Group Trips - Arusha & Usambara Mountains

Arusha & Usambara Mountains

Around Arusha and the Usambara Mountains, Baobab has an exciting 1-week programme on offer, combining traditional and contemporary African culture with its unique nature. This trip offers a fascinating and diverse itinerary. A local and highly knowledgeable tour guide will accompany you at all times. This trip is extremely suitable to be combined with one of Baobab’s beach based trips. Please contact us for further details.

Activities

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Arusha and checking into the Outpost, a small family run hotel with self-contained cosy garden bungalows. The Outpost is famous for their evening buffet, but first you’ll work up an appetite with a town tour of Arusha. You will discover the local history and daily life, visit the restored German Boma, famous Clock Tower, mosques and some of Arusha’s lively bars and restaurants.

Day 2
Cultural tourism programme in Longido, approx. 80 km north of Arusha. You will meet a Maasai family, still living in small traditional bomas, and have the opportunity to talk to them over a cup of Maasai tea. Roam the extensive Longido plains with a Maasai warrior and their cattle looking for pasture and water. A wonderful impression of traditional African culture.

Day 3
Cultural tourism programme in Mto wa Mbu, approx. 2 hours west of Arusha. This farming tour will take you to a Chagga banana beer farm (see photo), several fruit and vegetables farms with a local guide. A chance to get an impression of farming in Africa and how the use of irrigation systems can improve income generation. Overnight stay in the Outpost.

Day 4
Transfer to the Usambara Mountains, where you will stay in Grant's Lodge, 20 km outside Lushoto. This spacious colonial-era home, perched on a beautiful green hillside, is a peaceful retreat with spacious and comfortable facilities. Treat yourself and relax in Grant’s private sauna.

Grants Lodge situated in the Usambara mountains

Day 5
Nature walks around Grant's Lodge, e.g. Bird or Waterfall walk, just two of the many available self-guiding trails and walks. Each one has a narrative, directions and a map. The area around Grant's is well known for its rich bird life, a real paradise for bird watchers. Overnight stay in Grant’s Lodge.

Day 6-7
Nature walk to Irente viewpoint, which is reached after couple of hours, provides spectacular views over Maasai plains almost 1000m below. On the way back you will visit Irente Farm for a lovely homemade lunch. Overnight stay in Grant's Lodge and return to Dar-es-Salaam.

Accommodation in Usambara Mountains

View from Irente overlooking the Maasia plains

Ethical & Environmental Principles

An approximate 1¼ hour (direct) or 2 hours (via Zanzibar) flight will take you from Dar-es-Salaam to Arusha.
Private taxi will take you from the airport to your accommodation. All other transfers are by luxury minibus.