Usambara Mountains

12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari Combo

12 Days Birding Safari in Tanzania

10 Days Wildlife Kenya and Tanzania Safari

10 Days Safari in Uganda and Tanzania

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The Usambara Mountains are a biodiversity hotspot. On Tanzania safari tours, you will not see the big game of the Serengeti. Instead, you will find small, secretive animals that live in the dense forest. The most famous resident is the Usambara three-horned chameleon. It is one of the largest chameleons in the world, with three distinctive horns on its nose. They are slow-moving and often easy to spot on branches. The mountains are also home to the Usambara weaver, a bird found nowhere else on earth. On Tanzania safari tours, you might also see the African civet, a shy, nocturnal cat-like animal. Bush pigs and blue monkeys are common. The forests are home to the rare Usambara eagle-owl, a large owl with bright orange eyes. The best time for wildlife viewing is early morning, when the animals are most active. On Tanzania safari tours, your guide will point out the tracks and signs of animals that are hard to see. Bring binoculars. Patience is key. The forest is thick, and the animals are well hidden.

Birders, this is your paradise. The Usambara Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc range, famous for its high number of endemic bird species. On Tanzania safari tours, you can see birds that live nowhere else on earth. The Usambara weaver is a small, yellow and black bird. The Usambara akalat is a shy, robin-like bird that lives deep in the forest. The banded green sunbird is a tiny, iridescent gem. On Tanzania safari tours, the mountains are also home to the Kretschmer's longbill, the African tailorbird, and the Sharpe's akalat. The forests are alive with the calls of trogons, turacos, and hornbills. The best time for birding is the wet season from November to April, when the birds are breeding and singing. But the dry season is also good. Early morning is best, just after sunrise. On Tanzania safari tours, hire a local guide. They know the calls and the hiding spots. Bring a good pair of binoculars and a bird book for East Africa.

The Usambara Mountains have a tropical mountain climate. The weather is cooler than the lowlands, but it can rain at any time. On Tanzania safari tours, the best time to visit is the dry season from June to October. The trails are less muddy, the skies are clearer, and the views are spectacular. The temperatures are comfortable, around 20°C to 25°C during the day. Nights are cooler, around 10°C to 15°C. The short dry season from January to February is also a good time. The landscape is green and the flowers are blooming. On Tanzania safari tours, the wet seasons from March to May and November to December bring heavy rains. The trails become slippery, and the views can be obscured by clouds. But the forests are at their most lush and the birding is at its best. For most travelers, the sweet spot is June through October.

The weather in the Usambaras is unpredictable. The mountains create their own weather systems. On Tanzania safari tours, you can wake up to clear blue skies and be walking through rain an hour later. The temperatures are moderate year round. At the lower elevations, around Lushoto town at 1,200 meters, daytime temperatures are 20°C to 25°C. At higher elevations, on the ridge trails, it is cooler, around 15°C to 20°C. At night, the temperature drops to 10°C to 15°C, sometimes lower. On Tanzania safari tours, the main challenge is the rain. Even in the dry season, you can get an afternoon shower. The humidity is high, especially in the East Usambaras. The best time for hiking is the dry season, but you should always pack a rain jacket. The sun is less intense than on the coast, but you can still get sunburned at higher altitudes. Bring a hat and sunscreen.

Getting to the Usambara Mountains is part of the adventure. The main gateway is the town of Lushoto, in the West Usambaras. On Tanzania safari tours, most travelers drive from Dar es Salaam. The road is paved and in good condition. The drive takes about three to four hours. From Moshi or Arusha, it is about four to five hours. The road winds through the plains, then climbs into the mountains. The views are stunning. On Tanzania safari tours, you can also take a bus. There are daily buses from Dar es Salaam to Lushoto. The bus is cheaper but slower and less comfortable. Once you reach Lushoto, you can hire a guide for the day or for a multi-day trek. The roads are rough, especially the smaller tracks. A 4x4 is recommended if you are driving yourself. For the East Usambaras, the main access is through the town of Amani, near Tanga. The roads are rougher, and a 4x4 is essential.

The Usambara Mountains are a safe destination. The local people are friendly and welcoming to tourists. On Tanzania safari tours, the main dangers are environmental, not criminal. The biggest risk is slipping on muddy trails. The paths can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Do not hike alone. Hire a local guide. They know the trails and the weather. On Tanzania safari tours, the second risk is the sun and the heat. Even though the mountains are cooler than the lowlands, you can still get dehydrated. Drink plenty of water. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Malaria is present in the Usambaras, especially at lower elevations. Bring insect repellent with DEET. Sleep under a mosquito net. Consult your doctor about malaria pills. In Lushoto town, use normal precautions. Keep your valuables secure. Avoid walking alone at night.

Accommodation in the Usambaras is simple, charming, and focused on the views. On Tanzania safari tours, the best place to stay is in or near Lushoto town. The Lawns Hotel is a popular mid-range option, with comfortable rooms, a good restaurant, and beautiful gardens. The Irente View Lodge is perched on the edge of the escarpment. The views are breathtaking. The rooms are simple but comfortable. On Tanzania safari tours, for a more rustic experience, stay at the Mambo Viewpoint Eco Lodge. It is located in the village of Mambo, higher in the mountains. The lodge is solar-powered, and the food is grown on site. For budget travelers, there are many simple guesthouses in Lushoto town. For a truly authentic experience, stay in a homestay. You will stay with a local family, eat home-cooked food, and learn about daily life. On Tanzania safari tours, book in advance for the dry season. The best lodges fill up quickly.

Booking your trip to the Usambara Mountains with Dav Safaris ensures a safe, well organized, and authentic experience. Our local guides are from the Usambaras. They grew up on these trails. They know the names of the birds, the medicinal plants, and the best spots for sunset. On Tanzania safari tours with Dav Safaris, we handle everything including transport from Moshi or Dar es Salaam, guided hikes, and accommodation. You just show up with your camera and your hiking boots. Their itineraries are flexible. Want to focus on birding? We can do that. Want to combine a hike to the Irente Viewpoint with a visit to a local farm? We can arrange it. Dav Safaris supports local communities by hiring local guides and using locally owned lodges. You focus on the green hills, the waterfalls, and the cool mountain air. We handle everything else on your Tanzania safari tours.