Pare Mountains

Pare Mountains is a hidden gem in northeastern Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Region:

Geography & Geology

Ancient Eastern Arc range: The Pare Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc—a chain of ancient crystalline massifs stretching from Kenya into Tanzania. They formed around 100 million years ago, achieving today’s rugged relief by the Miocene Epoch (~25 Ma)

North & South Pare: The range divides into North Pare (highest peak: Kindoroko ~2,100 m) and South Pare (Shengena Peak ~2,463 m), with Lake Jipe bordering the east

Precambrian roots: Composed mainly of migmatites and granite with quartz veins; South Pare is notable for mica-rich geology

Rich Biodiversity

Vegetation & forest reserves

North Pare: six forest reserves including Kindoroko, Minja & Mramba (approx. 7,400 ha), alongside ~300 clan forests

South Pare: Chome Nature Reserve (~14,300 ha) plus eight gazetted forest reserves, ranging from sub-montane to montane heath

Flora: Submontane trees like Parinari, Ocotea, Albizia, with endemic and exotic orchids and African violet relatives

Fauna & birds

Over 350 bird species, including endemic South Pare white-eye, mountain buzzard, olive woodpecker & moustached tinkerbird

Mammals: Colobus monkeys, civets, genets, Sykes monkeys, elephant shrews, hyrax & duikers. Rare amphibian Callulina laphami found in Kindoroko/Minja

Hiking & Adventure

Kindoroko Day Hike: A popular trek through North Pare’s forest reserve (~2,100 m), with forest biodiversity and views of Kilimanjaro & Lake Jipe

Shengena Peak via Chome Reserve: Trek in South Pare through Chome’s montane forest to reach the summit at 2,463 m (~6 hrs), offering panoramic views of Mkomazi NP and distant Taita Hills (Kenya)

Forest and Cultural Trails: Footpaths link villages, clan forests, waterfalls (e.g., Nkolomoko, Ranzi Dam), caves, and terraced farms. Tours highlight traditional beekeeping, coffee, tribal caves, irrigation systems, and sacred sites

Cultural Heritage

Pare tribe (Wapare): Divided into Ugweno (north) and Usangi (south), they have maintained traditional culture round huts, clan sacred sites, medicinal plant use, and forest governance

Historical features: Includes iron-smelting archaeological ruins, colonial-era missions & shelters, chiefs’ caves used during conflicts .

Logistics & Visiting Info

Getting there:

From Moshi: ~2 hrs by road to Same (South Pare) or Mwanga (North Pare); public buses available to these towns

Guides & Permits: Local guides available (approx. US $10/day); forest reserve entrance fees apply. Cultural tours include village activities and support local livelihoods

When to go: Best hiking during dry seasons—June–October and December–February. Avoid heavy rains Mar–May, Nov .

Where to stay: Guesthouses and campsites near Same or Mwanga; homestays offer authentic cultural immersion.