5 Days Hike to Mtae 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!

A fantastic tour which combines various attractions such as forests, a home to black and white Columbus monkeys, traditional villages, viewpoints, a visit to a group of pottery women and information about the history of the Chief of Washambaa. Learn about the lifestyle of Shambaa people as the main tribe in the Usambara Mountains. Mtae village is situated on the edge of the mountain. From there you can see Mkomazi National Park, Maasai plains and on clear days you can see Mount Kilimanjaro, the Tsavo National Park and Taita Hills in Kenya.

Tour Highlights

• Compared to the Galapagos Islands regarding to diversity of endemic species
• Colorful, busy villages and bustling markets that rotate from one village to the next
• 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 Forest – Rangwi (6 – 7 hrs hike)

The tour starts with a walk to the Magamba rain forest, a home to black and white colobus monkeys. After enjoying the forest, we take public transportation to Rangwi Convent overnight.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Rangwi Convent

Day 2: Rangwi – Mtae (5 hrs hike)

After breakfast we walk along the valleys and sloping hill sides of the inner Usambara Mountains to Mtae, a World Viewpoint with spectacular views of the Maasai plains, Mkomazi National Park, Tsavo West in Kenya and on clear days you can also see Mount Kilimanjaro on the horizon. We pass the vegetable farms lined with eucalyptus and bananas, and we learn about typical traditional lifestyle of the Washambaa tribe, the traditional healers, the pottery women group and the forest. Accommodation Magumba Cliff

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Walking around Mtae (6 hrs hike)

A full day walk to the World Viewpoint around Mtae with spectacular views. After lunch we hike through traditional villages to Magumba Cliff to enjoy the sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Magumba Cliff

Day 4: Mtae – Irente Viewpoint – Lushoto (5 hrs hike)

After breakfast we drive back to Lushoto, and from there walk through traditional villages to the Irente Viewpoint, which is 1.500 m (4921,26 ft) above sea level, and enjoy the panoramic view over the Maasai plain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Kinyonga Cottage

Day 5: Kambe Peaak (5 – 6 hrs hike)

We hike five hours to the village of Kambe, where you climb Kambe Peak at 1,800 m above sea level. On the way you see a sugar cane squeegeeing machine for making juice. It is very interesting to try how to work with this traditional local machine and then try the fresh juice from sugar cane. In the evening we go to the Irente Viewpoint to enjoy the sunset.

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 ltr 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 increase 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 or 4 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 on request for an extra cost
• On request other tour languages possible
• Additional accommodation before and after the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
• Extension of stay or additional program 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