4 Days Hiking Usambara Mountains

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Highlights

The Usambara Mountains are one of Tanzania’s secret treasures. Experience this original region away from the well-known tourist routes. Due to the pleasant high altitude climate, the mountains were a popular settlement area in the German colonial era, but have been forgotten over time. Today, this region can be explored on beautiful hikes. Hidden waterfalls, beautifully situated viewpoints with a view of the dry plains all the way to the coast and a rich flora and fauna attract visitors. The most famous representative is probably the Usambara violet, which is also popular here, but many other species are little known and only occur in this region. And new discoveries never stop. This region is therefore often referred to as the ‘African Galapagos in the clouds’. In the small mountain villages, you can get to know the everyday life of the hospitable rural population.

ITINERARY

In the morning, your driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Moshi. The journey takes you past the Pare Mountains and the seemingly endless Maasai dry savannah. The Pare Mountains, together with the Usambara Mountains, form part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, which stretch from the famous Kilimanjaro to the coastal foreland of Tanga.
The turnoff to the Usambara Mountains is shortly after the town of Mombo, a lively transfer point for locals and tourists who use the bus connection to the south. A winding route now leads up into the mountains. Past impressive rock formations and vertical embankments, the road winds in tight curves to Soni, above the waterfalls of the same name. From here it is only a short distance to your accommodation. The lodge is located in the mountains.
In the afternoon you have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. There are many beautiful mountain paths through forests and coffee farms. You will discover a large number of different bird species. Other animals are also easy to observe. Such as monkeys or lizards and you may find chameleons everywhere. At night, let the sounds of owls lull you to sleep.
 
Accommodation: Lodge in the mountains
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you start your hike to the Mazumbai Forest Reserve, a paradise for bird lovers.
Your guide will explain the traditional farming techniques of the people in the Usambara Mountains. You will pass villages where you will meet friendly people. On the way, you will pass smaller, independent tea growing areas as well as a large eco-tea plantation. Around midday you will reach the village of Vuluni, where you will rest to enjoy the picnic you brought with you. From a hill in the village you will have an impressive view of Bumbuli and the Bumbuli Baga Forest, a remnant of the original mountain rainforest, as far as the eastern Usambara Mountains. You will descend to Bumbuli, the center for tea cultivation on the eastern slopes of the Western Usambaras, formerly known for its Lutheran mission station. You will spend the night in a resthouse. The restored building from the colonial era has simple rooms with shared bathrooms.
Hiking time: approx. 4-5 hours
 
Accommodation: Resthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunchbox, Dinner
After breakfast, you leave Bumbuli, in the shadow of the Mazumbai peak, and continue hiking through the Mazumbai forest area. You continue to climb through pristine mountain rainforest, which is home to rare animal and plant species. The roar of black and white colobus monkeys accompanies you, as does the chirping of countless birds. It is unimaginable that this dense rainforest once almost completely covered the entire Usambara Mountains. Only small islands, such as Mazumbai, have escaped deforestation and are increasingly being placed under protection as the importance of species protection is becoming more and more important.
You reach the village of Mbokoi, where you have a little time to get to know the everyday life of the people in this region. The village is located on a mountain ridge and offers a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Hiking time approx. 5-6 hours
 
Accommodation: Resthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunchbox, Dinner
In the morning you hike through the Mazumbai forest (approx. 2-3 hours), accompanied by the sounds of the numerous birds.
You will then be driven back to Moshi. Alternatively, a transfer to the coast to a beach hotel in Pangani can be organized.
 
Meals: Breakfast
Some accommodations along the hiking routes may have basic facilities, and we will make sure to provide you with all the necessary information to set the right expectations.
 
If you have any specific preferences or requirements regarding accommodation standards, please let us know so we can tailor the arrangements accordingly. 
 
Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, and we will do our best to ensure a pleasant experience throughout your trip.

If you’re interested in adding a beach break to your itinerary, please let us know and we can help arrange everything for you.

Enjoy the best of Tanzania’s natural beauty with a combination of hiking, safari, and beach relaxation with us!

The Usambara Mountains offer cool temperatures, lush rainforests, and varied terrain. To fully enjoy your Usambara Mountains Trek, please pack light but smart.

 
Essential Hiking Gear

  • Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots

  • Comfortable hiking socks (3–5 pairs)

  • Lightweight daypack (20–30 liters)

  • Rain jacket / poncho (rain possible year-round)

  • Warm fleece or light jacket (cool evenings & mornings)

  • Hiking trousers / quick-dry pants

  • Breathable hiking shirts (long & short sleeve)

  • Hat or cap for sun protection

  • Trekking poles (optional but recommended)

  • Headlamp or flashlight (with spare batteries)

Clothing for Evenings & Villages

  • Casual evening clothes

  • Long trousers / long skirt (for village visits & cultural respect)

  • Lightweight sweater

  • Comfortable sandals or camp shoes

  • Sleepwear

 

Personal Items & Toiletries

  • Small towel (quick-dry recommended)

  • Toiletries & personal hygiene items

  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

  • Lip balm

  • Insect repellent (with DEET recommended)

  • Hand sanitizer / wet wipes

  • Personal medications

 

Health & Safety

  • Basic first aid kit (plasters, pain relief, blister care)

  • Rehydration salts / electrolytes

  • Anti-diarrhea medication

  • Motion sickness tablets (if needed)

 

Documents & Money

  • Passport (copy recommended)

  • Travel insurance details

  • Some cash (Tanzanian Shillings) for tips & personal expenses

  • Credit card (limited use in rural areas)

 

Optional but Recommended

  • Camera or smartphone

  • Power bank / extra batteries

  • Binoculars (for birds & wildlife)

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Lightweight scarf or buff

  • Notebook or journal

 

What Not to Bring

  • Heavy suitcases (soft duffel bags are best)

  • Valuable jewelry

  • Excess luggage

  • Plastic bags (restricted in Tanzania)

 

Luggage Note

  • Soft bags or backpacks only (preferred for transfers & storage)

  • Porters are optional and available on request

 

Additional Advice

  • Pack light – laundry services are limited

  • Neutral-colored clothing is best for wildlife viewing

  • Respect local customs by dressing modestly in village

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Guided hikes in the Usambara Mountains as in the program
  • Experienced English speaking guide and driver 
  • All required park and entrance fees as well as local village fees
  • Luggage transfer during the hike with the support vehicle
  • Private transfers from/to Moshi

NOT INCLUDED

  • Meals and drinks not mentioned
  • Optional excursions and activities
  • Personal expenses, tips
  • Travel insurance

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