Member-only story
More Than Mountains: The Unforgettable Community Spirit of Lushoto
Community life lessons from Lushoto, Tanzania.
Have you ever been to Tanzania?
If you haven’t visited Tanzania yet, you’re likely missing out on a lot. As a Tanzanian eager to explore my own country, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit. You won’t regret it. Tanzania’s stunning landscapes and the warmth of its people are what set it apart and make it truly special.
A few days ago, I embarked on a trip to Lushoto, a district within the city of Tanga in Tanzania. My primary reason for visiting Tanga was to visit my twin brother, who resides there, and to discover the city’s captivating tourist attractions. With only 24 hours at my disposal before returning to Dar Es Salaam, where my work awaited me, I made the most of my time exploring the charms of Tanga.
The unexpected chill of Lushoto took me by surprise, catching me off guard with its brisk weather. Yet, I found myself enchanted by the stunning natural scenery and the overall climate of the area. Lushoto boasts breathtaking beauty, with lush greenery and abundant vegetation blanketing much of the landscape. Dominated by the Sambaa tribe, the locals exude warmth and hospitality, greeting me with welcoming smiles at every turn, making me feel as though I belonged there from the moment I arrived.
Upon arriving around 11:30 PM, I reunited with my twin brother who had come to pick me up from the bus station. As we made our way to his place, I couldn’t help but regret leaving my sweater behind, as the chilly night air crept in. Once home, I quickly took a shower and indulged in a late evening dinner before retiring for the night, prepared to tackle the adventures of the new day ahead.
In the early morning, I rose from bed, squeezed in some exercise, and headed out. My first stop was at my twin’s office, where his colleagues were delighted to encounter someone who bore an uncanny 99% resemblance to their fellow coworker, my twin. We enjoyed a pleasant time catching up before embarking on our city exploration. Thanks to my twin, I was connected with his trusted "bodaboda," a local motorcycle driver, to navigate the city.This new friend of mine was called Hassan.
