More Details on Amani Nature Reserve: African Violet Walking Safari

Located about 45 kilometers from Tanga Town, Amani Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful places in Tanzania. See for yourself! Simply click on each image tile to launch a larger version of each photo.

Featuring a rich array of vegetation and wildlife, well-established hiking routes make walking a breeze for all ages. It has been declared one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world, containing a high concentration of endemic species. About 3,400 various species of vegetation have been recorded in ths area, including about 650 different species of trees. Around 350 species of birds live in the East Usambara Forest, many of them rare and endangered. You will hear, but perhaps not glimpse, the songs of various birds, cicada, tree frogs, and crickets.

We recommend a guided hike, so you can hear first-hand about the medicinal and other uses of various plants by the local people. In addition to a rich array of nature, you will also encounter amazing views of waterfalls and the Lwrenga Valley.

Of the 23 species of African violets, 19 of them are found in Tanzania (the other four are in Kenya). In Amani, it is possible to see four of the nineteen Tanzanian species. Several hikes ranging from ten minutes to four hours can be taken around Zigi or the Amani Nature Center to view the violets. All of the hikes pass through the beautiful rain forests.

You can take also arrange a night walk in the Forest, so you can hear the sounds of the forest when nature is most active, at dusk and dawn.

Sites of Interest

The Vistor's Center is a short walk from the Sigi Guesthouse. It provides information on the local flora and fauna, and provides seed samples as well as exhibits of local crafts.

The Amani Butterfly Project office is located about 2km past the Reserve headquarters. The live exhibit houses hundreds of the East Usambara Mountain's most beautiful butterflies. The project sells farmed butterflies.

Approximate Travel Times to Amani Nature Reserve:
From Arusha: Five to six hours
From Moshi: Five hours
From Dar: Four hours
From Lushoto: Two to three hours