Usambara Mountains

The Usambara Mountains form a major highland system in northeastern Tanzania, rising to heights exceeding 2200 meters. The slopes are covered in dense forest that changes character at different elevations, creating distinct natural zones as you move higher.

German colonists arrived in the mountains during the 1800s and established tea plantations that transformed the traditional way of life. These plantations remain visible in the landscape today as evidence of that period of change.

Local communities have shaped the landscape through generations of farming, with terraced fields and settlements that follow the natural contours of the slopes. The way people work the land and organize their villages remains central to how the mountains look and function today.

The dry season offers the best conditions for visiting, when trails are easier to walk and visibility is clear for taking in the views. The town of Lushoto within the mountains serves as a natural base for exploring the surrounding areas and finding places to stay.

The mountains are home to more than 500 bird species, including several types found nowhere else in the world. These rare birds draw birdwatchers from around the globe who come specifically to see them.