Usambara Mountains

Usambara Mountains, situated in the north eastern part of Tanzania, are known for their pleasant climate, beautiful view points and fertile slopes. Favored by the Germans and English during colonial times, the area is rich in historical buildings from the period. Excursions, which take half day or less, will include hiking and visits to Wasambaa villages, where visitors may have a glimpse of daily life of the local people.

Day 1:  
The tours begins in Lushoto with an uphill walk to Kwembago the ancient village of the Data family. A subclan of the royal kilindi line ages typical of most Shambala villages. Kwembago is situated along mountains range with panoramic views over Lushoto valley, The Maasai steppe and the surrounding mountain of the western Usambara Mountain. From Kwembago the working tour continues through Magamba rain forest where rare plants and animals life can be seen after two hours of working through the rain forest you drive to Mtae. Driving in tine to view the mult – colored suntel over the plain and distant pare Mountains. You stay a night at Mtae Hostel. (4 hours on foot 2 hours on drive)

Day 2:  
The day begins around 7:30am with stroll through the village of Mtae to a view point from which you can see Kilimanjaro on clear days. After which you begins to Climb the Shaghayu Peak 2220m which has spectacular views to the Pare Mountains across the borders with Kenya. On your way you pass Mpanga, a village whose name (cave) drives. From its grotto – like entrance traditional religions site viewed by local people as a mode of the sprints and Shangayu rain forest, where to viewed trees serve as play ground for various monkey species. (5-6 hours walk)

Day 3:   
This last days work takes you either to Mamboleo or Tema. These villages are noted for their soil conservation and traditional irrigation projects which concentrate on the development of stone or bench terraces to improve farming. You guide will give you full explanation about traditional Shamba farming method and how they fit to their local environment conditions. Mamboleo and Tema present picturesque example of how the Shamba have combined their traditional architecture – conical, thatched earthen houses – with introduced architectural styles such as the rectangular “Swahili” house. The following morning you leave for Lushoto by driving. (6-7 hours walk)

Day 4:
Start the walk at 7:30 a from Mtae passing through tropical Shangayu rain forest. Learn the traditional medicine from plants and the walk is cool and quire in the forest where you may see back and white colobus monkey,butterflies and chameleon. Walk through village where you learn and see the tradition activities performed by Shamba tribe which locals shires ideas. See their general life then stay in Mlalo village at the Hostel. (6–7 hours walk)

Day 5:
Mlalo has an alluring famous old German Church and missionary station. Then walk to the highest Usambara mountains called Mtumbi. Then visit several markets and the village the pottery woman project then drive back to Lushoto.Finish the trip or a night there and next day drive to Lushoto to end the adventure trekking. (5-6 hours walk)

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