Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains are listed among the world's top 20 biodiversity hotspots. Comprising a dozen different ranges scattered along the country's eastern coastal belt, these lushly forested mountains – sometimes dubbed the African Galápagos – support a wealth of unique creatures, including 75 vertebrate species found nowhere else in the world.

The best known range is West Usambara, where several guided hikes are offered by a community project based in the lovely small town of Lushoto.

For birders, a great starting point is Amani Nature Reserve in East Usambara, while primate enthusiasts are pointed to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, which hosts three monkey species unique to this part of Tanzania.

Adventurous travelers could literally spend months exploring this little-visited region, much of which remains undeveloped for tourism.