Usambara Mountains

The Usambara mountains consist of two mountains blocks and the main tourist attraction of this area are the spectacular hiking trails that take you along forests with unique endemic flora and fauna. The smallest block is closer to the coast with slightest heavier rainfall and not so much populated as the West Usambara mountains. The main attraction of the East Usambara mountains is the "Amani natural reserve" easily accessible from Muheza and where you can find stunning botanical gardens, butterfly farming, tea spice plantations and the endemic to the East Usambara mountains three horned Chamaleon. The West Usambara mountains are separated from the East part by a valley and they can be approached by district center of Lushoto. The Usambara mountains are a unique world destination for hiking as they boast a diversity of over 3000 plant species and 600 tree species. They have been categorized for this reason as "The Galapagos of Africa". They attract nature lovers and researchers from all over the world who come to watch birds and study trees, flowers and butterflies. The Usambara mountains are situated in the Norther East part of Tanzania and are also well known for their pleasant climate, fertile soil and breathtaking viewpoints. There are several places in the West and East Usambara mountains where you can observe historical buildings from the English and German colonial times.