View point in Mambo village
Mambo village in the Western Usambara mountains offers one of the most spectacular view points, not only in Tanzania - but in all of East Africa
The Mambo view point, perched at the edge of the dramatic cliffs in Mambo village, is one of the most scenic spots in the Western Usambara Mountains. Situated at 1894 meters above sea level, it offers expansive, panoramic views that stretch across mountains, valleys, and lowland plains. From here, visitors can spot nearby villages located on the Masai plains like Mkundi Mbaru and Mkundi Mtae, as well as the glistening surface of Ndungu Lake, surrounded by lush rice paddies that trace the contours of the land. On clear days, the view even extends to Mkomazi National Park and the hazy outline of Mount Kilimanjaro far to the north.
The view point is located within the grounds of Uvi House & Restaurant, a community-based guesthouse focused on sustainability and local empowerment. Despite being on private land, the view point is open to the public and free to visit, inviting everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Whether early in the morning, at sunset, or under a sky full of stars, the Mambo view point provides an unforgettable window into one of Tanzania’s most enchanting highland regions—where nature, culture, and history come together in one breathtaking landscape.
Ndungu lake
The Ndungu Lake, visible from the Mambo view point, is not a natural lake but an impressive example of human ingenuity and adaptation to the mountainous environment of northeastern Tanzania. It was artificially created during the German colonial era in the early 20th century as part of a large-scale water management and irrigation project. The aim was to support agriculture in the drier lowland plains by capturing and storing water from seasonal rains and mountain runoff. By building an earth dam, colonial engineers were able to form a reservoir that would provide a reliable source of water for irrigation, especially for growing rice, which remains a staple crop in the region to this day.
Over the decades, the lake has continued to serve local communities, sustaining not only agriculture but also livestock and small-scale fishing. Surrounded by wide expanses of vibrant rice fields, Lake Ndungu has become an essential part of the regional landscape, both economically and visually. From the Mambo view point, the lake appears like a silver mirror nestled in the valley below, a striking contrast to the forested slopes and steep cliffs of the Usambara highlands. Its history adds another layer of significance to the view—reminding visitors of the deep connection between the land, its people, and their resilience.
Pare mountains
From the Mambo view point, the distant Pare Mountains stretch across the western horizon, offering a stunning backdrop to the wide, dry plains that lie between them and the Usambaras. Rising gently in comparison to the sharper cliffs of the Usambara Mountains, the Pares possess a quiet, mystical beauty. Their slopes are adorned with ancient terraced farmlands, dense patches of forest, and hidden waterfalls that have shaped both the landscape and the lives of the Pare people, who have lived here for generations with deep cultural ties to the mountains.
For visitors, the Pare Mountains offer a growing number of off-the-beaten-path tourist attractions. Hikers can explore scenic trails that pass through traditional villages and sacred groves, while cultural tours offer insight into the region’s unique customs, architecture, and storytelling traditions. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, with both endemic and migratory species inhabiting the forests, riverine thickets, and highland scrub. Birders often spot species such as the African black swift, Hartlaub’s turaco, and various sunbirds along the ridge lines and valley forests.
Another remarkable feature of the Pare landscape is its dramatic rock formations, some of which hold cultural significance or are used as natural viewpoints and landmarks. These ancient rock outcrops, shaped over millennia, offer panoramic views and are often used for local rituals or as picnic spots for visitors. Combined with its rich biodiversity, serene environment, and welcoming communities, the Pare Mountains are a hidden gem waiting to be explored—an experience made even more magical when seen from the high perch of the Mambo view point.
As part of Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountain chain, they are geologically ancient and rich in metamorphic and igneous rocks. These mountains are primarily composed of Precambrian crystalline rocks, some of the oldest exposed rocks on Earth, dating back over 600 million years. The most common rock types found in the Pare Mountains include:
Granite – a coarse-grained igneous rock, often forming large outcrops, cliffs, and domes throughout the range. These granite formations are not only visually striking but also weather into unique shapes and boulders.
Gneiss – a high-grade metamorphic rock characterized by its banded appearance. Gneiss is widespread in the Eastern Arc Mountains and forms the foundational bedrock of much of the Pare range.
Schist – another metamorphic rock rich in mica, giving it a shiny, flaky appearance. Schist can often be found alongside gneiss and may contribute to the fertile soils in certain valleys.
Quartzite – a hard, durable rock formed from sandstone under intense heat and pressure. Quartzite ridges and outcrops are common in some parts of the Pare Mountains and are often used as natural lookouts or landmarks.
Basalt (in some areas) – though less common than in volcanic regions like Kilimanjaro, small intrusions or remnants of ancient volcanic activity may also be present, particularly in the southern parts of the range.
Mkomazi National Park
From the lofty perch of the Mambo view point in the Western Usambara Mountains, the vast, golden plains of Mkomazi National Park stretch out toward the west, forming a striking contrast to the lush, green highlands. Visible in the distance as a wide-open expanse, Mkomazi is one of Tanzania’s lesser-known but most ecologically important protected areas. It lies at the intersection of savannah and semi-arid scrub, creating a unique environment where East African wildlife thrives in near solitude. The park is home to iconic species such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, elands, and numerous types of antelope, as well as a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, and the elusive cheetah. It is also one of only a few places in Tanzania where you can see the endangered black rhino, thanks to a special conservation sanctuary within the park.
Mkomazi is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 450 recorded bird species, including the striking vulturine guinea fowl, southern ground hornbill, and a variety of raptors that soar across the thermals above the plains. The park shares an ecosystem with Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, contributing to one of the largest and most important transboundary wildlife corridors in East Africa.
Seen from the high vantage point of Mambo, Mkomazi appears serene and endless, shimmering in the sun and often framed by the distant Pare Mountains. This view sparks the imagination, calling travelers to explore its wild beauty up close. Visitors staying at Uvi House & Restaurant can take advantage of this unique location by organizing a tailor-made safari to Mkomazi National Park—an experience that combines mountain serenity with thrilling wildlife encounters in one unforgettable journey. Read on our BLOG why is Mkomazi National park such a desirable safari destination.
