Welcome to West & East Usambara Mountains
The pride of the Tanga Region and The Galapagos of Africa
Experience Lushoto
Korogwe is one of the few towns of wonder in Northern Tanzania sitting at the foot of both West and East Usambara Mountains. The town is blessed with full of all the beauty worth much visiting for holiday, week-end outing or vacation. While in the Korogwe, can enjoy the scenic view of korogweTown and the Usambara Mountains is astonishing. This green town with fresh air from green vegetations welcomes visitors to explore the beauty of the land and cultural heritage of the zigua and sambaa people.
Apart from its amazing mountains peaks with stunning view points, it has a good history about its people and their daily lives.
Therefore while on the way from Arusha, Kilimanjaro or from Dar es salaam you can opt an overnight with a day or multiple days trip to this town and the villages. You can visit the amazing tea farms at Ambangulu tea estate, connect with the nature forest walk in Combinations with amazing view points at Mashindei mountains, Ndemaha waterfalls, Villages where you can have unforgettable experience/Memory.
Do not just by pass on the highway, visit this historical township, meet the local residence in their daily farming and business.
From unforgettable sights to undiscovered corners, there’s just so much to see and explore here. Choose from one of our private tours or opt for a guided group tour. If you have any questions or are ready to book your tour, feel free to get in touch.
Our tours cover a range of specialties geared toward different types of visitors. No matter which one you choose, We guarantee that our visitors leave the destinations with better appreciation for everything they experience. Get in touch to book one of new or popular tours today.
Activities and Hikings in Korogwe
Old Korogwe Tour/Biking
During great migrations and the spread of zigua tribesmen from Zigua centers in Kilindi many zigua people moved to different parts of the Usambara mountains. The samba people settled at Lushoto, Zigua at Handeni, Bondei at Muheza and Zigua ruvu at Korogwe and other moved as far as Somalia according to the book Asili ya waseuta and stories.
Korogwe was found by Zigua ruvu chief known as Nkorogwe who came from Kilindi area. His settlement was referred to as Kisiwa cha Nkorogwe similar Masai boma. When chief Nkorogwe died the settlement became famous which later become known as Old Korogwe in order to honor him. Old Korogwe is at the foot hill of the Usambara mountains ridges and it is surrounded by the sisal estates and the tea estate like the famous ambangulu tea estate and Amani Nature Reserve.
During colonialism the Anglican mission (church) was built in this area in 1886 one also can come close the colonial masters building and old Asian merchants buildings the town serve as a terminal for the railway linking Arusha, Moshi, Tanga and Dar es salaam. Old Korogwe features colonial BOMA and the TANU memorial monuments. TANU is a political party which gained independence from colonial masters now known as chama cha mapinduzu CCM.
For recreation purpose GIBRIL PARK is open to all it has good lawn and various flowers and it is ideal for those wishing to vew the pangani river.
Trail Points
4-5 hrs. of easy biking on flat terrain
The rise plantation
Nyumbu or Kaole village
Gibril Park (picnic site)
Silabu Village
Old korogwe
First Anglican mission in the coast built 1886
TANU remembrance monument
Kitopen Village
Ndemaha water falls(Kwemazingazi)
This is a magnificent waterfalls located in the slopes of Usambara mountains, with the height of about 120m.
Historically this waterfall was used as ghost place locals would visit the place to pray for good and bad the omen to happen such as rain and good yield from their farms. The waterfalls can be accessed from Kwashemshi village about 20km from Korogwe town, it is a famous kambini area where sisal plantation workers camp was established decorated by its one-day market a week un Saturday where local products are brought in this colorful market for trade. On the route some will see the old ruins of colonial era. The old school (shule ya zamani) village the visitors can volunteer to train local farmers on modern agriculture methods. Biking from Korogwe to ndemaha waterfallsis a breathtaking through big sisal estate one will enjoy and have a short experience of the village life in the sisal estates.
Trail Points
5-6 hrs biking up and down hills on rough road
Old Korogwe
TANU Memorial
Gibril Park
Silabu Village
Sisal Estate
Kwashemshi
Old School Village (Shule ya zamani)
Ndemaha Waterfalls
Zungnat Hills Hiking Trail
Standing between Old and new Korogwe(Manundu) the hill rises in 1000m above sea level and it was formed by compression forces durin formation of the usambara mountains. The hill gained it name from colonial master known as Zungnat cultivated in the slopes of the hill.
