The West Usambara Mountains of Tanzania

                                                                                         

Tewe village is home to the Shilaghi tribe, or in English the “have-nots” For centuries these people have been blacksmiths and as such were regarded as the bottom of the social order; other clans were forbade marriage into this clan. Taew is a village of blacksmiths and almost every knife used in the Usambara Mountains comes from Tawe. Today most people in this village earn a living from the blacksmith trade regardless of clan or gender.
Traditionally the local people would extract iron from the soil, however, with the arrival of the colonial times, there came scrap metal and the locals have learnt the art of re-cycling. There is now a move to return to extracting iron locally and overseas funding is helping develop the blacksmiths art in this village.
Mvueni Falls is high up in the mountains. It is so quiet here; there is no background noise; it has to be experienced to be believed. It is possible to swim here although the water is very cold. The Mkuzi River feeds Mvueni falls, which is more than 2,300 meters above sea level. The river moves down the mountains and as it passes along the Soni falls the water cascades dramatically toward the Pangani River, dropping more than 800 meters over a couple of kilometers.
Lushoto is capital of the Usambara Mountains and is worth spending some time exploring. There is a locally run cultural tourism office on the main road. Also if it is market day take some time walking around the market meeting these very friendly mountain people.
When you visit Tanzania – do not let your tour operator put you off visiting this area – or indeed any other place you may want to visit. Many operators are lazy and would rather keep you within the confines of the tourist circuit – do not be bullied – insist on seeing as much of Tanzania as time allows.
NOTES: When visiting the Usambara Mountains from Arusha consider taking a day out and spend this day walking on Kilimanjaro, spending the night in Marangu village among the many banana and coffee trees. After the Usambara take a few days in the tropical Pangani Bay [rather than Zanzibar –unless you are looking for disco’s or diving] will finish off your safari beautifully. Diving is worth considering Pemba Island rather than Zanzibar for something different and spectacular. If you enjoy beach parties and disco’s then Zanzibar is the better option.

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