Amani Nature Reserve, Nature reserve in Tanga Region, Tanzania.
The Amani Nature Reserve is a tropical cloud forest located within the East Usambara Mountains spanning roughly 83 square kilometers. The forest is home to numerous plant species found nowhere else and features streams flowing through hilly terrain.
A research station was established here in 1902 as a center for scientific investigation. After World War II, the focus shifted to malaria research, which became important for understanding the disease in this region.
The Shambaa people have long connections to this forest, visible in how they harvest medicinal plants, honey, and seasonal fruits today. These practices shape local views on protecting the land.
Access is easiest from the nearby city of Tanga, roughly 74 kilometers away, making it the most practical starting point. Visitors should prepare for wet conditions and hilly paths, bringing suitable footwear and rain protection.
The reserve is known for rare African violets and ranks among the world's best locations for bird watching. Three waterfalls run through the forest, creating distinctive features along the hiking trails.
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