Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Due in part to the high population density of the surrounding area and the resulting de-
forestation, erosion has long been a serious concern for this region. Erosion-control efforts
were first initiated during the British era and today various projects are under way.
ACTIVITIES
Hiking
The western Usambaras around Lushoto offer wonderful walking. Routes follow well-worn
footpaths that weave among villages, cornfields and banana plantations, and range from a
few hours to several days. It's easy to hike on your own, though you'll need to master basic
Swahili phrases, carry a GPS, get a map of the area and plan your route to go via the hand-
ful of villages where local guesthouses are available. This said, a spate of robberies of solo
hikers, mostly en route to Irente Viewpoint, means that for all routes hiking with a guide is
recommended.
Several of the establishments listed under Sleeping & Eating can recommend guides and
routes, and the tourist information centres also organise hikes. Don't go with freelancers
who aren't associated with an office or a reliable hotel. Rates vary depending on the hike
and have become very costly. Expect to pay Tsh30,000 per person for a half-day hike to
Irente Viewpoint, up to about Tsh75,000 per person per day on multiday hikes, including
camping or accommodation in very basic guesthouses, guide fees, forest fees for any hikes
that enter forest reserves (which includes most hikes from Lushoto) and food. Note that if
you're fit and keen on covering some distance, most of the set stages for the popular hikes
are quite short and it's easy to do two or even three stages in a day. However, most guides
will then want to charge you the full price for the additional days, so you'll need to negoti-
ate an amicable solution. A basic selection of vegetables and fruits is available along most
routes and bottled water is sold in several of the larger villages, though if you're hiking on
your own, you should carry a filter.
Lushoto can get chilly and wet at any time of year, so bring a waterproof jacket.
HIKES FROM LUSHOTO
An easy walk to get started is to
Irente Viewpoint
(6km, allow two to three
hours return), which begins on the road running southwest from the Anglican
church and leads gradually uphill to the viewpoint, with wide views on clear
days. It's impressive to see how abruptly the Usambaras rise up from the plains
below. En route is
Irente Farm
( 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat & Sun) ,
where you can buy fresh cheese, yoghurt and granola, and get accommodation.
