galapagos Islands regarding to diversity of endemic species
• Colorful, busy villages and bustling markets
• Hike in ancient forests which are ecologically unique
• Magical winding paths, Breathtaking views, waterfalls and a refreshingly cool climate
• A paradise for bird watchers and hikers
• Historic buildings from the German and English colonial times

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Lushoto – Magamba Village (5 hrs hike, 2 hrs public transport)

Walk through Magamba Rainforest, a home to black and white colobus monkeys, visit an old trench dug by the German during World War 1 (your guide will provide an explanation regarding German and British Colonial history). Proceed on walking through the rainforest to Magamba Village to catch public transport to Rangwi Catholic Mission.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Rangwi Catholic Mission

Day 2: Rangwi – Mtae (4 -5 hrs hike)

After breakfast walk through traditional villages to Mtae a World Viewpoint with spectacular views overlooking Maasai plains, Mkomazi National Park, Tsavo West in Kenya and on clear days Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen on the horizon, a good point for sunrise and sunset. During the hike you can learn about typical traditional lifestyle of Washambaa and pottery women group.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Makumba Cliff

Day 3: Mtae – Mazumbai (4 hrs drive, 3 hrs evenings hike)

Drive from Mtae to Mazumbai Forest. Special highlights are the tea farms & the tea factory and the Mazumbai Forest. Do evening walks around Mazumbai Forest and spot different types of chameleon, butterflies and black and white colobus monkeys.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Mazumbai Rest House

Day 4: Mazumbai – Lushoto (4 hrs hike, drive back to Lushoto 2 hrs)

In the morning hike in Mazumbai Rainforest, an untouched forest which can fulfill your need of seeing Primary Forest which remains all over Western Usambara Mountains. A home to black and white colobus monkeys, birds, flowers and lots of chameleons, butterflies and many insects. After lunch drive to Lushoto with private transport.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Kinyonga Cottage

Best Travel Time

• The climate of the Usambara Mountains is temperate
• The best time for hiking is November to March as it rarely gets hotter than 25 degrees Celsius
• From June to September it can cool down to freezing at night
• The big rainy season lasts from the beginning of April to the end of May and the small rainy season from mid-November to mid-December. During this time it is hot and the humidity is high.

Inclusions

• Transport during the excursions according to the itinerary (mixture of public and private transport)
• Park entry and nature trail fees
• English-speaking driver/guide
• All accommodations and meals as mentioned in the itinerary or as agreed. N. B. accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is dependent on availability at the time of booking; alternatives of a similar class may be booked instead
• All camping gear (if applicable)
• Activities as per itinerary
• Mineral water 1,5 lt per day and person
• Driver’s salary and allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver

Exclusions

• International/national flights and visa fees
• Extras, personal expenses i.e. soft and alcoholic drinks, telephone, souvenirs, laundry etc.
• Travel, medical, injury and luggage insurance
• Flying doctor rescue services
• Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park entrance fees
• Tipping to the driver/guide
• Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions and itinerary
• Optional activities not outlined in the itinerary

Optional Add-ons

• This tour can be shortened to 3 days with some changes in the itinerary
• Optional can be arranged short programs like visiting a coffee farm, dance percussion and so on
• Travelling to and from Lushoto: Booking of bus tickets or private car is possible / or have a look at our other offers

Important Notes

• Usually our tours require a minimum of 2 persons to run. Single travelers can join a tour or ask us for a tailor-made safari
• We offer discounted prices for children

What to Bring

• For hikes in the Usambara Mountains you should bring sturdy hiking boots
• For the cooler days and nights a fleece jacket and a warm sweater
• A rain poncho is advisable in the rainy season