Magoroto form part of the East Usambara Mountains, which are world-renowned for their high species endemism and rich floral and faunal diversity. They are recognized as part of a Biodiversity Hotspot (WWF & IUCN), an “Important Bird Area” (Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania – WCST) and a “Man and Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO). African Violets (Saintpaulia) have been promoted as flagship plants to conserve these forests.

The 591-hectare Magoroto Forest Estate, with its scenic freshwater lake, was opened in 1896 by German Settlers as one of the first commercial plantations in Eastern Africa. Initially, the Estate began as a rubber plantation, and after failed attempts to grow coffee and tea, it was converted into an oil estate in 1921. Seized by the German owners as “enemy property” after World War 1, the Estate was taken over by the Amboni Group in the 1940s. Palm oil production had to be ceased in the 90s due to stifling competition from Malaysia and Indonesia. Since then, Magoroto has been maintained and protected with great enthusiasm and engagement for nothing else other than its unique natural beauty and uniqueness.