Lushoto

Lushoto

Lushoto is the main town of the scenic Usambara Mountains. It feels a little like a Swiss Alpine village, but with a Tanzanian twist. The town flourished during colonial times, and many of the buildings on the main street date back to the early 1900s, when Lushoto — then called Wilhelmstal — was a cool retreat for German settlers escaping the hot Maasai steppes below.

Today, the area is fantastic for hiking and biking. Trails pass through villages, colourful markets, farms, forests, and dramatic viewpoints. Some farms, still run by Germans and Swiss, welcome visitors for hearty homegrown meals.

1. Things to do
2. Restaurant tips
3. To: Tanga
4. To: Pangani / Ushongo
5. To: Bagamoyo
6. To: Moshi

• Irente Viewpoint Hike – A short, easy hike to a viewpoint over the Maasai plains and Mazinde village. Perfect for sunrise or sunset.

• Sakarani Waterfall Hike – A refreshing walk through farmland and forest to a beautiful waterfall. Great spot for a picnic and a swim.

• Magamba Rainforest – Explore dense forest with chameleons, colobus monkeys, and unique birdlife.

• Shamba Ecotours – Offers guided hikes and excursions with knowledgeable local guides. Their office is next to The Lawns Hotel.

• Irente Farm Lodge – Famous for its homemade cheese, bread, jam, and juice — all fresh from the farm.

• The Lawns Hotel – The oldest hotel in the region, built over 100 years ago as a German farmhouse. Enjoy hearty meals in a historic and atmospheric setting.

Distance & time

• 170 km | 4 hrs
• Add 90 min if you’re staying at Fish Eagle Point

Route

• Leave Lushoto and follow the B1 and A14 via Pongwe.
• The roads are paved and in good condition.
• The drive takes you from mountain villages down to the coast — expect palm trees, tuk-tuks, and Swahili towns.

To Fish Eagle Point Lodge

• From Tanga, follow the A14 north.
• Between Manza Primary School (left) and Manza Secondary School (right), turn right onto Fish Eagle Point Road.
• Continue to the car park at Fish Eagle Point Lodge. (52 km, 90 min from Tanga).

Tip

• Carry a packed lunch — there are only a few recommended places to eat along the way.

Distance & time

• 205 km | 7.5 hrs

Route

• From Lushoto, follow the B1 and A14 via Pongwe (paved and in good condition).
• In Pongwe, turn right at the Pongwe Filling Station.
• Follow the gravel road to Kilale → Boza → Pangani, passing through endless coconut plantations.
• To continue to Ushongo, cross the Pangani River by ferry — a fun experience!

Distance & time

• 300 km | 6 hrs

Route

• From Lushoto, descend to Mombo and turn left at Usambara Filling Station.
• Follow the B1 to Segera. At the first roundabout (Puma Segera Petrol Station on the left), turn right onto the A14.
• Continue on the A14 to Msata.
• At Msata, turn right onto Bagamoyo Road.

On the way

• The drive takes you from the mountains to the Indian Ocean. Enjoy palm trees, tuk-tuks, and Swahili towns.

Tip

• Carry a packed lunch. If you want a stop, the Liverpool Hotel in Mombo is a decent option.

Distance & time

• 255 km | 6 hrs

Route

• From Lushoto, descend through the Usambara Mountains to Mombo.
• In Mombo, turn right at Usambara Filling Station onto the B1.
• Follow the B1 for 200 km past vast sisal plantations, with the Pare Mountains to your right.
• After 30 km, turn left at Mount Meru Filling Station onto the A23.
• Continue to Moshi on good tarmac (expect many speed bumps).

Tip

• Bring a packed lunch — there are not many recommended stops along the way.