IRENTE VIEWPOINT LUSHOTO, USAMBARA MOUNTAINS
Irente viewpoint is one of the most scenic places in Tanzania, with a breathtaking view of Mafia Mountain and the Maasai plains. It has been said that the place has the best views of Tanzania, and it well deserves the name. The viewpoint is in the West Usambara mountains range and despite its beauty it has remained an off the beaten path destination in Tanzania.
I have spent several months in Lushoto town and have taken all routes, tours, and modes of transport to Irente viewpoint and used to go there to sunbathe waiting for sunset and I will share with you all the best advice for you to make the best of your visit to his place in this guide.
You will find here some photos of my visit to this point and a video where you can appreciate the magnificent views. Let’s jump into this guide.
TIP: The best way to visit Irente viewpoint is on a local guided tour, that will take you on a hike out of the main road through villages and some local attractions. Bakari Hoya was my guide during most of my time in Tanzania and you can Whatsapp him on +255655385109 and read his trip advisor reviews here.
ABOUT IRENTEVIEWPOINT
Irente viewpoint is scenic panorama point located in the West Usambara mountains in Tanzania. It offers some stunning panoramic views over the surrounding area. You can see lush green valleys, rolling hills and some other mountain ranges. The viewpoint is well known for its stunning sunrise, sunsets and it is a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers. It is also one of the most popular things to do in Lushoto for tourists.
One of the most remarkable features about the viewpoint is a dramatic drop-off of more than 1000 meters, where the land seems to sink into the abyss below. The edge of the drop-off is a vertigo inducing experience that needs to be taken with precaution.
I have seen people sitting at the edge, but I have personally never got too close to it, as it seems quite dangerous to me. But you can still sit on one of the sides where there is an intermediate step where to rest your feet and still get a nice photo and enjoy the view.
Irente viewpoint is also a place to relax and unplug from the stresses of life. There is some grass close to it where you can sit in meditation or for sunbathing and absorb in your being the immense beauty of the surrounding. I have used to go there just to lie down in the Sun and wait for sunset while reading a book.
There is a cave beneath the viewpoint from where you can also watch the abyss.
IRENTEVIEWPOINT VIDEO
Find here the video that I recorded during one of my visits to Irente viewpoint that includes a footage of the cave under it:
WHERE IS IRENTEVIEW POINT
Irente viewpoint is in the West Usambara mountains very close to Lushoto town, inside the Irente biodiversity reserve. I am sharing a pin with the location. But again, I do not recommend you using Google Maps to go there as it will bring you through a tarmac road which is not interesting and sometimes GPS gets lost, trust me, I have done the path many times during my more than 4 months stay in Lusotho. The best way to reach the point is through the intricate hiking trails that pass by the Shambaa villages is with a local guide.
GETTING A LOCAL GUIDE TO VISIT IRENTEVIEWPOINT
Getting a local guide will not only enhance your experience but will also support the local community and you will contribute your grain of sand to eradicating poverty in the area.
The tour guides in Lushoto were all born there, and they can tell you all the secrets about the area, show you the hidden spots, spot a bunch of chameleons for you, and you will get a truly cultural immersive experience at the same time than spotting some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Tanzania.
Bakari Hoya was my guide during most of my time in Tanzania and you can Whatsapp him on +255655385109 and read his trip advisor reviews here. He can bring you to the viewpoint of put you in contact with some of the best guides in the area when not available.
MY EXPERIENCE AT IRENTE VIEWPOINT
As someone who has spent several months in Lushoto and has been countless times at the viewpoint I can say my experience has been unforgettable and I cannot wait to be back in my beloved Lushoto one more time and see the sunset from this memorable place.
The first time I walked to the viewpoint I felt in love with the place. I have done the hike to the viewpoint several times and combined it with different activities in the area and sometimes I have just simply taken a “boda boda” (motorbike) for a quick trip there and spot the sunset.
There is always a group of people congregated at sunset time there and sometimes local people showing you chameleons and joking.
