Lushoto Travel Guide

Lushoto is the major town and district centre, albeit small, in the Usambara Mountains, halfway between the coast and the parks. It can be reached if turning from the main Dar es Salaam-Moshi road at Mombo. Direct buses run from Dar es Salaam and Arusha. It was founded by the German administration after the people of the area had been "pacified" about one hundred years ago. The Germans even planned to move their capital here because of the pleasant mountain climate.

It offers excellent opportunities for hiking both in the mountains, partly covered by Afromontane forest. Ecological tours are organized and are a good way of exploring the region. The popular pot plant Saintpaulia has its only wild occurrences in Tanzania, and particularly in the Usambara Mts.

It's a great place to get away from the heat of the coast or the dust of the plains. The people are particularly hospitable and the whole town has a lovely vibe to it. Accomodation in the town centre is cheap and there are some more upmarket options in the surrounding area. A word of warning though, those who suffer vertigo might want to think twice about taking the bus up the perilous road from Mombo!