 |
Map of Manga trail (orange colour) |
Manga Trail
Length: 3 - 4 km (depending on start point)
If you plan to walk this trail, contact the owner of the Magrotto Estate, the Amboni Sisal Properties Ltd:
| Dr. Georges C. Hess | |
| e-mail: | fidos (at) tex-chem.com |
| Tel | +254-20-4440890 |
Or:
| Dr. Tobias Gress | |
| e-mail: | tobias.gress (at) ambonisisal.com |
| Tel: | +255-784 200 290 |
| Mobile: | +255-784 503 363 |
This short trail starts from the main road, where it has two optional entry points. The first one is located about 200 m down the road from the Magrotto Estate headquarters, and the second one is about 400 m further down the road. The trail first passes through natural forest and then comes to Manga (subvillage of Mgambo).
1 b. Stream crossing and dam
 |
| Proposed picnic site at the entry to the Manga subvillage |
 |
View from Manga subvillage |
 |
The viewpoint in Manga |
When using the second entry point, the trail descends from the road to a valley where there is stream and a dam. Some years back, hydroelectric power was generated here for the Magrotto Estate. The stream is a tributary of Mkulumuzi River. A water intake for Muheza town is located along this stream further down the slope. Thousands of people in the lowland villages and Muheza depend on this stream for water source. A good place to educate visitors about the water catchment function of the Magoroto forest!
From the stream the trail climbs up the slope in natural forest. Many submontane trees can be observed (Cephalosphaera usambarensis, Allanblackia stuhlmannii, Isoberlinia scheffleri, Albizia sp., Leptonychia sp. etc.), as well as shrubs and herbs (e.g. Costus, Piper). There is a view to Muheza before entering the Manga subvillage.
2. Stream / proposed picnic site
At the entry to the Manga subvillage there is another stream with nice cliffs to sit down and have packed lunch. Villagers often come here to wash clothes. Small fish and crabs are also caught from the stream. Some benches could be installed and a traditional hut built in the site.
3. Manga village and viewpoint
After the stream, the trail passes through Manga subvillage. The viewpoint in the village is a nice end point for the trail. From here you have to walk the same way back. Alternatively, you continue on the footpath to Mwembeni village.