Usambara Mountains accomodation tips

The Usambara Mountains are a must-visit when doing a Bush to Beach roadtrip. This region is less visited by traditional safari tourists and offers several affordable places to stay. 

Lushoto is the main town of the region. It resembles a Swiss Alpine village, yet set in an African context. The town peaked during colonial times, and many of the buildings on the main street date back to the early 20th century when Lushoto, then known as Wilhelmstal, provided weekend relief for German settlers farming the dry, dusty Maasai Steppes below. The area is fantastic for (multiple) day hikes and biking, passing through villages, colourful markets, farmland and some scenic lookout points. Some farms, mostly still run by Germans and Swiss, cater to day visitors and provide delicious, homegrown food. 

If you think the Western Usambara were beautiful - eat your heart out. The Northern Usambara's are even more scenic, where the high escarpment offers breathtaking views over the Mkomazi Plains deep down (1.3 km!) below. Be prepared for some off-road driving - windy roads, steep cliffs and no other traffic. Note there are only budget places to stay in the Northern Usambara of which Mambo Viewpoint is the best.

Budget:
Irente Farm 
Lawns Hotel 
Swiss Cottage Farm
Mambo Viewpoint Ecolodge