Mtae ” The World View Point”

Tour Type

Cultural Tourism

Duration

5 days

Reviews

Wishlist

This 4-day tour takes you on a trek through the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania. Explore the beautiful scenery, from rainforests to local farms. Immerse yourself in the culture by interacting with villagers and learning about traditional crafts.

Day 1: Relax in Lushoto, a charming town nestled in the Usambaras. Learn about the region’s unique ecology and history.
Day 2-3: Hike through lush rainforests, spotting colobus monkeys. Stay with welcoming nuns and experience village life, even trying your hand at pottery making.
Day 4-5: Visit a local school and interact with students. Learn about traditional medicine and enjoy breathtaking views from Irente viewpoint.

This is a unique opportunity to combine hiking adventures with cultural immersion. Book now and discover the magic of the Usambara Mountains!

Day 1 Lushoto:

Approximate Distance: 235 km Estimated Travel Time: (4-5 hours) Arrival in Lushoto and Check-in at any chosen accommodation in Lushoto Town.

Lushoto which is in the Usambara mountains is four hours drive on tarmac roads from Tanzania’s business and financial capital Dar es salaam, three hours from the Kilimanjaro International airport, and a two-hour drive from Tanga.

The Usambara Mountains are a mountain range in North-East Tanzania, approximately 70 miles (110 km) long and ranging from 20 to 40 miles (30-60 km) in width. The viewpoints on the southern and western sides of Usambara are well known for the spectacular views of Mkomazi and Handeni plains. Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen on the horizon and at the end of the day, the sunset turns areas into tremendous pallets of unforgettable colors.

The Usambaras are fairly unique in that, being in East Africa, their unspoiled regions are covered in the tropical forest which today remains mainly in the west of the continent. Considered tremendously significant ecologically, there are many protected zones throughout the range which have been expanded and contributed by Tanzania government and associated with NGO’s and research teams. Several species can only be found in the Usambara forests, including the Naduk eagle owl, Usambara alethe, and the Usambara weaver. While you’re in the Usambara mountains you went to see the traditional medicinal plants (Quinine trees) which is suitable in treating some diseases.

The region was among the first in East Africa to be settled, in 1902, by European farmers. The nearby town of Amani was a popular German resort for many years in colonial times. Much of the mountains are used in the production of coffee, sisal, tea, and cinchona, with rice grown in the swampy foothills. The inhabitants are one of the very friendly people found in Tanzania, mostly the Wasambaa tribe.

Day 2-3 Usambara Trek – Lushoto TO Rangwi (2-3 Hours), Rangwi To Mtae (3-4 Hours) (2B,2L,2D) Begin the 4-day trek with a morning trip through the Tanzanian countryside.

The trek begins with an uphill hike through protected rainforest, you have the highly chance to see the black and white Colobus monkey. In the journey you’ll stop for a picnic lunch made on route, enjoying it while surrounded by local farmland and great views. Also, you are trekking through a rural, but inhabited area, so take advantage and interact with the locals en route. Finish your day arriving at a local guest house, the Rangwi Mission where you will stay with the sisters/nuns, who will prepare a fantastic meal.

On the way to Mtae from Pare Mountains

On the way to Mtae from the Pare Mountains on day 2 walk through traditional villages and farming areas. From there you will be interacting with women’s groups who have Incredibles knowledge and skills on build the pottery’s at sunga village. Here you may learn how to make local clay pots and the folklore of the traditional craft. Finally, Spend your night in the Mwivano guest house in Mtae village.

DAY 4-5 UsambaraTrek – Mtae (3-4 Hours),Final Day (3-4 HOURS) (2B,2L,2D)

The journey starting from Mtae, this walk loops up into the rain forest, stopping at a local school, where passengers are entertained by songs from the students, and have a change to give gifts, interact with the Children, and learn about the school system. Dig in to your picnic lunch en route and back to Mtae in the afternoon. You will spend another evening in Mtae village.

On day 5 stop in at Magamba village en route back to Lushoto. Walk to Irente viewpoint and have lunch at Irente farm. Visit a traditional healer on your return walk to Lushoto. Enjoy a well deserved rest and shower upon arrival into Lushoto.