A varieties of biodiversity and eco system on the trail thrill the visitors while hiking and see the panoramic view of Korogwe town and the handeni savanna plains, this trail was designed to measure once strength while on hiking and hearing the beautiful bird’s songs, discovering the different species of plants, Velvet monkeys and viewing the beautiful landscapes from plains to the mountains. Thanks to the hill as it used as a source of water as more water tanks are inserted here to allow high gravity for the water flow to the town.
Trail Points
6 to 7hrs walk from the hotel in Korogwe,
Historical Treasure hunting site visit.
Hearing story and information about the Senna Siamea plant(Mjohoro)
View point one and the tiki tree zone
View point two this is the Ideally place for having a snacks with some drinks while heading back to town via Old Korogwe.
Last is to Visit the Old Anglican church built in 1886
Kilole Ruvu Canoeing Tour(Biking)
Kilole ruvu Tour covers ethnic livelihood of local people i.e. Sambaa, Zigua, Bondei and some digo. Kilole Misufini and Kilole Mzee Villages depend fullyon pangani river(RUVU) for their daily life activities such as irrigations, washing and drinking. Tourists activities in Pangani river will unveil tranquility and enjoying the Nature. The King fisher birds can be seen hovering while fisihing and also the Crocodile can be seen in the river. Pangani River(RUVU) is one of the largest river in Tanzania, its named Pangani River because it pours it water near Pangani Town. (ARABS COASTAL TOWN). The river source is from Kilimanjaro mountain at Nyumba ya Mungu and the river is a source of hydroelectric power at nyumba ya Mungu and hale points.
There is a be;ief that the old zigua ruvu who lived near ruvu river believed to raise the crocodiles magically and hence use them to defend the attack from enemies.
Along the trail you can pass through the coconut trees, where its leaves are used for roofing the houses in many local coast houses and tourists’ hotels.
Trail Points
5 to 6hrs biking on flat terrain from the hotel
Rice plantation
Ruvu bridge
Kilole village
Coconut wine bar experience
Tomato Irrigation Schemes
Vijana uwanjani center
Leprosy Camp ruins
Mzee ngalawa home
Korogwe hydroelectric station no 14
Ngalawa Canoeing
Fishing
Ruvu Maajabu and Pangani River Basine Tour
The place of historical interest this part of the river is very narrow bank but most of the locals fear to cross from one side to the other side, due to their belief that this part of the river has a high gravity pull whereby no one survived when tried to cross this point. It is said that one Masai was drawn to the river once trying to jump from the side to the other side.
And they said the chief magogo crossed this part while heading to Usambara mountains escaping the war with maasai while from Kilindi.
No known scientific research has been conducted to the contrary but local people still fearing the place.
Please admire the history and the place itself but please do not try to jump at this point you may disappear like the Masai.
Trail Points
-20 minutes’ drive with private car, Tuk Tuk (Bajaj) from the hotel to Msambiazi village.
-Few minutes’ walk on the highway to ruvu maajabu river basin point.
-An ideal place for enjoying snacks and some drinks while watching local people passing nearby and others doing fishing by using local methods.
-Later have a village walk at Msambiazi and have time to test local beer made from coconuts (Mnazi).
Other Tours & Programs
Choose one or more of our programs and Start planning your holidays
Multiple days Tours
KOROGWE town is at the back door of the Amani Nature Reserve, Nilo Nature Reserve,West and East Usambara Mountains. Between the town and the Reserves lie tea estates and beautiful mountain forest. There several activities and tours to do when in transit you may have 1 to 3 days doing different activities. Including tours, mountain hiking, view points, farming tour, Cultural tours around the town to explore history, culture and current agriculture. Most visitors will find themselves passing toward Dar es Salaam and heading to Zanzibar from the Northern wilderness areas and other destinations without knowing about the new unexplored part of Tanga. You can spend some times relaxing and hiking in some beautiful areas Korogwe is another kind of natural wonder, appreciated by its unique attractions to experience the colorful market. Old buildings, Rice and coconuts farming and also trekking to the amazing mashindei peak, tea plantations and cultural attractions in KorogweExplore your options with our list of the top attractions in Korogwe District
Lushoto Tours
The Usambara Mountains are considered to be a biodiversity hotspot due to a high degree of endemism in the flora and fauna found there. This mountain range was formed millions of years ago and has remained relatively undisturbed for most of that time, which has given rise the growth of old forest and other treasures. The Usambaras and the Pare Mountains form part of the Eastern Arc Mountain Range.
