Digital Detox in Usambara Mountains

Usambara mountains region is still underrated destination in Tanzania, which has so much to offer to nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts! On the other hand, not being flocked with tourists is the place where rural Tanzania comes out in all its beauty.

 

irente view cliff lodge lushoto review

 

Irente View Cliff Lodge is located in the heart of Usambara Mountains, right at the top of the massive cliff in Irente village on approx. 1600m, overlooking spectacular mountain peaks.

This was my second visit to Lushoto, Irente View Cliff Lodge and Usambara mountains. Nothing changed much since my last visit some years ago, not even room prices in the lodge.

 

irente view cliff lodge lushoto review

 

Sparing a few days at Irente Lodge will definitely recharge your batteries. A perfect place to go perhaps even digital detox for a few days.

 

You come to Irente View cliff lodge for several reasons. First and the foremost for outstanding views and due to location, an excellent base of any kind of  a trek or hike in the Usambara region.The Irente View Cliff lodge is great base for hikes in the area, going to Lushoto town or Magamba forest and other peaks nearby.

 

Lazy travellers will be delighted to know, the Irente View Cliff Lodge borders to Irente view cliff point view, which is only a few minutes away from the property.

 

 

irente view cliff lodge lushoto view point

 

Rooms With Superb Views of Usmabara Mountains

Some of the rooms are a bit outdated (style wise), but clean! During my visit there were renovations going on, they were refurnishing and upgrading some of the luxury rooms and updating the furniture. Bathrooms all have water heaters so hot water is not under the question here.

 

views from rooms in irente view cliff lodge

View from my room!

 

The common inside area is huge although a bit depressing and dull and could be turned into more African lodge atmosphere. The strongest side of each room in Irente View Cliff Lodge is that each room has a balcony with amazing views of surrounding neighbouring massive Usambara Mountains.

 

Rooms are very quiet at night where all you can hear are chirping birds and if you are lucky, a shy bush baby monkey will pass by your balcony. Since the area could be a bit chilly at nights, warm blankets are on disposal, so is a water cattle for making tea or coffee in the room. This applies to luxury rooms, but Irente View Cliff Lodge staff will be happy to bring it also to standard rooms, if requested.

irente view cliff lodge lushoto review rooms

 

There is also a place for camping on the property if you bring your own tent or come with a camper van.

 

Fresh Seasonal Food from The Village

Food is available from the menu that hasn’t changed from my last visit, and it is always freshly cooked, which means a little bit of waiting. Usually  Irente View Cliff Lodge staff  will come to the room and request an order beforehand in order to avoid waiting at the table.

 

 

irente view cliff lodge food

When food is ready they call you to the table. You can find everything for each taste. When there is avocado season I strongly recommend fresh avocado mango salad, that is one of the best I ate in Tanzania. Breakfast is included in the room price and comes with wide variety of food.

 

Yoghurts, bread, toast, sausages, potato, mandazi, corn flakes, fresh fruits, butter, jam, coffee, tea, fresh seasonal juice, all  version of eggs. Other meals are a la carte and of course prices are slightly higher for drinks and food than in Lushoto town.

 

 

lushoto market fresh food

 

Wifi in Irente View Cliff Lodge

There is free Wifi for guests of Irente View Cliff Lodge, which to be honest, I  didnt use much as  I had my local sim card and internet mobile bundle on my phone. Vodacom is the best choice for this region. It works well although signal might get weaker during the cloudy days and bad weather.

 

 

chameleons usambara mountains irente view cliff lodge

 

 

My days in Irente View Cliff Lodge passed by too quickly. Each day I hiked to different peaks in Usambara mountain range with my local guide James, so personally  I could stay there for a while without problems and explore even more.

Irente Lodge was tranquil cozy place to return to after a long day of walking and I cant tell how much I enoyed spending the rest of the evenings  on my balcony and just listen to the sounds of nature.

 

 

irente view cliff lodge lushoto tanzania

 

Hiking Usambara Mountains

Irente View Cliff Lodge is perfect base for hiking Usambara mountains. The Usambara region I hiked for three days and explored, reminded me on green Swiss forests, even the schools and shops and other facilities can be found in the lush green surroundings in the hills where locals live their life almost independently from Lushoto town.

 

 

hiking usambara mountains from lushoto

 

 

The beauty of Lushoto and area is that you can  as equally enjoy hiking Usambara mountain on short amount on time or spending days hiking and walking through the villages. It is possible to do hikes independently, but if not familiar with the area, it is strongly recommended to hire a local guide.

Having a local guide in Usambara wiil introduce you to many secret places that are harder to find!

Viewpoints and Waterfalls in Usambara Mountains

There is abundance of hiking options in Usambara mountains. Some peaks are easily reached by easy walking others need a bit more stamina, but all will reward you with stunning views of Tanzanian landscape!

  • Mombo viewpoint

 

  • Mkuzi waterfalls

 

  • Soni  waterfalls

 

  • Ndaekai view point

 

  • Kambe peak view

 

  • Mtae Peak

 

  • Magamba Forest
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Disclaimer: I was invited to stay at Irente View Cliff Lodge free of charge, but of course all opinions expressed are my own.

All pictures by Nina Zara

Irente View Cliff Lodge review