Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CHIEF KIMWERI
Kimweri, chief of the powerful Kilindi (Shambaa) kingdom during the first half
of the 19th century, is one of the Usambara region's most legendary figures.
From his capital at Vuga (on the main road between Mombo and Lushoto), he
ruled over an area stretching from Kilimanjaro in the north to the Indian Ocean
in the east, levying tributes on towns as distant as Pangani. The extent of his
dominion in the coastal regions soon brought him into conflict with Sultan
Seyyid Said of Zanzibar, who also claimed sovereignty over the same areas. Ul-
timately, the two leaders reached an agreement for joint governance of the
northeastern coast. This arrangement lasted until Kimweri's death in 1869, after
which the sultan assumed full authority.
Tradition holds that Kimweri had magical powers, including control of the
rain and the ability to call down famines upon his enemies. His kingdom was
highly organised, divided into sub-chiefdoms ruled by his sons and districts
ruled by governors, prime ministers and local army commanders. It was Kim-
weri to whom the missionary Johann Ludwig Krapf went to request land to
build his first church for the Anglican Church Missionary Society.
Following the death of Kimweri, interclan rivalries caused the kingdom to
break up, and fighting over who was to succeed him continued until the Ger-
mans arrived in the region.
INFORMATION
Garage
Rosmini Garage
About 1.5km before town on the Mombo Rd.
Internet Access
Bosnia Ultimate Shop Internet Café
(per hr Tsh2000; 8.30am-6pm Mon-Fri,
9am-2pm Sat) Diagonally opposite Tumaini Restaurant, with many terminals.
Tumaini Restaurant Internet Café
(per hr Tsh1500;
8.30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm
Sat) Next to Tumaini Restaurant, with one terminal.
Medical Services
Afro-Medics Duka la Dawa
(
8am-1pm & 2-8pm Mon-Sat, 11am-1pm Sun) On the
main road near the market.
Money
There's not yet an ATM in Lushoto that accepts international credit cards.
