About Usambara

The usambaras consist of two mountain blocs; the smaller East Usambaras, lie closer to the coast with slightly higher rainfall. This block is less populated and its primary attraction is Amani Nature Reserve, approached from Muheza. The West Usambaras are separated from the East by a valley and the district centre here is Lushoto, approached from Mombo or from the north- eastern side of Usambara Mountains. One of the best preserved mountain forests in East Africa is privately owned Mazumbai in the West Usambaras near Bumbuli.

The West Usambara Mountains are situated in North Eastern Tanzania between Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean. These mountains rise steeply from the surrounding plain and can only be entered via a few roads.  The only paved road in the area winds along a small river to the towns of Soni and Lushoto. During colonial times, the Germans and English favored these mountains, as evidenced by the numerous historic buildings. From far, the mountains are a colorful mosaic. On the fertile slopes around Soni and Lushoto, farmers cultivate small plots. Father away from the towns, large areas of land are covered by dense tropical rain forests. The view points on the southern and western sides of the west usambara are well known for the spectacular and panoramic views of the Mkomazi and Handeni plains and Mount Kilimanjaro on the horizon. At the end of the day the sunset turns the area into a palette of unforgettable colors.
  The Usambaras are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, a crescent of eleven individual ancient mountain blocks that run parrallel to the Tanzanian coast. some of the better known are the Ulugurus, towering over Morogoro, and the Udzungwas, most of which is now a national park. All lie in Tanzania except for the Taita Hills in Kenya.

  It is important to mention that conservation International (a U.S based environmental group) has recognised the Eastern Arc Mountains together with coatal forests in Kenya and Tanzania as one of the world's 25 Biodiversity Hotspots. This means that there is an exceptional richness of plants and animal species in a relatively small area, and endemism is high (i.e many species are unique to these mountains).