USAMBARA MOUNTAINS

Historically the Usambara Mountains have been inhabited by the Bantu, Shambaa, and Maasai people who were a mix of agriculturalists and pastoralists. Situated in the north-east of Tanzania, with their wide vistas, cool climate, winding paths and picturesque villages, the Usambaras are one of Tanzania’s highlights. The Usambaras are a part of the ancient Eastern Arc chain of mountains which stretch in a broken crescent from the Taita hills in southern Kenya down to Morogoro and the southern highlands.

They are estimated to be at least 100 million years old and the rocks forming them may be as much as 600 million years old. The mountains are home to an exceptional assortment of plants and animals, and represent one of the highest degrees of biodiversity on the continent.

Human habitation in this area goes back to at least 1, 5 million years. Traces of these settlements, which are unique in world history, were found near Mambo and can still be seen today.

Usambara waterfall Tanzania
Usambara mountains Tanzania

Tripadvisor Reviews

  • star rating  The entire experience was great! Within our budget, well-planned, and most importantly, really fun and interesting. Ann and Abu were both very kind and helpful. We saw many animals of... Read more

    Martín d
    18 April 2023
  • star rating  This is my 2nd individually tailored trip with Long way expeditions. I cannot praise enough the professionalism and care that Ann takes in planing safaris according to ones wishes... Read more

    mariacamilo43
    6 March 2023
  • star rating  Brilliant, safari experience - What an amazing adventure, superb safari, exceeded all our expectations, Ann is very attentive, patient, and accommodating, Frank our guide was brilliant, nothing was too difficult, he’s extremely knowledgeable, very... Read more

    sharonlM3080RD
    11 October 2022
  • star rating  Couldn't Be Happier With Our Choice! - We found Long Way Expeditions via Responsible Travel. From the moment we approached them for our Safari trip, communications with Ann were always extremely prompt and detailed. We had many... Read more

    7Gab2021
    27 September 2022
  • star rating  A memorable Tanzania, were one becomes in awe of Humans and Wildlife - Myself and my son+partner wanted to experience the Big 5 in Tanzania , if at all around (and they complied!!). I was lucky to receive Ann´s contact, the knowledgeable pragmatic... Read more

    mariacamilo43
    13 September 2022
  • star rating  Experienced, skilled an adventure with heart - The team is a friendly and family community collective that went over and above to create a personal experience which offers all the elements of a dream trip and more... Read more

    4evayogi
    25 August 2022
  • star rating  Wow! What a great adventure! - Longway expeditions did a great job to make our honeymoon a memorable experience! With humor and compassion Abu showed us a lot of the beautiful things Tanzania has to offer.... Read more

    Alma2204
    16 June 2022
  • star rating  Abu is a great driver, guide and person. He shows you Tanzania in an incredible wat. Always friendly, helpfull, a lot of knowledge about the wildlife. But also a very... Read more

    koens568
    12 June 2022