Hike Overview
The Climate of the East Usambaras differs from much of the rest of Tanzania. Rain can and does fall at any time of the year although there is a seasonal pattern. Climbing Usambara Mountains is best during dry seasons between December and March, and a cooler, dry season in May to October. The ‘short’ rains occur in November and ‘long’ rains in April-May. The East Usambaras are usually cooler and wetter than the surrounding lowland. The rainfall averages over 1,500mm a year with an average temperature of 20 °C.
Hike Highlights
Trek Duration
4 Days, 3 Nights
Difficulty
Medium
Trafic
Low
Start & End
Tanga
Hike Itinerary
DAY 1: Lushoto – Magamba Forest – Malindi village. (4-6 hrs Walking).
The Usambara trek start from Lushoto town. After breakfast, start walking through Magamba rainforest home to black colobus monkey and chameleons, visit an old staunch dug by the German during World War I, on the way to Malindi village. Packed lunch will be served at a breakpoint before reaching Malindi village. Dinner and overnight at your Booked Accommodation Facility.
DAY 2: Malindi village – Rangwi village. (4-6 hrs walking).
The day’s trek will start after breakfast for a walk through the valleys and sloping hillsides of the inner Usambara Mountain. Pass through villages of Makose and Kagulio, proceed to Rangwi. Packed lunch will be provided en-route. Dinner and overnight at your Booked Accommodation Facility.
DAY 3: Rangwi – Mtae village. (4-5 hrs walking).
Start your day hiking through Shagayu rainforest to see the famous Usambara violet flower which was discovered in 1884. Visit the women’s pottery society to witness them making clay pots, and proceed walking to Mtae viewpoint and reach there at the sunset (altitude of 1,900m). Enjoy the world-class viewpoint of about 180 degrees over the Tsavo west Kenya and Kilimanjaro during the sunset. Dinner and overnight at your Booked Accommodation Facility.
DAY 4: Mtae – Kwesimu village – Irente farm. (2hrs walking)
Catch an early morning bus from Mtae to Kwesimu village. From here you will hike to Irente farm (approx. 1hr). Enjoy a breakfast of fresh produce before heading to Irente viewpoint where you have wonderful views across the sisal plantations and cliff tops.
After spending several hours at Irente, return to Lushoto town to end your tour.
Inquire about this Trek:
Price Includes:
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Transfers from Hotel to Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel
Price does not Include:
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- Tips for the support team
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Personal expenses eg. beverages, etc.
- Local transportation before and after the climb.