6 Days Usambara Mountains Trek –
Guided Hiking Tour from Lushoto
















Highlights
Guided 6-day hiking adventure in the Usambara Mountains
Start and end in Lushoto
Walk through Magamba & Shagayu rainforests
Spot colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, birds & chameleons
Visit Irente Viewpoint, Mtae Viewpoint, and hidden waterfalls
Experience authentic Sambaa village life
See coffee, banana & local spice plantations
Professional local trekking guides
Transfers from Moshi or Arusha included
6 Days Usambara Mountains Trek from Lushoto
Guided hiking tour with Afrimine Tours through rainforests, villages, waterfalls & Irente Viewpoint
6 Days Usambara Mountains Trek – Overview
Discover one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets on this 6 Days Usambara Mountains Trek with Afrimine Tours. Starting in Lushoto, this guided hiking tour takes you through lush rainforests, traditional villages, scenic mountain ridges, and breathtaking viewpoints.
The Usambara Mountains are famous for their cool climate, rich biodiversity, endemic plants, waterfalls, and authentic cultural encounters. This trek is ideal for travelers looking for a moderate hiking adventure, cultural immersion, and stunning landscapes away from the crowded safari routes.
ITINERARY
Your 5 Days Usambara Mountains Trek begins with a scenic transfer from Moshi or Arusha to Lushoto, the gateway to the Usambara Mountains.
Upon arrival, meet your Afrimine Tours trekking guide for a full briefing and equipment check. Enjoy the cool mountain climate and prepare for your hiking adventure.
Overnight: Lushoto
Meals: Dinner included
After breakfast, start hiking from Lushoto town towards Kwembago Royal Village, home of the first Sambaa king.
Continue into the Magamba Rainforest, one of the oldest forests in Tanzania. Visit historic German trench caves and enjoy wildlife sightings such as black & white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, colorful birds, butterflies, and Jackson’s chameleons.
Lunch is served at the scenic Magamba Viewpoint before hiking on to Lukozi Village.
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking Time: ~6 hours
Overnight: Lukozi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today’s trek passes through fertile farmlands with coffee and banana plantations, offering insight into daily village life in the Usambara Mountains.
You have the option to visit the beautiful Mkuzi Waterfalls, surrounded by lush vegetation. Enjoy panoramic views across the rolling hills of Lushoto before continuing to Rangwi Sisters Convent.
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: ~5 hours
Overnight: Rangwi Sisters Convent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
E
Hike through the pristine Shagayu Rainforest, home to rare plant species including the famous Usambara Violet, discovered in 1884.
The trail climbs gradually along the Usambara Ridge, leading to Mtae Viewpoint at approximately 1,900 meters altitude. End the day watching an unforgettable sunset over the Maasai plains.
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: ~5 hours
Overnight: Mtae area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Early morning transfer to Kwesimu Village, where the final hike begins. Walk to Irente Farm and enjoy a fresh breakfast with locally grown coffee.
Continue to the famous Irente Viewpoint, offering dramatic cliff-top views over sisal plantations and deep valleys. If time allows, hike to Kwesimu Waterfalls before returning to Lushoto.
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: ~2.5 hours
Overnight: Lushoto
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, your Usambara Mountains hiking tour comes to an end. Afrimine Tours will arrange your transfer back to Moshi or Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer: Included
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 villages
Why Book the Usambara Mountains Trek with Afrimine Tours?
Local expertise & experienced guides
Sustainable & community-based tourism
Carefully selected accommodations
Flexible start points from Moshi or Arusha
One of the best hiking tours in Tanzania
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All transfers from Moshi or Arusha to Lushoto and back
Professional English-speaking local trekking guide
All accommodation during the trek (lodges, guesthouses & convents)
Meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner where stated)
Drinking water during hiking days
All village, forest & hiking permits
Cultural visits to local Sambaa villages
Guided walks through Magamba & Shagayu Rainforests
Visits to Irente Viewpoint, Mtae Viewpoint & waterfalls
Government taxes and applicable park or conservation fees
Emergency support & local assistance during the trek
NOT INCLUDED
International flights to/from Tanzania
Tanzania visa fees
Travel & medical insurance (mandatory)
Personal hiking equipment (boots, sleeping bags, rain gear, etc.)
Tips & gratuities for guides and staff
Alcoholic & soft drinks
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls)
Extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Accommodation upgrades (available on request)
