Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
education for girls, especially secondary education, was traditionally perceived
as an unattainable or unnecessary luxury.
Initially, the school had only basic resources and just 42 girls. Today, it has
over 500 students and is ranked among the top secondary schools countrywide.
Its reputation has spread well beyond the Usambaras, with girls from all over
Tanzania competing in entrance exams. However, true to its original mission,
the school reserves 50% of its seats for applicants from the Lushoto-Mazinde
Juu area.
While St Mary's is still dependent on outside contributions to make ends
meet, strong emphasis is placed on achieving sustainability. The principal and
all of the teachers are Tanzanians, and most are women. Students are taught eco-
logically sound farming methods and help out on the school farm, which sup-
plies most of the compound's food needs. The school grows timber for use in
the construction of new buildings, raises livestock and maintains fruit trees as
cash crops.
Although St Mary's is just over two decades old, there is already tangible
proof of its success. Several former students now teach at the school and at oth-
er schools in the area. Others are pursuing further professional training, and
some are studying at university level.
Around Lushoto
MTAE
Tiny Mtae is perched on a cliff about 55km northwest of Lushoto, with fantastic 270- de-
gree views over the Tsavo Plains and down to Mkomazi National Park. It makes a good
destination if you only have time to visit one village from Lushoto. Just to the southeast is
Shagayu Peak
(2220m), one of the highest in the Usambara Mountains. In addition to its
many hiking paths, the area is known for its traditional healers.
Staff at the Lutheran church will usually allow you to camp on their grounds, or there's
the no-frills
Muivano II Guest House
(s/d without bathroom Tsh5000/6000) near the bus
stand. Meals are available up the road at Muivano I.
Mambo Viewpoint Eco Lodge
( 0785-272150;
www.mamboviewpoint.org
;
camping US$10, s US$50-80, d US$65-110; ) , about 3km before Mtae, is an excel-
lent place with stunning views, comfortable permanent tents and cottages. The owners of-
fer a wealth of information on the area, and can sort out hikes, village stays and more.
The road between Lushoto and Mtae is full of turns and hills, and is particularly beautiful
as it winds its way up the final 7km to Mtae. If travelling by public transport you'll need to
