Articles
Exploring Lushoto
This leafy highland town is nestled in a fertile valley at about 1200m, surrounded by pines and eucalyptus mixed with banana plants and other tropical foliage. It’s the centre of the western Usambaras and makes an ideal base for hikes into the surrounding hills.
That’s how Lushoto is described, but don’t believe us, come see for yourself. Lushoto has a lot to offer if you have a weekend or even a few days to spare. Its location near the western part of the Usambara Mountains, about 5 hours from Dar es salaam, offers many levels of hiking experiences as well as cultural visits.
Below are some samplings of the cultural or adventurous activities that can be enjoyed:
Day Hikes:
-
Irente Viewpoint - A hike to this viewpoint offers spectacular views of the village of Mazinde and the Maasai plains. Lunch can be arranged at the Irente Biodiversity Farm.
-
Magamba Rainforest - The black and whilte Colobus monkeys make their home in this lush rainforest and one has to walk through villages and farmland to see them. Upon returning from this hike, the historic village of Kilindi deserves a visit to see the Washambaa ruling clan.
-
Bangala River - 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 - 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!).
-
Lushoto Town Tour - 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.
-
Combined Trip—Lushoto Town Tour and Usambara Farm - 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.
-
Montessori Sisters of Ubiri - 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 - 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.
Multi-day Tours:
-
Mtae: The World Viewpoint - Whilst experiencing the traditional life of the Shambaa peoples, trek through the rainforest, villages and farmland. Experience making local pottery and even stay in a local home if you wish.
-
Mazumbai Forest Reserve: The Galapagos of Africa - From Soni or Bumbuli, the hike takes you through tea and coffee plantations to the Mazumbai Forest Reserve, home to numerous bird species and black-and-white Colobus monkeys.
- Magamba, Irente, and Carter’s Viewpoint - Trek through local villages and the Magamba rainforest to Irente Viewpoint. Have lunch at Irente Biodiversity Farm, famous for their locally made organic food products. Stay overnight at the Farm, then hike along the ridges of the mountains to Carter’s viewpoint. The next day, return to Lushoto or continue downhill to Mombo.
These “off the beaten path” type of experiences, such as the trekking, is done between the various villages, thus offering you plenty of opportunity to interact with locals and see how they live.
Point to note - With these eco-cultural tours, 20% of each quotation goes back to the community through different development and environmental conservation projects.
There is so much more - For more information please contact us at sales@rickshawtravels.com
