Usambara Mountains Hiking and Biking
The Eastern Arc Mountains
The Usambra Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, the same chain in which the Uluguru mountains fall. The Usambara range is located in the North of Tanzania. It form the longest range of mountains in the Eastern Arc. From Lushoto (West Usambara) extending to Amani (East Usambara) famed worldwide for their unique and diverse biota, hiking could not be more pleasurable than in the Usambaras.
Amani
Amani nature reserve is located in the East Usambara, Tanga. It was first established in 1902 by German colonialists as an agriculture research station but was turned into a nature reserve in 1997. Today agriculture is still the main source of income for the Wasambaa people who are native inhabitants to this area. It holds one of the largest tea plantations in Tanga – if you ever sipped a cup of Amani tea this is where it comes from. It is grown in the Amani Mountains on gently sloping land which makes the area ideal for hiking. Amani means peace in Kiswahili and with its thick lush forests, abundance of waterfalls and diverse bird and animal species including the Black and White Colobus Monkey, Blue Monkey and Nduk Eagle Owl, it well lives up to its name.
Wasambaa people
The Wasambaa people are involved in different projects to sustain life such as dairy farming, tea farming and the newly established Butterfly Project
Activity Appealing
The trip is a hiking and biking trip through four different environments. The hikes are not difficult but moderate. The hiking consists of 7 trails all with different levels and hours ranging from I hr to 12 hr hikes.Details will be given when booking in. The mountain Biking route consists of two routes,Route one for intermediate bikers is fairly good and less challenging. Route two has its challenging bits but very rewarding with spectacular views.
Route revealed
Day One
Depart from Dar, arrive at Zigi.Settle in to rest house,Dinner
Days Two
Drive up to Amani Head office and start the biking from there.
Day Three
Hike From Zigi or Amani depending on the group's interested route.
Day Four
Return to Dar
Expedition Essentials
You should bring the following items with you. If you don't have them, Afri-Roots may be able to rent some of these items to you on request.
- Rucksack for carrying personal belongings
- Sleeping bag or something soft to lie on (if camping)
- Shoes and clothes suitable for hiking and biking
- Rain coat
- Sunhat and suncream
- Swim wear
- Change of clothes in case they get wet, change of shoes or flip flops
- Toiletaries including soap/washing gel etc
- Towel
Photos from this trip
