With their wide vistas, cool climate, winding paths and picturesque villages, the Usambaras are one of the northeastern Tanzania’s highlights. Rural life here revolves around a cycle of bustling, colourful market days that rotate from one village to the next, and is largely untouched by the booming safari scene and influx of fancy 4WDs in nearby Arusha. It’s easily possible to spend at least a week hiking from village to village, or relaxing in one spot and doing you’re exploring as a series of day walks.
The Usambaras, which are part of the ancient Eastern Arc chain, are divided into two ranges separated by a 4km-wide valley. The Western Usambara, around Lushoto, are most accessible and have the better road network, while the eastern Usambaras, around Amami, are less developed. Both ranges densely populated, with an average of more than 300 people per sq km. The main tribes are the Sambaa, the Kilindi, the Zigua and the Mbugu.
Although the climate is comfortable year around, paths get too muddy for hiking during the rainy season. The best time to visit is from July to October, after the rains and when the air is at its clearest.
AMANI NATURE RESERVE
This often overlooked reserve is west of Tanga in the heart of the eastern Usambaras Mountains. It’s a peaceful, beautiful place with some pleasant walks along shady forest paths, and is a highly worthwhile detour if you are ornithologically or botanically inclined.
LUSHOTO
Lushoto is a leafy highland town nestled in a fertile valley at about 1200m and surrounded by pines and eucalypts mixed with banana plants and other tropical foliage. It’s the centre of the western Usambaras and makes an excellent base for hikes into the surrounding hills.
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