Oldonyo Lengai

Mt. L'Engai: Called the Maasai "Mountain of God", is one of the youngest volcanoes in East Africa. It has experienced almost continuous activity since 1883.

Climbed by the more adventurous, because of its steep and difficult terrain, it is best done in the early morning because of lack f shade and scorching heat. Once on the slopes of L'Engai however, the magnificent scenery and spectacular views are well worth the effort.

 

 

 

 

Usambara Mountains

This little-known mountain range is one of the gems of Tanzania. Once a part of the great tropical forests that spanned Africa from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, the Usambaras are a treasure house of botanical and zoological diversity, with a huge number of endemic tree, plant and bird species. The original wilderness remains to make this a hiking, birding and primate spotting paradise.

The entrance is reached up a spine-chilling pass, and follows a spectacular road winding its way through a series of hairpin turns in some of the most at beautiful scenery in East Africa.

 

 

Pare Mountains

The Pare Mountains is a mountain range in north eastern Tanzania, and north west of the Usambara Mountains.

There are two mountain ranges - North and South Pare ranges, which rise to 2,463 m at Shengena Peak. The Pare people live in the area.

The Pare Mountains are accessible by 4WD, but there are few roads. I t is an attractive place for hiking and bird-watching enthusiasts. Species in the Pare mountains include the endemic South Pare White-eye, Mountain Buzzard, Olive Woodpecker, Moustached Green-tinkerbird , and the African Hill Babbler.

 

 

Lushoto Highlands

The Town of Lushoto is in the Usambara Mountains, halfway between the coast and the national parks to the west. It can be reached off the main Dar es Salaam-Moshi road at Mombo. Direct buses run from Dar es Salaam and Arusha. It’s the major town and district centre. A small area founded by German colonialists after the people of the area had been pacified’ about one hundred years ago. There were even plans to have the capital of the German administration there because of the pleasant mountain climate.

Lushoto offers excellent opportunities for hiking both in the mountains, partly covered by Montane forest. Ecological tours are organized and are a good way of exploring the region. The popular plant Saintpaulia has its only wild occurrences in Tanzania, and particularly in the Usambara Mountains.

It's a great place to get away from the heat of the coast or the dust of the plains. The people are particularly hospitable and the whole town has a lovely feeling to it. Accommodation in the town centre is cheap and there are more up-market options in the surrounding area if want you desire.