Usambara Mountains
Description: Due to the physical isolation and the remarkable climatological stability of this area over the last 40 million years, there is exceptional biodiversity and literally there are thousands of plant and animal species that are not found anywhere else on earth. Bird watching is especially rewarding and the views from the mountaintops stretch over the Masai Steppe and, on a clear day, as far as the Indian Ocean. While not on most safari itineraries, the Usambara Mountains provide one of the friendliest and most scenic areas of Tanzania. Most people stay in Lushoto where the altitude keeps the weather cool and there is a nice selection of budget and mid-range hotels. The Usambara Mountains near Lushoto are not actually part of a reserve or national park and the area is densely populated.
Within the Usambara region is Amani Reserves. This is one of Tanzania’s most attractive yet unvisited destinations, with wonderful scenery, impressive flora and fauna, and one of Africa’s largest botanical gardens. There are also enough hiking trails to keep one busy for weeks. This is a birdwatchers dreamland with 335 recorded species. There are few large mammals but several primates can be spotted. This is a great place for hikers and for those who want to get off the beaten path. Like the Usambara Mountains, this is a great place to spend a few days, have a great time, and save money on the budget.
Location: Lushoto is approximately half-way between Dar es Salaam and Moshi, reachable only by an approximately 4-hour drive from either.
Things 2 Do: Cultural visits, Hiking, Biking
Time: Plan to spend from a half-day to 4 days. Paths get muddy during the rainy seasons.
Animals: An impressive variety of small animals and birds. Amani Reserves has 335 recorded bird species and several primates.
Accommodations
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Irente View Cliff Lodge
Lawns Hotel
Muller’s Mountain Lodge
$$$$
Babu’s Camp
“My overall experience with Access 2 Tanzania was excellent. Karen was great from the start until the end of the safari trip. She was prompt in responding to all emails and phone calls. She was able to answer every question we had and was very knowledgeable of all aspects of the trip. The itinerary of the safari was planned perfectly around everything that we wanted to see and do. In addition, I cannot say enough good things about our guide, Noel. Noel was also very knowledgeable of all of the wildlife and navigating the areas of the safari that we went on. He was also a pleasure to be around for the entire week and made us feel very comfortable with everything, including checking in with the lodges, the hot air balloon, and our flight out of the Serengeti. Noel made it a point to make us happy and satisfied with all aspects of the safari. I would absolutely recommend anyone taking a trip to Tanzania to use Access 2 Tanzania and to also specifically request Noel as their guide!”