Usambara Mountains have not been discussed very extensively by tourists and visitors to Tanzania. But the mountain range is considered to be one of the most beautiful landscape features in the African continent. A treasure house of zoological and biological diversities, the mountains are indeed spectacular. Located between Mt Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean, the mountains are an excellent place to relax in peace and solitude. Some of the mountains in the Usambara Mountain range reach up to a height of more than 2000 meters.
Usambara Mountains can be accessed from two towns in Tanzania, namely Amani in the east and Lushoto in the west. The mountain range is divided into two ranges. The East Usambara is smaller than the western part and is nearer to the sea coast. East Usambara Mountains also receive more rainfall than the West Usambara Mountains.
The ecology in the Usambara Mountains is not massively tampered by human civilization and industrialization. Though in the previous times, the mountain area was under thick vegetation cover, several trees had to be cleared for plantations. There has been significant production of tea, coffee, rice, cinchona and sisal at the foothills of the mountains.
There are several species of rare animals and birds found in the tropical forests of Usambara Mountains in Tanzania. The place is also a favorite place of relaxation for trekkers and hikers. Mountain walking is a favorite activity on Usambara Mountains, Tanzania.
