4 Days Relaxing Day Tours in the 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 offer consists of several day trips that always start from the same accommodation.

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: Irente Viewpoint (4 – 5 hrs hike)

Walk through traditional villages to the Irente viewpoint overlooking Mazinde and Maasai plaines which is 1000 m below and learn about traditional life of Shambaa people.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Kinyonga Cottage

Day 2: Magamba Rain Forest (5 – 6 hrs hike)

Visit the dense Magamba rainforest with breathtaking views and a home for black and white colobus monkeys, flowers, large trees and chameleons. There is a rare opportunity for bird watchers to see the Usambara akalat, the Usambara weaver, the Usambara reveler, the Usambara eagle, Fischer's Turaco and the banded green sunbird. You can also visit a German trench dug from World War I.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Kinyonga Cottage

Day 3: Kivuga peak (5 – 6 hrs hike)

Walk from Lushoto through the hunting valley to the village of Mkuzi, where you can climb the Kivuga summit. The path takes you up and down with spectacular views over the Lushoto valley and the village of Kifungilo. Drive back to Kinyonga Cottage for dinner by private transport.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Kinyonga Cottage

Day 4: Kisasa Waterfalls (5 – 6 hrs hike)

From Kinyonga Cottage walk through Yoghoi Village, where you can visit Yoghoi viewpoint, and then continue walking downhill to Dochi Village and to beautiful waterfalls, the best waterfalls in the western Usambara Mountains. Departure or overnight in Kinyonga Cottage

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (optional If Overnight)

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 & guides
• 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.
• Traveling 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