I wish I could write a fitting tribute to Lushoto, a small town nestled in the Usambara mountains of northeastern Tanzania. Though small, Lushoto is quite well known, in Tanzania and beyond.
I have visited this town several times, mostly to research local folklore about Osale Otanga and Paulo Hamisi, famous outlaws who operated in this area in the 1950s. Still, I like this town so much that I would come for any other reason.
This region attracts tourists from around the world, and there are several programs here dealing with tourism.
Downtown Lushoto is a hub of activity. The market is here, the bus stop, stores, and other businesses.
There are many places to stay, and new ones keep coming up. This year, I stayed in this hotel, near the District Office.
This church, just across the road from the police station, has become for me a kind of icon.
A walk in downtown Lushoto is refreshing, because of the cool climate and minimal traffic.
Whenever I am here, I seek vantage points from which to enjoy a panoramic view, the rich blend of trees of different kinds, houses, hills, the cloud-laden skies. I enjoy the peace and quiet, and wonder if anyone can ever tire of visiting this place.
