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

Karibuni Tanzania! Welcome to Tanzania!
 

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)

Book 6 Days Usambara Mountains Trek from Lushoto