Lushoto and Usambara Mountains

Magamba Rainforest & Irente Viewpoint (7-8 hours, 20km)

This hike is good if you plan to stay in Lushoto for a minimal amount of time but still want to see the beauty of Lushoto and the Usambara Mountains. It includes a hike to Irente Viewpoint and Magamba Rainforest, where you can see colobus monkeys.

Bangala River (5-6 hours, 15km)

From Mbuzini, you will descend the steep slopes of the Bangala River Valley toward a savannah plain where you can experience the views of the Maasai tribe plains. Also, visit a tree nursery and see traditional irrigation systems.

Growing Rock (5-6 hours)

This walk starts from Soni, followed by walking through the villages of Shashui and Kwemula. Then hike to Kwamongo Peak (“God’s Peak”), known for its multicolored butterflies as well as breathtaking views of Lushoto and the Handeni plains. On the way back to Lushoto, you can stop by Soni waterfalls.

Maweni Spice Tour (5-6 hours)

This hike starts from Soni and is excellent for picnics at Maweni Farm. The farm has a beautiful garden inhabited by butterflies and birds. Moreover, familiarize yourself with different spices grown in the Usambara Mountains.

Irente Viewpoint (5-6 hours, 15km)

Start from Lushoto town and hike to this beautiful high point of the Usambara Mountains to have a spectacular view of Mazinde village and Maasai plains about 1000 meters below. Have lunch at Irente View Cliff Lodge or Irente Biodiversity Farm in a beautiful flower garden.

Lushoto Town Tour and Usambara Farm (4-5 hours)

Learn about Lushoto and its German colonial past and have an opportunity to walk through Jaegertal (“Hunter’s Valley”) to see a fruit tree nursery. The hike has an option to be extended to a hike to Vuli Peak, about 2 km extra.

Mkuzu Waterfall (5-6 hours, 15km)

Walk from Migambo village through a beautiful forest to get to the beautiful waterfall, and you will have an option to make your trip by climbing to Migambo Peak, about 2400 m high.

Magamba Rainforest (5-6 hours)

See colobus monkeys when walking through the rainforest and learn more about the way of life for people in villages along the way. In addition, stop by the historic royal village of the Kilindi(Washambaa ruling clan) and go through a World War I German bunker dug.

Jiwe La Mungu (6-7 hours, 10km)

Getting to Jiwe La Mungu (“The footprint of man”) will let you see a cable transporting log system down the mountain while you enjoy the fantastic views of Maasai Plains. Learn the culture of the Usambara Mountains people, particularly Pare and Shambaa tribes.

Wine Tour (4-5 hours)

Walk through a coffee plantation, see where Usambara wine is processed, and visit the Soni waterfall and a local fresh fruits market.