• Distance: Various hikes and treks
• Duration: Four days +
• Start and end point: Lushoto
• Difficulty: Mild

Hiking in Tanzania isn’t only about conquering towering summits. If you’re less interested in bragging rights and care more for natural and cultural immersion in lesser-visited locations, the Usambara Mountains might be for you.

Nestled between Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean, the Usambara Mountains are said to be Africa’s second most biodiverse national park. A trek here can last from a few days to over a week, depending on your chosen trail and pace. You’ll see tea plantations and tropical rainforests to mountain ridges with incredible panoramic views. The trails are relatively gentle, making this area accessible to most hikers.

Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in local culture, visiting traditional villages and meeting the local Shambaa people. Accommodation options vary from simple guesthouses to camping.