|
The Usambara Mountain are situated in the northeastern part of Tanzania
between Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean Region of Tanga.
It has been dubbed the "Galapagos" of the plant world.
This incredibly beautiful and lush area is a welcome retreat from
Tanzania’s Game Parks and cities. Because of its pleasant
climate, the mountains were favored by the Germans and the English
during colonial times, as is evidenced by the numerous historic
buildings from the past. The mountain region is ideal for hiking
as well as some spectacular driving.
From a distance the mountains are a colorful mosaic.
On the fertile slopes around Soni and Lushoto farmers cultivate
small plots but further away from the towns large areas are still
covered by dense tropical forests.
The viewpoints on the southern and western side
of the Usambara are well known for the spectacular views of the
plains of Mkomazi and Handeni. Kilimanjaro can be seen on the horizon
and at the end of the day the sunset turns the area into a tremendous
pallet of unforgettable colors.
the following day tours we do not organise ourselves,
but encourage you to join a local tour operator, which supports
a community project.
Walking tours from Lushoto (day tours)
Irente Viewpoint tour (4 to 6 hours)
This most famous viewpoint in the Usambara mountains is just an
hour's walk from Lushoto. From the viewpoint you see the village
of Mazinde almost 1,000 meters below you. On the way back you pass
the village of Irente juu, where you will visit the crossbreeding
and soil conservation projects at Mr. Mwindadi's hamlet. The trip
can be extended with visits to a nearby waterfall and the viewpoints
of Kambe and Kwa Mkeke.
Usambara farm and flora tour (4 to 5 hours)
Starting from Lushoto you walk through one of the most fertile parts
of the Usambara mountains to the village of Vuli. On your way you
will visit a cheese factory and learn about the different trees
and plants in the area. In Vuli you visit some farms where people
are just starting soil conservation and irrigation projects. After
an extensive explanation about farming in the Usambara mountains,
you return via another route to Lushoto.
day tours from other
places in the Usambara Mountains
Growing rock tour (4 to 5 hours)
Starting from Soni you walk through the villages of Shashui and
Kwemula to the foot of Kwa Mongo. In half an hour you can climb
this mountain which has a colorful variety of butterflies on top,
and oversee the Southern Usambara Mountains, including Soni and
Lushoto, and the Handeni plains. From here you descend to Magila,
situated on the foot of the growing rock, where you visit two irrigation
projects and the tree nursery of the primary school. The farmers
and schoolteachers will tell you all the ins and outs of their development
projects and explain, before your return to Soni, why the rock is
growing.
Bangala river tour (5 to 7 hours)
Walking along river valleys, sometimes wading through the water,
you descend to the village of Bangala. On your way you have a beautiful
view over the Maasai plains, you will see a traditional irrigation
system and can visit a Wasambaa farm. In Bangala you can visit the
tree nursery at the primary school and afterwards take a bus back
to Soni or walk back via Vuga hill.
Western Usambara mountains tour (3 to 5
days)
Via the villages of Lukozi, Manolo and Sunga you reach the former
German settlement of Mtae. On the way you pass through tropical
forests, trek over mountains, go to several superb viewpoints and
visit various development projects. If time permits you can also
trek past Mlalo
Mazumbae forest reserve tour (4 to 5 days)
Via Kwa Mongo and Magila (irrigation and soil conservation projects)
you go to Bumbuli mission (historic German settlement). From there
you make a tour through the Masumbae forest reserve, famous for
its many birds, and return to Soni.
Potter Traditional Adventure tour
Via Magamba tropical rain forests, trek towards Klaizi village.
Located near Mloala village lies the village of Kilieti, where you
can find Namisfueli Nyeki developing pottery workshops. Visitors
can observe and participate in the age-old tradition of pottery
making.
The
guides
They are all former students of the Shambalai secondary school in
Lushoto. Some of them have to wait one year for further education,
others won't continue studying and try to find suitable work. All
speak reasonable to good English, are familiar with the area and
can tell you many interesting stories about history and daily life
in the Usambara Mountains. They hope to earn some income through
their work as guides and at the same promote village development
to improve the living conditions of the Shambaa people.
|
