Leaving the Moshi/Dar Es Salam main road to explore the tranquil rural villages in the Usambara Mountains, the climb to Mambo View Point Eco Lodge, is both challenging and spectacular with every turn.
Colorful scenes of almost ancient, traditional village life, contrasted by breathtaking views of vast valley expanses, lush natural forests, rich and productive agricultural slopes and lowlands, and picture-perfect mountain views of the Usambaras and the Para Mountains, both part of the Eastern ArcChain stretching far to the eastern coastline of Tanzania.
The historical township of Lushoto, a one hour upward, cliff hugging drive into the mountains, is central to villagers and visitors for general household commodities, health facilities, law enforcement and is the primary market place for the astonishing range of quality produce harvested by the village communities.
Stronghold of the German colonists during their reign in German East Africa, Lushoto today retains much of the German architecture and significant buildings, many now, repurposed, but some still in use.
We booked a jovial guide at the Tourist Information Centre, keen to share his knowledge of the once German hierarchy homes, the first police station, post office, hospital, and the gaol, still in use today.
Modest churches of many religions and quaintly beautiful Muslim Mosques reflect the multicultural harmony enjoyed by the local community today. We scrambled the overgrown German cemetery where many of the graves are now undetectable, lying side by side with their British counterparts.
The onward two hour’s drive to Mambo Village winds upward through tiny rural hubs bustling with bygone provision vendors, and children playing carefreely on every roadside corner with any piece of plastic rubbish available, and a good stick to twist, twirl or roll it down the hill.
Vegetation changes apparent with increasing altitude, most notably the huge number and variety of Australian Eucalypts lining the roadside and invading the natural forests. Introduced by the Germans as a companion plant for their coffee plantations, well known for their deep root system, a benefit in the over sodden mountainous terrain, but sadly today, seeding freely and inhibiting natural plant species.
Mambo View Point Eco Lodge perched solidly atop an expansive cliff face, boasts unforgettable captures of stunning African sunsets, and the morning sunrise where Kilimanjaro can be spotted above the cloud line from your bed if you’re too comfortable to venture out.
Despite the altitude, the climate is noticably tropical with resplendent sun, blue morning skies and often, balmy nights. With a variety of independent accommodation huts, back packer’s dormitory and hiker’s tents with shared bathroom facilities, the lodge has something for every traveller. A local meal can be enjoyed in the restaurant or outdoor cooking facilities are available. Solar power, purified and non-purified spring water usage are all features of this environmentally friendly vista.
Habitation of the Usambaras is estimated to go back 1.5 million years with a number of archaeological sites near Mambo View Point Eco Lodge confirming this. Sites can be visited, along with a bunch of other fascinating attractions to please nature lovers, hikers, and adventure seekers. Or, just kick back with a local craft beer (legacy of the Germans) and enjoy the view.
Spectacular beyond words, the Usambara region is, sadly one of the most underdeveloped areas in Tanzania. The visible poverty is heartbreaking. Mambo village has a population of approximately 5000, of which 2000 are primary school age. The average income in Mambo is estimated at $1 US per day. Across the mountains, it is estimated, 50% of the population is under 12 years old.
The lodge works extensively within the local communities, and has over 70 active projects benefiting poor families by encouraging self-help, entrepreneurial skills, and independence. The lodge has an active policy to discourage dependency on begging and taking handouts. Their Goal, to enhance the quality of life of local people, by trade, education, transfer of knowledge and capacity building.
Accommodation Tariffs Provide Necessary Funding
A percentage of our accommodation tariff at the lodge will assist this Social Enterprise to bring hope where it is so badly needed. if you would like to know more, or find a way to help, there are many NGO’s and support organisations working on the ground in the Unsambara Region like www.MamboViewPoint.org or email welcome@mamboviewpoint.org
Fair World foundation, an Australian based NGO is working on the ground in villages in the Usambara Mountains to reduce poverty and bring hope https://www.fairworldfoundation.com or email hello@fairworldfoundation.com
Alternatively, I am always seeking financial support to assist my programs reducing intergenerational poverty and transforming lives through improving education outcomes where help is needed https://www.onelovetanzania.com/shop
Travel Experiences in Tanzania
Usambara is just one of the amazing natural experiences in Tanzania. To read more about the experiences and things you can do while holidaying in the area please visit our Cultural Experiences Page.
For information about the Lion King Homestay your Tanzanian home away from home, placing you in the heart of African life, please visit our Lion King Homestay Experience.
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