Lushoto and the Usambara Mountains

We left early on Friday morning to catch a bus to Lushoto - about 130 miles south-east of Moshi. About 5 hours into our journey we arrived at the town of Mombo at the foot of the Usambara Mountains. We then began our ascent into Lushoto along a single-track road with sharp hair-pin bends. This was slightly daunting - made worse by the fact that there were no barriers to stop you plummeting off what was essentially a cliff and that the driver felt the need to travel at 50 mph and not used his brakes nor slow down for traffic.

Lushoto was absolutely beautiful - lush, green, hilly countryside, unlike anywhere else I have been before. At an altitude of approx. 1400 metres it was cooler with a nice constant breeze which was refreshing. This also meant that sleeping was more comfortable and warranted the need for a warm blanket. All was well until 4am on Saturday when one of the water pipes in our bathroom decided to explode and send 'clean' water cascading everywhere. Unable to find the stopcock nor anyone who could be of assistance, I spent the next 2 hours making certain that the bathroom was not flooding. Thankfully, shortly after 6am there was a power cut and the water stopped flowing for the time being.

We then met up with a group from the hospital in Muheza (where I had previously applied to do my elective) and went hiking for the day. We were led by three fantastic guides from the Friends of the Usambara Mountains Cultural Tourism Centre. The morning consisted of hiking through villages and farmland then further on up into the rainforest. We then emerged from the forest and climbed to the top of Magamba Peak. 

Sadly, shortly after this, my camera battery died and I had left my charger back in Moshi. So for now, I'll be saying goodbye, but more to come when I can get the photo off my phone and write about our afternoon hike to Irente Farm and viewpoint as well as our trip home today.

From left to right: Lindel, myself, Laura, Jaye, Fiona, JR, Enoch, Turbo, Talia and Lucy.