The Eastern Arc Mountains.
What Is The Eastern Arc?
The Eastern Arc is a chain of ancient mountains covered by rain forests and grasslands in Tanzania and Kenya. Scientists believe that the forest has survived on the Eastern Arc Mountains for over 30 million years, and were once connected to the forests of the Congo Basin and West Africa. Neighboring mountains are much younger, for example Kilimanjaro is estimated to be about 1-2 million years old. Usambara Mountains. The habitation of the Usambara´s goes back to at least 1,5 million years. Traces which are unique in world history were found near Mambo and still can be seen. the most important ones are the (Mambo Foot Prints). In the latter half of the 19th century it is reported that there was a lot of war and terror with neighboring tribes which ended with the German colonization. The Germans discovered the charm of the Usmabara's and they established Lushoto (during those days Wilhelmsthal) and it was a favored holiday spot for colonial administrators. Today you still find many traces of the German times. Tanganyika became a British mandate territory after World War I. The British administration continued to reserve and exploit forests. After independence in 1961 the Ujamaa politics or so called "African socialism" of president Nyerere brought one of the best organized village communities in Africa which still exists today in the Usmabara's. Besides the historical sites the Usambaras have a lot of interesting places and activities. It is a exquisite place for hiking, bird watching, mountain biking or relaxing. Interested to explore Usambara? contact us! to organize WEST TO EAST USAMBARA CULTURAL TOURS: The East Usambara Mountains. The East Usambara Mountains are almost entirely within Muheza District in Tanga region, apart from some smaller parts in the west that fall in Korogwe District. The mountains rise to an altitude of 1,506 m at Mt Nilo. The population is 101,767 people distributed across 61 villages in the areas. Outside of reserves most of the forest has been cleared for farmland, apart from in the Derema proposed Forest Reserve and some other areas proposed as Village Forest Reserves. Some forest also remains in private land – for example in the lowland Kwamtili estate. In Muheza District the East Usambaras contain 1 Nature Reserve (Amani), 11 Forest Reserves (Bamba, Kambai, Kwamgumi, Segoma, Semdoe, Mtai, Mlinga, Manga, Mlungui, Longuza Teak plantation), 1 proposed forest reserve (Derema), 4 Village Forest Reserves (AMANI: Amani Nature Reserve in the East Usambara Mountain was the first nature reserve in Tanzania. With a range of accommodation available, trained guides and an information centre, it offers visitors the chance to see, feel and experience the tropical Eastern Arc Forests first-hand) West Usambara The West Usambara Mountains have high biodiversity value and support 5 strictly endemic vertebrates and another 19 species that are only found in the Eastern Arc. There are also 27 Eastern Arc endemic trees. This high biodiversity value is also found in invertebrates and in shrubs and herbs. Although biodiversity surveys are probably not complete, some parts of the West Usambara forests have been well studied over the past 100 years. The forests of the area are diverse and range from sub-montane to upper montane in type. These forests are of a wetter type than those of the Pare Mountains further west. Mkomazi National Park The Mkomazi National Park is a magnificent, 3,500 square kilometre game reserve in northern Tanzania. Remote and inaccessible, it was established in 1951, but never attracted the financial support provided for the better known wildlife strongholds such as the Ngorongoro and the Serengeti National Parks. Only since 1989, when the Tanzanian Government reexamined the reserve's status and designated it a National Priority Project, has its true significance and importance been recognized. The Mkomazi National Park is a spectacular wilderness. Within sight to the northwest is Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest summit. To the south, the Pare and Usambara Mountains form a dramatic backdrop and, to the north, Kenya's vast