While on a hike in the Usambara mountains, either in Magamba forest around Lushoto or in Shagayu Cloud forest near Mambo you have a high chance of meeting a curious creature – the West Usambara two-horned chameleon.
Meet the dragon!
is a rare and endemic chameleon species found exclusively in the West Usambara Mountains of Tanzania. This fascinating reptile is known for its distinctive two horn-like protrusions on its head, which are more prominent in males. It thrives in the rain forests of the region, blending perfectly with its lush green surroundings. Like other chameleons, it has independent eye movement, a prehensile tail, and the ability to change color for camouflage and communication.
Boy or girl?
The easiest way to spot a chameleon is on a sunny day. As cold-blooded animals they enjoy the sunshine and step out of their hiding places in the depth of the bushes and trees. You can even see them trying cross the road, so be careful while driving in the Usambara mountains. Especially on the way from Lushoto town to Lukozi, as the road goes via the Magamba rain forest. If you’re lucky to encounter one of those magical animals, do you know how to tell if it’s a female or a male? Easy! girls have just tiny, almost symbolic horns, while the gents have long and distinctive ones.
What does “Uvi” mean?
Even though Swahili is the national language in Tanzania, the every day spoken language in the Usambaras is Kisambaa, the tongue of Sambaa people. “Uvi” means exactly that – chameleon. Both our foundation: Uvi Foundation for Education and the hotel Uvi House &Restaurant are named after this mysterious creature, as our tress and garden are full of them. We also wanted to honor our local culture and language because we deeply believe in their importance in our future.
If you need a little more information about the Usambara mountains or Tanzania in general
