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  A once in a lifetime experience - Anne was the best tour organiser She was very patient and worked with me to figure out the best safari format on a very short notice.
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    4 March 2026
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    21 February 2026
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    12 November 2025
  • star rating  Trip of a lifetime with Longway Expeditions  - We have just returned from a 19 day safari in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. We wanted to work with a local company and were so fortunate to find Ann and... Read more

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    26 October 2025
  • star rating  Superb experience  - This is a local business owned by Ann and Abu. Arranging our trip with Ann was perfect. We gave our budget, listed our interests and Ann suggested a bespoke... Read more

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    12 October 2025
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    30 August 2025
  • star rating  Unforgettable Safari with Long Way Expeditions - From the start, Long Way Expeditions stood out as the best choice for our safari. Led by the wonderful local couple Anne and Abu, they were professional, responsive, and deeply... Read more

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    24 August 2025
  • star rating  Amazing personalised safari led by experienced locals  - Having engaged with a few providers when researching, it quickly became clear that Longway Expeditions was the right choice and they were amazing from start to finish, going above and... Read more

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    14 August 2025

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