The Pare Mountains, located north of the Usambara Mountains in northeastern Tanzania, are a mountain range. The mountains are part of the Kilimanjaro Region administratively. The North and South Pare mountain ranges, which climb to 2,463 meters at Shengena Peak, are separated by a valley. They are part of the mountain range known as the Eastern Arc. The Pare are a group of people that dwell in the region.

The hidden gems of the Pare Mountains, which are part of the Eastern Arc range in north-eastern Tanzania, is immensely rewarding for keen trekkers looking for off-the-beaten-path trekking tracks. A hike through the Pare Mountains takes visitors through local villages and beautiful forests, as well as provides an opportunity to explore a less-visited part of the country. Home to the Pare tribe, agriculturalists, and pastoralists who have largely retained their traditional way of life, a hike through the Pare Mountains takes visitors through local villages and beautiful forests, as well as providing an opportunity to explore a less-visited part of the country.

The Pare Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, an isolated series of ancient massifs stretching from the Taita Hills in southeastern Kenya to Tanzania, where it comprises the Pare Mountains, East, and West Usambara, and the Ulugurus near Morogoro, as well as the Udzungwa Mountains.

The Eastern Arc area’s steep crystalline ridges and summits are significantly older and geologically distinct from Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. The existing ranges began to develop 100 million years ago and reached their current form 25 million years ago, at the commencement of the Miocene Epoch.
The southern Pare Mountains are about 150 kilometers south of Moshi in the Kilimanjaro Region. The mountains appear bleak and lonely from the plains below, but as you begin climbing the slopes, you will be treated to one of Africa’s most unique landscapes. Small green river basins sit between gigantic lonely cliffs, where farmers have created beautiful stone terraces.

 

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Shengena Peak

Shengena Peak standing at 2,462m is the second highest peak in the Kilimanjaro Region, after Mt Kilimanjaro. It is located in northwest of the Chome Forest reserve. From Shengena Peak, visitors can be rewarded by spectacular views of Mkomazi National Park, the North Pare Mountains, Taita Hills, and even Mt Meru. The forest is a water catchment area for Same Town and the irrigation schemes in the adjacent lowlands.

Hiking the Pare Mountains

Flora & Fauna of Pare Mountains

The Pare Mountains are. a natural habitat teeming with various plant and animal species. The Pare Mountains are can be accessed by 4×4 vehicles and jeeps, however, the South Pares have a limited road network. The indigenous South Pare white-eye (Zosterops winifredae), mountain buzzard (Buteo oreophilus), olive woodpecker (Mesopicos griseocephalus), moustached tinkerbird (Pogoniulus leucomystax), and African hill babbler are all found in the Pare highlands (Pseudoalcippe abyssinica).

The Chome forest reserve, a lush tropical forest with numerous uncommon trees and flora, sits atop the mountains. The forest is a haven of relaxation, beauty, and fresh air. Visitors may easily travel through the forest for a whole day without encountering anybody. The neighboring communities are among Tanzania’s most remote, and the locals have maintained their traditional Pare culture throughout history. From one settlement to the next, narrow footpaths zigzag across the highlands.

Hiking the Pare Mountains

Hiking the Pare Mountains in Tanzania cannot be compared to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Meru for that matter, but still, it is not a stroll in the park. You will find the Pare Mountain hikes exciting and sweat-breaking at the same time.

  • A stroll into the Chome forest reserve, a 100-square-kilometer tropical jungle.
  • A hike to Shengena Peak, the highest peak in the Pare and Usambara ranges.
  • A glimpse into Pare culture (old stories, traditional dances)
  • A visit to many community development initiatives (irrigation, soil conservation, afforestation)

A stay in the Southern Pare Mountains is ideal for combining with a trip to the Mkomazi Game Reserve, which offers game drives and walking safaris.

4 Days Pare Mountains Hiking Itinerary

Below is a detailed itinerary for hiking the Pare Mountains in 4 days 3 nights.

Day 1: After breakfast and a general briefing at Elephant Motel, we head for Mbagga Village by public bus or private car, where you will arrive for evening activities and dinner at Tona Lodge. Before returning to Tona Lodge for the night, you will explore this area by seeing a waterfall and going on a hill hike to Malimeni Rock. From Same town to Mbagga village, it takes 1.5 hours by public bus and 1 hour by private automobile.

Day 2: Depart Tona Lodge in Mbagga village at 1,500 meters for Chome village after breakfast. Hiking time: 6 hours Dinner and stay in Chome village (1,900 mt). Overnight homestays or hostels are available.

Day 3: Depart Chome village at 5:00 a.m. towards Shengena Peak, 2,463 meters above sea level. Your lunch will be provided at Chome village after you have ascended for 6 hours and descended for 4 hours. Sleep in Chome village or by private vehicle to Same Elephant Motel for supper and overnight at Same Elephant Motel in Same town.

If you choose to spend your third night in Chome village after climbing Shengenena Peak, you will be able to participate in the following evening activities: cultural tourism activities at Namoche cliff, Holy forests, Chome waterfall, Pare traditional dance, and Pare history from a storyteller during Pare traditional dance.

Day 4: Depart early in the morning from Chome village for a visit to the Same Centre for Masai culture and a tour to the bomas. This event lasts around 3-4 hours before returning to Elephant Motel for lunch. After lunch, travel for Moshi or another location, bringing the Pare Mountains tour to a close.

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