Usambara Mountains
Dramatic and lush landscapes dominate the Usambara Mountains , providing a refreshing break from long road safaris. The West Usambaras are more geared up for tourism with several very comfortable hotels and lodges, and many hiking options. The East Usambaras are slightly less accessible and contain a greater area of pristine ancient Eastern Arc forest.
The smbara Mountains
Are block-mountains found in the north eastern part of Tanzania, They are a beautiful series of mountain, between Moshi in the west and Tanga in the east. Usambara Mountains are fairy unique being in east Africa, they are covered in tropical forests which till today remain in the west of the continent. Usambaras offers great hiking opportunities (which provide stunning viewpoints over the forested mountains), the bustling trade town of Lushoto, the once popular German resort, Amani Nature Reserve and farm, Mazumbai University Forest (which is considered the last example of a pristine forest in the East Usambaras) and a bird-watching paradise for the tourists looking for an adventure.The Usambara tropical forests are home to endemic bird species, including the Naduk eagle owl, the Usambara alethe,and the Usambara weaver.
Usambara Mountains Locations view all
Amani Nature Reserve more info ->
Amani Nature Resrve is located in East Usambara. One of the smallest and lowest ranges in the Eastern Arc, the East Usambaras are one of the most important in ecological terms, supporting some of the most extensive and least degraded montane forest in Tanzania.
Lushoto is the main town in the West Usambara Mountains. Although not as biologically diverse as the East Usamabaras there are suburb walking opportunities in the area, and viewpoints offering stunning views out over the escarpment. The main attractions in the area are the Magamba and Mkusu Forest Reserves, Irente Viewpoint and several small waterfalls.
Tanga is a typical sleepy colonial town on the 'fever coast' of Northern Tanzania. It has wide boulevards, a vibrant market and a typical local night-life. The town is the starting point for several interesting excursions in the area including Amboni Caves. It also provides good access to the East Usambara Mountains and Pangani.
