Attractions

Attractions

At Irente Biodiversity Reserve. The climate is temperate and cooler than on the plains (the height is 1,450 metres.) Just relax around the lodge and stroll on the reserve. Visit Irente School for the Blind, Rainbow School for mentally handicapped children, and Irente Orphanage, all situated within the Reserve.

You are welcome to visit the cheese and jam/juice making facilities as well visiting the cows. At Irente Biodiversity Reserve you can learn more about indigenous trees using a useful guidebook. Lushoto market on Thursdays and Sundays is a vibrant and colourful spectacle.

You can walk on your own to Irente View point which gives you wonderful views over the Mkomazi floodplains and is only 1.7 km away. Irente Biodiversity Reserve organizes guided tours in the Usambara Mountains with certified guides.

  • Magamba rain forest – The hike starts from Irente Farm Lodge and passes by a small waterfall, farmland, a village and an old german house before entering the Magamba forest reserve.The trail in the forest passes by an old cave built by the german colonial power as well as a viewpoint. Black-and-white colobus monkey and the West Usambara two-horned chameleon can be spotted amongst other animals. The walk takes about 6 hours roundtrip.

 

  • Kisasa waterfall – This walk takes you on paths and small roads from Irente Farm Lodge through village and farmland before descending down to the Kisasa waterfall. One alternative is to walk along the edge of the Usambara mountains, promising an impressive view on clear days. An alternative path passes by a grassy open area with a view of surrounding mountains suitable for picnics as well as old architecture from the colonial times. The walk takes about 4 hours down to Kisasa.

 

  • Mtae and Mlalo – These trips are 3-5 days and can be combined with catching the bus there or back.

 

  • Mkuzu water fall – It is a bit further away than Magamba forest.
  • Mazumbai is one of East Africa´s best preserved rainforests and well worth a visit. This is a two hour drive from Irente. You could do a combined walk/bus trip  there with a guide.
  • Benedictine Fathers of Sakarani is about a 40 minute drive from Irente. Walk on their property, and come away with wine and macadamia nuts.