Usambara Mountain Magic

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 1: Arusha/Kilimanjaro to Mambo Village (Drive+Hiking)

Overnight: Mambo View Point EcoLodge
Meals: L, D
Approx. Drive Time: 4 hours

Day 2: Mambo Village to Muller Mountain Lodge

Biking Distance: 37mi / 61km
Overnight: Muller’s Mountain Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Muller Mountain Lodge  to Bomba area.

Biking Distance: 26mi / 42km
Overnight: Nilo Nature Reserve Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Bombo area to Amani Nature Forest Reserve

Biking Distance: 23mi / 38km
Overnight: Emau Hill Forest Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Amani Nature Reserve to Pangani

Biking Distance: 48mi / 78km
Overnight: Emayani Beach Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Pangani

Day at leisure to enjoy the beach and ocean.
Overnight: Emayani Beach Lodge.
Meals: B

Day 7: Pangani to Kilimanjaro (Drive) – Departure

Depart mid-morning for the six-hour drive back to Kilimanjaro to catch your flight home or continue on to your next adventure. Lunch en route.
Meals: B, L

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Kilimanjaro to Mambo Village

Journey from Kilimanjaro to the edge of the Usambara Mountains, where you’ll be welcomed by breathtaking scenery, cool mountain air, winding trails, and charming villages. For those seeking a bit more adventure, an optional four-hour hike takes you from the base of the escarpment up to the ridgeline, arriving at Mambo View Point EcoLodge, perched at 1,900 meters. From this stunning location, take in panoramic views of the Pare Mountains, Mkomazi National Park, and even Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Overnight: Mambo View Point Eco Lodge
Meals: L, D
Approx. Drive Time: 4 hours

Day 2: Mambo Village to Muller Mountain Lodge

Today’s route meanders through vibrant green valleys and peaceful rural communities, eventually arriving in Shume — once a German colonial station, where many old buildings remain preserved and in use. After Shume, riders face two extended uphill stretches through wooded mountain ridges, followed by a thrilling downhill ride into a bustling, closely settled valley.

Overnight: Muller’s Mountain Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Biking Distance: 37mi / 61km

Day 3: Muller Mountain Lodge  to Bomba area.

The journey kicks off with a tough uphill ride on a rugged dirt path that climbs into thick forest, soon revealing wide, breathtaking views. A lengthy downhill section follows, passing through quiet villages scattered along the mountain slopes. Cyclists then ride along ridgelines with smooth descents that lead into green, fertile valleys. The day finishes with a demanding 5.5 km uphill stretch along the mountainside. You can wrap up the ride in Bumbuli (42 km), or push on for an extra 15 km to reach Funta. From there, bikes are loaded onto a trailer for a 50 km drive across the dry and dusty Lwengera Valley. The evening is spent camping at a remote site near the entrance to Nilo Nature Reserve.

Overnight: Nilo Nature Reserve Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Biking Distance: 26mi / 42km

Day 4: Bombo area to Amani Nature Forest Reserve

The journey begins on a rough path cutting through the thick woodlands of Nilo Nature Reserve, gradually opening up to sweeping views of the eastern Usambara landscape. Cyclists ride along a ridge that weaves between remote villages, shaded forests, and expansive tea farms nestled on steep hillsides. A lengthy descent brings you into the heart of Amani Nature Reserve, followed by a steady climb up to Emau Hill Camp

Overnight: Emau Hill Forest Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Biking Distance: 23mi / 38km

Day 5: Amani Nature Reserve to Pangani

This is the longest day of cycling, but the route trends mostly downhill. The ride starts with an easy descent through vibrant tropical forest before reaching Muheza, a lively town that serves as the entry point to the coastal lowlands. Crossing the paved highway signals a dramatic shift—from lush highland vegetation to the dry, sandy plains near the coast. The salty breeze of the ocean becomes more noticeable, and the influence of Swahili culture grows stronger as the Indian Ocean nears. The day concludes on flat terrain, ending at Emayani Beach Lodge —an ideal place to relax and unwind by the water.

Overnight: Emayani Beach Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Biking Distance: 48mi / 78km

Day 6: Pangani

A full day of relaxation at Emayani Beach Lodge. Enjoy the pristine beach, swim in the Indian Ocean, or explore the local fishing village.

Overnight: Emayani Beach Lodge.
Meals: B

Day 7: Pangani to Kilimanjaro – Departure

A six-hour drive returns you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, with lunch en route. Depart for your next adventure or flight home.

Meals: B, L

PRICE:

Inclusions

✔ All accommodations (3 nights in lodges, 3 nights camping)
✔All meals as indicated (B, L, D)
✔Bottled or filtered water, coffee, teas, cocoa
✔Services of trip leader, camping crew, and support vehicle
✔Use of  mountain bicycles and helmets
✔All camping and dining equipment
✔Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Moshi, or Arusha

Exclusions

❌ Tips and gratuities for guides, crew, or staff
❌ Cold drinks and alcohol
❌ Extra accommodations and meals due to airline schedule changes or inability to complete the ride
❌ Pre-trip expenses (immunizations, travel insurance, passports, visas)
❌ International airfare and airport departure taxes
❌ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)

Disclaimer
At Rocky Africa Experience, we are committed to offering fair and transparent pricing based on the current costs and supplier rates at the time of booking. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible experience while maintaining the highest standards of service. However, please note that trip prices may be subject to change if there are adjustments in fuel costs, park fees (such as those set by TANAPA), exchange rates, or supplier charges from hotels, lodges, camps, or airlines. In such cases, we may kindly request a small additional payment to cover the difference. We truly appreciate your understanding and will always keep you informed of any necessary updates. Thank you for choosing Rocky Africa Experience — we look forward to sharing an unforgettable journey with you.