The Usambara Mountains of northeastern Tanzania in tropical East Africa comprise the easternmost ranges of the Eastern Arc Mountains. The ranges of approximately 90 kilometres long and about half that wide, are situated in the Lushoto District of the Tanga Region. They were formed nearly two million years ago by faulting and uplifting, and are composed of Precambrian metamorphic rocks.
The mountains are clad in virgin tropical rainforest and historically were inhabited by Bantu, Shambaa and Masai people.
Today the population of the Usambara Mountain region has one of the highest growth rates and highest density of people. Most of the inhabitants are subsistence farmers.
There are still many places that attract visitors looking for and experience beyond developed tourist resorts. These include the town of Lushoto, the once populate German resort Amani Nature Reserve and the Mazumbai University Forest, which is considered the last example of a pristine tropical forest in the East Usambaras. The Amani Nature Reserve is made up of lush cool forest and is teaming with rare birds. Thirteen species of birds are registered on the list of threatened species.
