Day trek through the Uluguru Mountains

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At 7:30am we started our trek to U? peak. I actually can't remember what the name of it was... Anyway, it was mostly a fairly easy incline with strenuous parts thrown in to keep your heart rate up. Unfortunately my knee which has been plaguing me since Lushoto, was acting up. Ascending was ok but even the most gentle descent hurt a lot so we didn't make it to the top because I was afraid I wouldn't make it back down. As it turns out, I was probably right. We passed through hillside farms and vegetable passes waving to the locals as we tried to act like we weren't sucking wind. At one point we were serenaded with a song by some children which we thought was really cute until we found out the words were, "Muzungo, go down from here."  A bit further on we were enveloped  by the smell of fresh-cut wood as it seemed to float by, balancing just-so on the heads of barefoot women draped in kangas. We eventually crossed into the rain forest which was pretty much the same as the one in Lushoto.

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After a much needed shower we met up with Azizi again. We sat on the corner of a busy traffic signal enjoying a cup of Africafe (instant coffee) mixed with ginger surrounded by Tanzanian men gathered to discuss sports and politics. The conversations were interrupted by the sudden sounding of trumpets and banging of drums as a highly decorated truck with bridesmaids in the back drove around the circle alerting passersby of the upcoming wedding. We also witnessed Bush's bed net campaign in action. Women were lined up surrounding a table where insecticide treated nets were being handed out. The plan calls for ITNs to be handed out to all children under 5 in Tanzania. The reaction has been positive and many families look forward to receiving the nets.

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As we drove away from Morogoro I reflected on the landscape of rich red mud littered with lifeless trees but peppered by sporadic bursts of vibrant green and the occasional bright pink, orange and red bushes. It was a good weekend. Morogoro is definitely a place I would recommend visiting if you're in the area. It's a bit off the beaten path which makes it all that much more enjoyable.

I would like to add a plug for our guide Azizi. if you find yourself in Morogoro looking for someone to show you around or to guide you on a hike in the mountains I highly recommend our new friend. You can email him at matigazizi@yahoo.com I will provide the mobile number when I get it!