Tsavo National Park shares a border with Mkomazi, making common ground for migratory herds of elephant, oryx and zebra during the wet season. Together with Tsavo, it forms one of the largest and most important protected ecosystems on earth. Mkomazi is the southern tip of the Sahel zone. It is a classic dry-country reserve of grey-green nyika bush, ancient baobab trees and isolated rocky hills. Elsewhere, the seas of bush give way to open savannah woodlands of umbrella acacias and mbugas - shallow valleys of grassland. The animals, too, are typical of the arid nyika. Giraffe, oryx, gerenuk, heartebeest, lesser kudu, eland, impala and Grant's gazelle share the reserve with elephant, buffalo, and numerous predators, including lion, leopard and cheetah. In all, 78 species of mammals have been recorded. The birds of Mkomazi are even more numerous, with over 400 recorded species. Doves, hornbills, weavers and guinea-fowl are all present in large numbers - as well as such striking species as the martial eagle and violet wood- Already, the years of hard work have had a profound effect on the animals living in the reserve. At the end of the 1980's, after two decades of slaughter at the hands of ivory poachers, only eleven elephants were left in Mkomazi. Today, during the rainy season, close on 1,000 elephants range freely across the reserve, including many herds of breeding females with their young. Mkomazi National Park is the youngest National Park of Tanzania. established in (2006). It is located in North Eastern Tanzania on the Kenyan Border. It was established as a Game Reserve in 1951 and is found in Kilimanjaro Region and Tanga Region. Mkomazi is one of the only places in the whole Tanzania to spot the black rhinoceros. The Reserve covers over 3,200 km² and is dominated by Acacia-Commiphora vegetation; it is contiguous with Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park. Features Dry savannah plains, giving a striking contrast to the bordering Pare mountain ranges. Rolling hills, forested areas, swamp land, open grass land areas. Black rhino, elephant, hyena, leopard, wild hunting dog, giraffe, zebra, antelope, dik dik, gerenuk (giraffe antelope) kudu, primates, good birding. Luxury tented camp in the park along with public camps. Varying budget guest houses around Same town. Driving from Moshi town time 2 hrs and Driving from Usambara mountains is 2 hrs. What to do: Mkomazi game reserve – Wildlife safaris, walking wildlife safaris, cultural walking safaris. Black rhino re-introduced into the area from South Africa along with wild hunting dog. Visit researches learn about the conservation efforts. Dry savannah plains giving a striking contrast to the bordering Usambara and Pare mountains ranges. Rolling hills forest areas. Best time to visit June to Oct – Dec – April Mkomazi Size: 3,234 sq km (2005 sq miles). Location: North Eastern Tanzania, bordering Kenya's Tsavo East National Park to its north. Occupying Kilimanjaro and Tanga Regions, Mkomazi is 112 km (69 miles) from Moshi Town and 550 km (341 miles) from Dar-es-Salaam. Mkomazi, Off the beaten path destination. Inquire Now! |
Usambara Cultural Tours
Explore, learn and know how the locals live in the Usambara mountain, the community history of the indigenous washambaa, and the immigrant local tribe of pare and mbugu, local royalty from the ancient to the Germany and British colonial era. ONE DAY TRIPS FROM LUSHOTO Irente Viewpoint (5-6 hours, 15km) From Lushoto, hike to this outlook for spectacular views of the village of Mazinde and the Maasai plains almost 1000 meters below. Eat lunch at the Irente Biodiversity Farm in their beautiful flower garden. Magamba Rainforest (5-6 hours) Walk through villages and farm land to the lush rainforest where you can see black-and-white Colobus monkeys. On the way back, pass by the historic royal village of the Kilindi (the Washambaa ruling clan) and an old German bunker dug during World War I. Combined Trip—Magamba Rainforest & Irente Viewpoint (7-8 hours, 20km) For shorter stays in the area, we recommend a combination hike to the Irente Viewpoint and Magamba Rainforest, where you can see Colobus monkeys. Bangala River (5-6 hours, 