This little known mountain range is one of the gems of Tanzania. Located northwest of Dar es Salaam, the Usambara Mountains are part of an ancient 25 million year old necklace of mountains called the Eastern Arc. The Usambaras offer incredible natural biodiversity, especially bird-life…

Park summary

• Protected Area Type

  Mountain Range

• Size

  The Usambaras are approximately 90 kilometres (56 mi) long and ranging from 30–50 kilometres (19–31 mi) in width

• When to Go

  Although the climate is comfortable year-round, paths get too muddy for trekking during the rainy season from March through May. The best time to visit is from June to November, after the rains and when the air is clearest.

• Distances

  Dar es Salaam - Lushoto: 6 hrs - Dar es Salaam - Mombo: 5 hrs

Descriptions

This little known mountain range is one of the gems of Tanzania. Located northwest of Dar es Salaam, the Usambara Mountains are part of an ancient 25 million year old necklace of mountains called the Eastern Arc.

The Usambaras offer incredible natural biodiversity, especially bird-life and great walking culminating in breath-taking viewpoints. Some of the tops rise to well over 2400m.

You will be based in the Western Usambaras, which is a densely populated region of Tanzania due to the cooler climate - good for arable farming. It is a perfect place to get to know some of the local people and try some of the locally run Cultural Tourism Programmes.

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