Usambara Mountains
3-Day Cultural & Nature Adventure
Price starts at:
USD 250 P/P
Tour difficulty
Easy
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Tour Overview
Escape to the refreshing highlands of the Usambara Mountains, one of Tanzania’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations. This mountain range in northeastern Tanzania is known for its pleasant climate, beautiful viewpoints, and fertile slopes, offering a perfect retreat from the heat of the safari circuit.
This 3-day adventure takes you through the heart of the West Usambara Mountains, where terraced hillsides meet ancient rainforests and traditional Shambaa villages. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters, the Mtae area provides cool mountain air, spectacular sunrise and sunset views, and an authentic glimpse into rural Tanzanian life.
The Usambara Mountains are considered a biodiversity hotspot with lush forests, incredible cliffs and mountain ranges, and rare wildlife including chameleons, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and over 500 bird species. Unlike the crowded northern safari circuit, this hidden gem offers tranquility, genuine cultural encounters, and stunning natural beauty.
Why Choose This Tour?
Stunning Mountain Scenery
Journey through some of Tanzania's most dramatic landscapes. From your base in Mtae village, you'll enjoy panoramic views stretching across the Maasai plains, with Mount Kilimanjaro visible on clear days in the distance. Watch spectacular sunsets paint the valleys in golden light and experience the unique phenomenon of clouds rolling in and disappearing within minutes.
Authentic Cultural Immersion
Experience genuine Shambaa village life away from tourist crowds. Visit local artisans, learn about traditional pottery-making techniques, and interact with communities that have called these mountains home for generations. Your accommodation in a small mountain lodge provides comfort while keeping you connected to local culture.
Rainforest Hiking Adventure
Explore pristine rainforest trails where nature reveals its medicinal secrets. Walk through lush forest where you may see black-and-white colobus monkeys, butterflies, chameleons, and endemic plant species. Your guide will share knowledge about traditional plant-based medicines used by local communities for centuries.
Magnificent Waterfalls
Trek to hidden waterfalls cascading through the forest. After your hike, cool off in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax in this tranquil natural setting. The journey takes you past local villages and through diverse ecosystems, each with its own unique flora and fauna.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to the Mountains
Early Morning Departure (5:00 AM)
Your adventure begins before sunrise with departure from Moshi. The early start rewards you with spectacular sunrise views as you drive through the Tanzanian countryside. The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours through changing landscapes.
Scenic Drive Through Mombo
Arrive in Mombo Town around 9:00 AM, where the real mountain adventure begins. The road climbs through spectacular serpentine curves, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Pass through Lushoto, the main town in the Usambara region that acts as the entry point to the mountains, before continuing to your destination.
Arrival at Mtae Village (1:30 PM)
Reach Mtae village perched at 1,600 meters altitude. You may notice the thinner mountain air as you settle into your accommodation. Your comfortable cottage features shared rooms for three people, each with private bathroom facilities including hot showers.
Lunch & Afternoon Exploration
Enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with local ingredients. After settling in, take an optional tour around Mtae village to observe daily life, meet local residents, and capture stunning photographs of the surrounding mountain vistas. The village offers remarkable viewpoints overlooking valleys and distant plains.
Evening Relaxation
Dinner is served around 7:00 PM, featuring local Tanzanian cuisine. Spend your evening watching the mesmerizing sunset, observing clouds filling the valleys, and if you’re fortunate, witnessing dramatic lightning displays that illuminate the mountain skies for hours.
Day 2: Rainforest Hike & Waterfall Adventure
Morning Breakfast (8:00 AM)
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before your forest adventure. A short 15-minute drive takes you to the trailhead where your rainforest journey begins.
Rainforest Hiking Experience
Your trek starts by passing through a local village, offering insights into rural mountain life. The trail leads into the forest following a small path on the mountainside, where you’ll see plants and flowers used for traditional medicine. Look for wild eucalyptus, passion fruits growing naturally, and diverse bird species. With luck, you’ll spot troops of colobus monkeys or the region’s famous chameleons.
Waterfall Discovery (2.5 km)
After approximately 2.5 kilometers of scenic hiking, reach the magnificent waterfalls hidden in the forest. This pristine spot provides the perfect place to rest, enjoy packed snacks, take photographs, or even refresh yourself under the cold, crystal-clear water. The natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make this a highlight of your journey.
Return & Lunch
Hike back through the forest, taking time to observe details you might have missed on the way in. Arrive back at your lodge where lunch awaits.
Pottery Village Visit
After lunch and some rest, visit a local women’s pottery group. Watch skilled artisans create beautiful pottery using traditional techniques—working entirely by hand without any modern machinery. This is an opportunity to purchase authentic handmade items while directly supporting the local community.
Evening & Dinner
Return to your lodge for dinner at 7:00 PM. Spend the evening enjoying the mountain atmosphere, stargazing, or simply relaxing after your active day.
Day 3: Return Journey
Morning Breakfast (8:30 AM)
Enjoy your final mountain breakfast while taking in the spectacular views one last time. Pack your belongings and prepare for the return journey.
Departure & Scenic Return
Say goodbye to Mtae and begin your drive back through the winding mountain roads. The descent offers different perspectives of the landscapes you passed on arrival. Journey back through Lushoto and Mombo, retracing your route to Moshi.
Lunch Stop
Make a stop en route for lunch or refreshments (not included in the package price). This is an opportunity to try local roadside cuisine or visit a restaurant of your choice.
Arrival in Moshi (5:00-6:00 PM)
Arrive back in Moshi with unforgettable memories of mountain adventures, cultural encounters, and natural beauty.
Tour Prices
| Number of Persons | Price in USD |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 660 |
| 2 persons | 420 |
| 3 persons | 340 |
| 4 persons | 290 |
| 5 persons | 270 |
| 6 persons | 250 |
Price includes:
- Private Car from TVL house to Mtae and back
- Accommodation in shared rooms
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day (except lunch on the 3rd day)
- Local guide for the hiking and other short trips that you will do during the trip
- Drinking water
Price excludes:
- Tipping to local guide in Mtae Village only on the hiking day (Min 30$ per group)
- Personal spending
- Soda / alcoholic beverages
Let's plan your next adventure!
To get started, please fill the form or use the contacts below to get in touch with one of our specialists that can help you plan your trip to Tanzania.
Get in Touch
- +255 655 335 899
- info@tavoadventures.com
- P. O. Box 8193 Moshi, Kilimanjaro Shanty Town Road Plot No 147 B”