IRENTE VIEWPOINT ENTRANCE FEE
The entrance fee for Irente Viewpoint is 2,000 Tanzanian Shillings, approximately 1$. However, guests staying at Irente View Cliff Lodge enjoy complimentary entrance.
There is a small kiosk available where you can pay the fee, the fee is used to help with the village development and supports the community intiiatives.
THE IRENTE VIEWPOINT HIKE
You can just do the Irente Viewpoint hike and get from Lushoto center and back walking or by motorbike, and this will take you half a day or you can add some cultural stops along the way, and this is when your visit will get fun.
The hike will take you from Lushoto center to first Maguzoni village where there is a crossroads that will lead you into the Irente biodiversity reserve, where you will cross some local villages across the lush green trees. The Usambara mountains are famous for their color changing chameleons and you will most likely be able to spot some of them on the way. These local guides have magical eyes to find them as they use to play with them when little kids.
I am going to highlight here the main activities that you can do in combination with your Irente Viewpoint here. Most of the activities here are on the way to the viewpoint and they will make your hike a much more enjoyable and cultural experience. You can arrange your customize experience with
- TRADITIONAL HEALER VISIT: There is a traditional healer in almost every village in Tanzania and there are some very good ones on the way to the ViewPoint. A visit to the healer house will help you understanding the knowledge about indigenous healing plants, that the local people still use, their rituals and how they treat ailments and help people ged rid of such things as the evil eye. Most of this visits include a healing session and some drums rituals.
- JAVA AND KAMBE VIEWPOINTS: These two viewpoints are not that famous but still well worth a visit. Visiting the three viewpoints in one day is quite a strenuous hike and you need to be physically fit. The first time I visited Irente Viewpoint I did the three in one day and although an unforgettable experience I ended up exhausted.
- ViSIT A SUGAR CANE BEER FACTORY: This is a fun visit and there are several sugar cane beer factories spread along the area close the trails to the point. Local people have a very fun way of making a beverage they call beer but that tastes like some kind of liquor and has orange color. The drink is quite strong, so I suggest leaving it for the last moments of the day. There are usually local people enjoying a drink at the tables around the brewery and it is a fun experience to have.
- BIRDWATCHING: The Usambara mountains are a biodiversity hotspot and there are many bird watching opportunities in the area. This website lists the last birds spotted around Lushoto. There are many birdwatching opportunities on the hiking trails to the point and your guide will be able to bring you to the right spots.
- COFFEE PLANTATION: There are some coffee plantations in the area where you can visit the plants and taste some local coffee, just to give you the final push to reach the point.
WHERE TO STAY TO VISIT IRENTE VIEWPOINT
While I recommend you stay close to Lushoto center as it is here where all the local live happens there are a couple of well worth places to stay very close to the Irente Viewpoint. For my top picks or where to stay in town check my things to do in Lushoto guide.
These are the two places to stay inside the Irente biodiversity reserve:
- Irente Cliff Lodge: The Irente Cliff Lodge has incredible views over the Massai plains, and it is just at the entrance of the viewpoint so you will be on time to watch the sunrise in the morning. This is a mid-range type of accommodation with modest prices.
- Irente Farm: This is just such a cute place to stay with a wonderful terrace and very close to some hiking trails into the forest. It is located 2 Km walking from the viewpoint.
WHERE TO EAT CLOSE TO IRENTE VIEWPOINT
There some very local places where you can buy some rice with veggies around and on the way to the Viewpoint, that serve some rice with meat or veggies or some samosas. However, most people will eat at Irente Farm when doing the hike, it is a tradition in the area.
The most popular dish and what most tour guides will offer you is a hike including the Farm Lunch at Irente Farm that consists of a selection of delicate cheese, some fruits and salad served on a terrace with some great views and a great atmosphere.
Irente Cliff also offers some meals and I have enjoyed dinner on their terrace after watching the sunset.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Irente Viewpoint is a hidden gem in Tanzania, and it will enthrall you with its stunning scenery and serene atmosphere. Beyond the natural beauty it is an oasis for those seeking solitude and peace.
A visit to this place is a reminder to slow down and reconnect with nature.
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