Exploring the secret beauty of Magamba Nature Forest Reserve
Magamba is the largest forest remaining in the West Usambara Mountains. Magamba Nature Forest Reserve extends in altitude from 1,650 meters above the sea to 2,300 meters above the sea level at Kwahondo Peak. The forest is an important water catchment area, with some 28 streams and five dams. Magamba Nature Forest Reserve was established by upgrading the conservation status of Magamba Forest Reserve in 2016. The reserve covers an area of about 9,283.9 hackers. More so this stunning reserve is surrounded by 21 villages.
Climate
The reserve receives an annual rainfall is 1,200 mm, with long rains from mid-March to May and short rains between October and December. Temperatures range from 15 degrees Celsius – 21 degrees Celsius from June to September up to 25 – 30 degrees Celsius between October and December.
Tourist attraction found in Magamba Nature Forest Reserve
Wildlife
The West Usambara Mountains hold 29 of the 136 vertebrate species that are endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains. They are fifth in importance after the Udzungwa, Uluguru, East Usambara, and Nguru mountains with respect to their diversity of Eastern Arc Mountain endemic vertebrates. A total of 6 species that’s to say (1 bird, 1 reptile and 4 amphibians) are restricted to the West Usambara Mountains, of which one endangered bird species, the Usambara akalat, is recorded only from Magamba Nature Forest Reserve. 24 threatened vertebrates are recorded in the West Usambara Mountains, 8 of which are found in Magamba Nature Forest Reserve
Some of the wildlife found in the reserve such as Animals include bush-pig, black and white Colobus monkeys, rabbits, antelope and squirrels whereas; reptiles include chameleons, lizards, and snakes. The reserve is also a dwell for a number of insects such as butterflies, ants, beetles, millipedes, and centipede species
Bird species in Magamba Nature Forest Reserve
Magamba Nature Forest Reserve is also home to varieties of birds species including swifts, Usambara nightjar, Usambara eagle owl, White-tailed ant-thrush, African thrush, Usambara thrush, Usambara akalat, Usambara sunbird, Black-billed weaver, African Dusky Flycatcher, green barbet, southern citril, amethyst sunbird, crowned eagle, short-tailed batis, square-tailed drongo, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Shelley’s greenbul, black-headed mountain greenbul, evergreen-forest warbler and Compact weaver.
Vegetation
Magamba Nature Forest Reserve is comprised of montane to upper montane forests. Wet montane forests are dominated by camphor trees, Ocotea usambarensis and Taberna Montana physeptone. Associated tree species include Macaranga conglomerata, Albizia gummifera and Prunus Africana with Dracaena afromontana and Pavetta abyssinica consisting mainly of cedar (Juniperus procera), with a thick shrub understorey of Teclea and Catha species. Other vegetation types include grasslands and shrublands, with heather and Philippia sp.
Visiting Magamba Nature Reserve
The nearest town is Lushoto. At Magamba Nature Forest Reserve there are nature trails and driving/walking routes enabling visitors to enjoy the scenery and biodiversity. There are two campsites: Kigulu Hakwewa and Skyline. Tents and sleeping bags can be hired from the reserve headquarters. There is also a range of hotels, lodges, and guest houses in, and around, Lushot the understorey. Dry montane forest occurs and
Tourist activities to do at Magamba Nature Forest Reserve
Bird Watching
Magamba Nature Forest Reserve is home to a wide range of endemic, rare and endangered bird species. Birdwatching in the reserve is mostly conducted on Grewal Kwehondo and Sekomu trails. During your bird-watching tour, you will have the chance to spot birds such as owls, swifts, Usambara nightjar, Usambara eagle owl, White-tailed ant-thrush, African thrush, Usambara thrush and Usambara Akala among others
Rock climbing
Lager part of Magamba Nature Forest Reserve features breathtaking rock cliffs that rise dramatically from the landscape of the Usambara Mountains. This region boasts ancient geological formations, with numerous rock outcrops perfect for rock climbing within the Magamba Nature Forest Reserve. Notable climbing spots include Irente-Kambe, Jiwe La Mungu, and Kwehondo Cliff each offering unique and adventurous experiences for tourists
Night walk
Night walking is becoming very popular nowadays with most visitors. It is permitted to conduct a night walk in Magamba Nature Forest Reserve and one can ask for a ranger from the reserve or book a local tour guide who can offer a night walk inside Magamba Nature Forest Reserve. During these walks, you have the chance to spot a variety of birds, animals, reptiles, and amphibians that are more active at night.
For an unforgettable experience, consider combining your night walks with a visit to one of the nearby peaks such as Kwehondo Peak, Kambe, and Jiwe la Mungu viewpoints.
Skydiving and skyline
Through several mountain peaks found in Magamba Nature Forest skydiving can well be arranged and enjoyed through parachutes and skyline. The best peaks which can be used for skydiving include Kwehondo Peak 2170 meters above sea level. Tourists can also enjoy a ride with a skyline from Shume area to Mkumbara Tembo Chipboard Industry. Skydiving can also be conducted in other parts of the mountains such as Kwegole peak in Lushoto and Ndekai Cliff in Lushoto town.
Visiting the Grewal dam
Magamba Nature Forest Reserve is a forested catchment boasting stunning hydrological features that supplies water for domestic, agriculture,al and industrial purposes to many towns in both the highlands and lowland areas of the Usambara Mountains. Within the reserve, you can find an array of Hydrological elements including small dams, waterfalls, rivers, and water streams. The Grewal Dam is a perfect place for canoeing, boating and fishing activities.
Cultural tours
While on a Tanzania safari in Magamba Nature Forest Reserve, visitors can explore notable sites such Kigulu Hakwewa Peak, Old German skyline at Shume Nywelo, the remnant of German buildings in shume nywelo village including an old steamed engine sawmill and buildings at Grewal area.
Visitors can visit ritual houses at Kwazumbe-Kitala Kikuu, Kwembago Royal Village, Kinko Village, and Jiwe la Mungu. Tourists can also visit traditional healers and partake in traditional dances in preparation for local brew in the surrounding villages. More so tourists can visit farms, livestock keeping, pot making, markets, primary and secondary schools, and churches within adjacent villages. Additionally, German graves can be found in Lushoto town, offering a poignant glimpse into the area’s historical connections.
How to get to Magamba Nature Forest Reserve
Magamba Nature Forest Reserve can be reached by private self-drive car or by taking public coaches plying the route of Dar es Salaam City and Lushoto, 339.3 kilometers. Visitors from Arusha City 310.8 kilometers have to come up to Lushoto town then proceed to Magamba head Office some 9 kilometers away.
Accommodations facilities
In Magamba Nature Forest Reserve there are Camping sites available. Other accommodations like hotels, lodges, and rest houses are available in Lushoto town about 9 kilometers away.
