Tanzania – Usambara Mountain Trek & Early Years Education Volunteering

Day 1 This is Africa – Arrive in Tanzania 

Flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport via the UK are regular from a variety of airports and with the choice of several carriers.

It is a big thrill flying into Kilimanjaro Airport on a clear day. The views of the snow-capped mountain peaks and highlands of Tanzania, including your ultimate goal, sprawling down below are breath-taking, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that will stay with you for a long time. A member of the expedition team and driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to our accommodation.

There will be a welcome meeting and briefing in the evening as well as light refreshments after your flight. Overnight in Moshi.

Day 2 – Moshi

After breakfast the next morning we set out on the scenic drive along the Moshi to Dar es Salaam road, stopping for lunch before turning off the main road and enjoying the spectacular drive up through ever-changing habitats to reach the high village of Lushoto.

Lushoto Village view point

Situated at an altitude of 1,400, Lushoto comes as an unexpected surprise – a busy, bustling village in the very heart of the mountains.

Arriving mid-afternoon there is plenty time before dark to see around the village, get our bearings and meet our local Guide.   We enjoy a traditional Tanzanian dinner together before a final briefing and an early night to be refreshed and ready for trekking tomorrow.

Day 3 Expedition

Early after breakfast, we walk from Lushoto town to the start of the beautiful Magamba Rainforest. Magamba is known for friendly people, stunning scenery and the local wildlife such as the white-tailed curious Colobus monkeys and many Chameleon who make the rainforest their home.

Passing through the forest we are surprised to come across occasional open areas where small highland farms grow everything from peaches and mangos to cabbage and carrots. We stop in one such clearing for a rest and light lunch before continuing on to Lukozi Village to make dinner and enjoy a well-earned sleep.

Day 4

After a nutritious, energising breakfast we leave Lukozi Village to trek to Rangwe Village. Now out of the rainforest, we enjoy the stunning scenery of the open highland slopes.

Our journey today leads us through several small villages where we will be welcomed with cheerful waves and shouts from the local children.

Our walk today allows us to see the real life of Tanzanian mountain people – an experience that not many visitors are able to have. We arrive at Rangwe Sisters convent where we make camp and enjoy a hearty dinner and a good sleep.

Day 5

We leave as usual soon after an early breakfast to enjoy the peace and coolness of the mountain morning. Our trek today leads us to Mtae Village. Situated at 1700m, Mtae is the highest point of the trek and the last village in the Usambara mountains.

We enjoy the day in this stunning Highland landscape by passing through mountain villages and entering Shagayu Rainforest – where if we are lucky we will see the amazing cheeky faced white-tailed Colobus monkeys. Before settling down for the night at Mambo View Cliff near Mtae Village we will visit the Mtae viewpoint to enjoy our final night of the trek watching the spectacular Tanzanian sunset.

Day 6

This is the final day of the trek and we will be collected by our support team and driven back to Lushoto town for a well-earned celebratory breakfast. After breakfast, we will settle into our hotel where we will look forward to enjoying the luxury of a refreshing shower. During the day there will be an opportunity rest and perhaps meet some local people who are involved in community projects.

In the late afternoon we again take a walk through the forest and up to Irente View Point to enjoy a stunning sunset view stretching as far as the eye can see.

This final walk is a unique opportunity to reflect and share memories of your Gold Expedition in the stunning landscape of the Usambara mountains, happy memories that will remain with you for a very long time.

Day 7

We travel back to Moshi town and enjoy a well-earned celebration of your achievement.

Days 8 – 11

The final part of this fabulous Tanzanian experience is spent volunteering with a local Charity in an Early Years Education Nursery.

Day 12

Today is the final day of the trip. After an early breakfast, we head off to one of Tanzania’s best National Parks, dependent on current best sightings of wildlife, for a day safari game drive, where we will see a variety of Africa’s spectacular natural flora and fauna.

At the end of the game drive, we enjoy a lovely dinner before being taken to the airport for the flight home – perhaps carrying some small souvenirs and most definitely carrying many happy memories.