Mt. Usambara

Situated in the northeast of Tanzania. With their wide vistas, cool climate, winding paths, and picturesque villages, the Usambara’s are one of Tanzanian’s highlights.
The Usambara is a part of the ancient Eastern Arc chain in which mountains stretch in a broken crescent from the Taita hills in southern Kenya down to Morogoro and the southern highlands. They are estimated to be at least 100 million years old and the rocks forming them may be as much as 600 million years old. The mountains are home to an exceptional assortment of plants and animals and represent one of the highest degrees of biodiversity on the continent. The habitation of the Usambara goes back to at least 1,5 million years. Traces that are unique in world history were found near Mambo and still can be seen. 

The trek takes you through the diverse areas of the Usambara mountains, passing through lush green hills, thick pine forests, and lots of small friendly villages where sometimes will be chased by excited local school kids who want to practice their English. You will experience the natural habit and habitat of the flora and fauna, local people, and their lifestyle.
Some parts of the walk are challenging, with some steep uphill stretches, but our expert tour guide will tailor the pace of the hike to you, so it will be fine, and the views from the mountain tops more than made up for it. Accommodations are basic in villages along the way, but you will learn a lot, not just about the mountains but about the history, culture, and current issues in Tanzania.

Lushoto is the name of the district but also of the capital of the Usambara mountains in Tanzania. Lushoto village with about 100.000 inhabitants is a lively village between high forest peaks.
Lushoto (altitude 1400 meters) ensures a cool and temperate climate all year round and made a favored mountain retreat for German colonial administrators, who called the town Wilhelstal.
Lushoto village has an NMB bank (center) and CRDB Bank (Post Office) with an ATM machine,  these work with VISA or other international credit cards with CRDB only.

In Lushoto village there are several local guest houses and other affordable accommodations. The mid-range hotels are all outside the village between 15 and 60 km from the center.