15km) Beginning at Mbuzii, descend slowly down the steep slopes of the Bangala River Valley toward the rising savannah heat. Visit a tree nursery, see traditional irrigation systems, and take in breathtaking views of the Maasai Plains. Mkuzu Waterfall (5-6 hours, 15km)* From Muller’s Lodge or Migambo Village, walk through the colorful forest to this local waterfall. Extend your tour by climbing Migambo peak (2400m high!). Skyline (6-7 hours, 10km) Jiwe La Mungu (“The footprint of man”)– Visit a famous cable system for transporting logs down the mountain, enjoy wonderful views of Maasai Plains. Learn about the people of the Usambara Mountains, such as the Pare and Shambaa. Lushoto Town Tour (2-3 hours) Explore Lushoto and learn about its rich history. View old structures from the town’s German colonial period. On Sunday and Thursday, this tour can be combined with a visit to the colorful Lushoto market. Usambara Farm (4-5 hours) Walk through the fertile farmlands of Jaegertal (“Hunter’s Valley”) to a fruit tree nursery. On your request the tour can be extended to include a hike to Vuli peak (2100 meters). Combined Trip—Lushoto Town Tour and Usambara Farm (4-5 hours) Tour Lushoto and learn about its German colonial past. Then walk through the fertile farmlands of Jaegertal (“Hunter’s Valley”) to a fruit tree nursery. On your request the tour can be extended to include a hike to Vuli peak (2100 meters). Montessori Sisters of Ubiri (3-4 hours) A short walk from Lushoto, visit this beautifully landscaped Catholic mission. Learn about, taste, and buy their locally made cheese, wine, and jams. Growing Rock (5-6 hours) From Soni, walk through the villages of Shashui and Kwemula to Kwamongo Peak (“God’s Peak”), famous for its multicolored butterflies and spectacular views of Lushoto and the Handeni plains. Stop by the Soni waterfalls on your way back to Lushoto. Maweni Spice Tour (5-6 hours) Hike from Soni to Maweni farm for a picnic in their beautiful garden surrounded by butterflies and a chorus of birds. Along the way, learn about the various spices grown in the Usambara Mountains. Sakharani Wine Tour (4-5 hours) Departing from Soni, walk through coffee plantations on the way to Sakarani where Usambara wine is processed. Upon your return, take in the Soni waterfall and visit the local market offering fresh fruits. Ndelemai Forest (8 hours) Departing from Soni, wind through coffee plantations and farmland. Explore the dense Ndelemai forest, and on your way back, stop for a visit in Magila Village, known for its traditional irrigation systems. Enjoy this walk through dense lush forests before catching a ride back to Lushoto. MULTI-DAY TOURS FROM LUSHOTO: Mtae: The World Viewpoint (2-5 days) Trek through rainforests, traditional villages, and farmland; visit and sleep in a local home; see local pottery being made; watch the sun set from the top of a village; and experience the traditional life of the Shambaa people. This trip includes many opportunities to visit and learn about the development projects supported by our program. Return to Lushoto by bus, bike, or private transport. Mazumbai Forest Reserve: The Galapagos of Africa (2-4 days) From Soni or Bumbuli hike through tea and coffee plantations to the Mazumbai Forest Reserve, home to numerous birds species and black-and-white Colobus monkeys. Return to Lushoto by private transport. Magamba, Irente, and Carter’s Viewpoint (2-3 days) Trek through local villages and the Magamba rainforest to Irente viewpoint and then the Irente Biodiversity Farm, famous for their locally made organic food products. After staying overnight at the Farm, hike along the ridges of the mountains to Carter’s viewpoint. The next day, return to Lushoto or continue downhill to Mombo. Lushoto, Rangwi convent to Mlalo viewpoint (2-3 days) Trek from Lushoto to the Rangwi Convent for an overnight. Continue with a visit to a village of the Kilindi (the Washambaa ruling clan) and the headquarters of the Shambaa sub-chief to learn about the history of the Usambara chiefdom. This tour can be extended to include a visit to a Shambaa blacksmith at Tewe. For any of the above tour information and booking Inquire Now! |