Tanzania Local Cultural Tours
Tanzania is home to a patterned cultural mosaic of over 120 distinct ethnic groups, united in peaceful coexistence under one country,
one language, and one flag. There is no history of civil unrest, ethnic tension, political dictatorship, or religious intolerance.
Tanzania was home to Man’s first steps on Earth, our national history subsequently defined by prehistoric settlements, medieval city-states,
colonial exploration and peaceful independence.
A Visit to the Usambara Mountains
Conducted by local farmers
The Usambara Mountains are situated in the northeastern part of Tanzania between Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean.
The mountains rise steeply from the surrounding plains and can only be entered via a few roads. The only paved road in
the area winds along a small river to Soni and Lushoto, the largest towns in the area. Because of its pleasant climate,
the mountains were favored by the Germans and the English during colonial times, as is evidenced by the numerous historic buildings from the past.
From a distance, the mountains are a colorful mosaic. On the fertile slopes around Soni and Lushoto, farmers cultivate small
plots, but further away from the town, large areas are still covered by dense tropical forests.
The viewpoints on the southern and western side of the Usambara are well known for the spectacular views of the
plains of Mkomazi and Handeni. Kilimanjaro can be seen on the horizon, and at the end of the day, the sunset
turns the area into a tremendous palette of unforgettable colors.
Usambara farm and flora tour (4 to 5 hours)
Starting from Lushoto, you walk through one of the most fertile parts of the Usambara mountains to the village of Vuli.
On your way, you will visit a cheese factory and learn about the different trees and plants in the area. In Vuli, you
visit some farms where people are just starting soil conservation and irrigation projects. After an extensive
explanation about farming in the Usambara mountains, you return via another route to Lushoto.
Growing rock tour (4 to 5 hours)
Starting from Soni, you walk through the villages of Shashui and Kwemula to the foot of Kwa Mongo. In half an hour,
you can climb this mountain, which has a colorful variety of butterflies on top, and overlook the Southern Usambara
Mountains, including Soni and Lushoto, and the Handeni plains. From here, you descend to Magila, situated at
the foot of the growing rock, where you visit two irrigation projects and the tree nursery of the primary school.
The farmers and schoolteachers will tell you all the ins and outs of their development projects and explain,
before your return to Soni, why the rock is growing.
For more Tanzania Cultural Tours please contact Us.