Great trekking in the western Usambara Mountains
We booked a three-day trip to the western Usambara Mountains with Toto Africa Adventures, and the experience was incredible from start to finish. The transportation to Lushoto was smooth, punctual, and comfortable. On our first day, we visited the breathtaking Kisasa Waterfalls, and our guide, Daniel, was exceptional. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and physically capable of keeping up with the pace. He took care of everything, answered all our questions, and showed us so much about the region and its culture—we truly learned a lot.
Our first accommodation at Juu Pazuri was phenomenal, with beautiful rooms and a stunning view. The trekking was a bit more challenging than we had anticipated based on other reviews. On the first day, we covered about 25 km and 1,100 meters of elevation, according to my fitness tracker, though there was an option to do 36 km (elevation not specified). We passed through Magamba and KJ Forest, ending at Lukozi, where we stayed overnight at Bushbaby Camps. The rooms were very basic, but there was a warm shower. We slept in a tent inside a house, which was fine, though a bit unexpected.
The next day, after breakfast, we hiked to Chombolo Peak (the first peak in West Usambara), followed by lunch in Rangwi. We stayed overnight at the convent there and even participated in an atmospheric church service. This day’s hike was estimated at around 15 km with 500-600 meters of elevation. The monastery accommodations were very simple, but the food was hearty and delicious. Although there was no running water, hot water was brought to us to take a bucket shower.
On the third day, we hiked through Shagayu Forest to Mabugayi and then to Magumba Camps, where we visited the spectacular Mambo View Point. This day’s trek was estimated at 15 km with 300-400 meters of elevation. The Magumba Camps had beautiful rooms with hot showers and an amazing view.
The whole hike itself was varied and scenic, making for an enjoyable end to our adventure. To top it all off, the staff were extremely helpful and even assisted us when we had some problems afterwards—they went above and beyond to take care of us. We highly recommend Toto Africa Adventures if you're looking for a versatile trekking tour with great service and an unforgettable experience!
September 16, 2024
Unprompted review