Visitors come here to take a break from the heat and dust of the northern safari circuit and to just enjoy the lush green surroundings and champagne air. The Usambara Mountains offer amazing views, historic sites and idyllic trails to explore. The fertile mountain slopes are dotted with small villages and farms but for the most part they are covered with tropical forests.
This bustling town is the main centre in this region and set high up amongst the peaks which ensure a year round climate that is cool and refreshing. German colonialists in the 19th century were quick to notice the potential of the area and built the town. Wilhelmsthal as it was known at the time became a favourite holiday spot for officials from the German administration.
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Amani Nature Reserve
At Amani Nature Reserve have all sorts of activities for all kind of people. All All activities are listed below,
so have a look and see if there is something for you.
Short night walks. Find endemic species of chameleons. which are very hard to find during the day but at night they glow white in torchlight. This makes them easier to spot. Our guides will accompany you and make sure that you enjoy your night walk make sure you have a good torch. This is a great activity for children of all ages.
Just a short walk from camp you can find several species of chameleon including the pygmy Rhampholians. In addition to the pygmy chameleons a notable endemic of the Usambaras is the spectacular Usambara three horned chameleon (Chameleo deremnsis). The Usambara two horned chameleon is less frequently seen.
Just walking around the camp, and the surrounding fields you can see many species of bird including some notable endemics, like the Usambara eagle-owl. Take the enclosed bird check list with you and see how many you can spot – and if you can add to the list!
The spectacular views over the forests is great for Raptor Viewing and we have a variety of eagles including the long crested, tawny and crowned eagle. The forest buzzards and gymnogenes are also frequently seen. Amani is one of the few tea producing areas of Tanzania with a very well balanced ratio and share between farming and conservation and boasts of some of the best rain forests , climate , endemic species and biking trails to suit all styles, ages and levels. Bikes are available for hire.
Saadani National Park
The Park is located in the in the northern part of Tanzania within Kilimanjaro and Tanga Regions. In the northern part, the park borders Tsavo west National Park in Kenya
The park lies about 120 kilometers east of Moshi town
The park fall into Mkomazi-Tsavo Ecosystem, which is the second largest trans-boundary ecosystem in East Africa After the famous one, Serengeti- Mara Ecosytem.
Mkomazi along the Umba river, hosts a number of rare colobus monkeys which move with its riverine forests.
The park has a semi-arid climate with bimodal rainfall distribution pattern
The southern Extension of the ‘’Sahel’’ habitat characterized by Acacia-Commiphora species is found in the Park.
The Park is rich in mammal species where about eighteen (18) have been reported including the big five. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in the Park.
Mkomazi National Park has a number of uniqueness’s .It is among few protected areas in Tanzania with large and visible population of gerenuk and massive concentration of Beisa Oryx.
This park is one of the richest savannahs in Africa and possibly in the world in terms of the number of rare and endemic fauna and flora evidenced by the presence of wild dogs and black rhinoceros.
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Mkomazi National Park
The Park is located in the in the northern part of Tanzania within Kilimanjaro and Tanga Regions. In the northern part, the park borders Tsavo west National Park in Kenya
The park lies about 120 kilometers east of Moshi town
The park fall into Mkomazi-Tsavo Ecosystem, which is the second largest trans-boundary ecosystem in East Africa After the famous one, Serengeti- Mara Ecosytem.
Mkomazi along the Umba river, hosts a number of rare colobus monkeys which move with its riverine forests.
The park has a semi-arid climate with bimodal rainfall distribution pattern
The southern Extension of the ‘’Sahel’’ habitat characterized by Acacia-Commiphora species is found in the Park.
The Park is rich in mammal species where about eighteen (18) have been reported including the big five. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in the Park.
Mkomazi National Park has a number of uniqueness’s .It is among few protected areas in Tanzania with large and visible population of gerenuk and massive concentration of Beisa Oryx.
This park is one of the richest savannahs in Africa and possibly in the world in terms of the number of rare and endemic fauna and flora evidenced by the presence of wild dogs and black rhinoceros.
Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in the Park. Mkomazi National Park has a number of uniqueness's . It is among few protected areas in Tanzania with large and visible population of gerenuk and massive concentration of Beisa Oryx.