| |
Mbeya
Mbeya lies about 872 km south-west of Dar es Salaam, its landscape characterized by relief forms created by the volcanic effects of the African Rift Valley.A visit to the region includes:
- A visit to the Ngozi Crater Lake
- A view into the traditional culture of the people of Mbeya
- Climbs to different mountain peaks in the area overlooking the East African Rift Valley
- Visit to the Mbozi Meteorite Stone and the Natural Bridge at Kiwira
Different tours are on offer:
Climb to Mbeya peak
Reaching the Mbeya peak (2,826m) is a steep climb taking about three hours. As you go along the mountain slopes, you see the indigenous flowers and colourful butterflies.
Ngozi Crater Lake
Ngozi Crater Lake lies 38 km south of Mbeya, in the direction of Tukuyu and Lake Malawi. A narrow footpath winds uphill through a dense tropical jungle full of bamboo and wild banana trees. Small mammals and colourful birds hide behind the thick vegetation. After a climb of one hour, you arrive at the crater rim for a magnificent view of the crater lake.
Kiwira Natural Bridge and waterfalls
The Kiwira Bridge was created by the powers of a fast flowing river. Locals call this miracle ' Daraja la Mungu' or ' Bridge of God'. Worth visiting are the nearby Kijungu waterfalls.
Rungwe Mountain climb
Rungwe Mountain at 2,960m is the highest peak in southern Tanzania. This volcano, active over the past million years, dominates the whole area around Tukuyu. It is a vast wild area, more than 100 sq km of forest, upland scrub and rock terrain, completely uninhabited and visited only occasionally. Take a long hike to the crater rim.
Matema beach
The 130 km drive from Mbeya to Matema beach is among the most scenic in Tanzania. A winding road passes through high mountains and tea estates before it descends to the tropical shores of Lake Malawi. From Matema, you can make canoe trips with fishermen over the lake to the nearby village where women specialise in pottery,and to the mouth of the river to spot hippos and crocodiles. It is also possible to organize hikes to the Livingstone Mountains.
Mbozi meteorite and Sisi kwa Sisi farm
40 km south- east of Mbeya, lies the meteorite stone of Mbozi. This is the eighth largest meteorite in the world, weighing about 12 tonnes and dates back to atleast a thousand years. Nearby the stone, the Sisi kwa Sisi society is worth a visit to experience true African rural life.
Other attractions
Several hot water springs, an underground crater known as 'bat caves', ruins of a 200 year old fort, Kaporogwe falls and Usangu basin are some of the other sites.
Where to stay
A wide range of guest houses, hotels and lodges is available in and around Mbeya city. Camping grounds are available in various places including the urbun area, villages and the area near or within Forests of the Southern Highlands at affordable rates. in Mbeya. Camping equipments are available at affordable rates in Mbeya. Coordination office or our local tour guides will assist in making arrangements for home-stay and overnights in the villages, local gu est houses, lodges when making extended tours.
Tour guides
Our local tour guides were born and raised in Mbeya region.This gave then enough time to learn the life of the people, environment the culture & history of the area. They are trained guides who speak good English and will always provide to you an outstanding customer service during your visit.Bookings for various excursions and tours can be made at Tanzania Tourist Board - Tourist Information Centre - Dar es salaam and Arusha or at Mbeya's Cultural Tourism coordination office located at ........ But also you can book through your tour operators/travel agent/ Lodge & Hotel operator
Getting There:
TMbeya is located in Southern highlands of Tanzania, about 10 hours tdrive from Dar es salaam. Daily bus transport is available but atleast one day before booking is appropriate.Train transport services by TAZARA can be another fairly good option. Mbeya is also linked with local charters.
(Income from tourist visits will be invested in agricultural projects of the Sisi kwa Sisi Society)
For furtherinformation contact:
MbeyaTel: +255 754 463471 /+255 754 087689
Email: sisikwasisitours@hotmail.com sisikwasisitours@hotmail.com
0 comments