Mbeya - Cultural & Ecotourism
In the far south of Tanzania, bordering the countries of Malawi and Zambia lies the fascinating Region of Mbeya. The landscape is characterized by the various relief forms created by the volcanic powers of the African Rift Valley. Several old volcanoes, some of them once exploded, lie scattered over the region, and at many places you can discover hot springs. Within a few hours you can travel from the tropical shores of Lake Malawi to mountain peaks of almost three thousand meter high. Changes in the altitude and rainfall have enabled a large variety of vegetation to grow on the volcanic soils. In the lower areas you can travel through savannas and woodlands, while on the mountain slopes you can see dense natural forests and afro-alpine moor land. Also the agricultural products change drastically. High on the mountain are vast tea estates, while near the shores of Lake Malawi farmers grow rice, sugar cane and mangos.
CLIMB OF MBEYA PEAK: The Mbeya peak (2,826 m) is the most dominant mountain of the Mbeya range and is seen rising majestically from many places around Mbeya. A strenuous climb of three hours leads to the steep peak from where you have an excellent view over the Rift Valley. On the mountain slopes grow many indigenous flowers and you may as well spot colorful butterflies.
NGOSI CRATER LAKE: Thirty eight km south of Mbeya, in the direction of Tukuyu and Lake Malawi , lies the Ngosi Crater Lake in a beautiful cone mountain. A narrow footpath winds uphill through a dense tropical jungle full of bamboo and wild banana trees. Small mammals and colorful birds hide behind the thick vegetation. After a strenuous climb of about one hour, you arrive at the crater rim and your efforts are rewarded with a magnificent view on the Crater Lake . Strange colors and water streams in the lake make local people believe that a monster houses under the water surface. Maybe it is related to the one in Loch Ness.
KIWIRA NATURAL BRIDGE AND POTFALLS: Not far from Tukuyu lies the natural bridge of Kiwira . The bridge was created by the powers of a fast flowing river. Local people call this miracle 'Daraja la Mungu', the Bridge of God. Very nearby, and well worth a visit, are the Kijungu water falls, where the water falls several meters deep in an impressive pot hole.
RUNGWE MOUNTAIN CLIMBS: With its 2,960 m altitude, Rungwe Mountain is the highest peak in Southern Tanzania . This great volcano, active over the past million years, dominates the whole area around Tukuyu. It is a vast wild area, more than 100 square km of forest, upland scrub and rock terrain, completely uninhabited and visited only by an occasional walker. After a long hike to the crater rim, you can beautifully overlook the south wall of the explosion crater.
MATEMA BEACH: The 130 kilometers drive from Mbeya to Matema beach is among the most scenic in Tanzania . A winding road passes high mountains and vast tea estates before it descends to the tropical shores of Lake Malawi At Matema beach the Lutheran Church has a conference center and tourist resort, where you can relax as long as you want. From Matema you can make canoe trips with fishermen over the lake to a nearby village where women are specialized in pottery and to river-mouth where you can try to see crocodiles and hippos. It is also possible to organize hikes to the Livingstone Mountains from Matema.
MBOZI METEORITE AND SISI KWA SISI FARM: Forty kilometers south-east of Mbeya, in the direction of Zambia , lies the meteorite stone of Mbozi. This rare and unusual sight is the eight largest meteorites in the world, weighing about twelve tons and at least a thousand years old. Nearby the meteorite stone, the Sisi kwa Sisi society has a large plot given by the local government to enable unemployed youth from Mbeya to start profitable agricultural projects. Tourists who want to experience a true rural African experience can stay one or more days with the members of Sisi kwa Sisi on the plot and in a nearby village.
GUIDES: Sisi Kwa Sisi Society is a grass root organization in Mbeya that assist young people to start income generating activities. Their main activities are in agriculture, handicrafts, and tour guiding. The guides of Sisi kwa Sisi all come from Mbeya Region. They are proud of their country and descent, and know their Region very well. They all speak reasonable English, and are experienced in organizing guided tours for tourists. Transport Apart from Mbeya peak, the attractions in Mbeya Region are not on a walking distance from Mbeya town. The guides of Sisi kwa Sisi can assist you to rent a car to visit the attractions, or can escort you in local busses that bring you close to the attractions. Sometimes it is also possible to rent a bike to visit an attraction.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT: A Cultural Tourism Programme Affiliate the Sisi kwa Sisi Society is an affiliated project to the Cultural Tourism Programme (CTP). CTP is a joint programme of the Tanzania Tourist Board and the Netherlands Development Organization SNV, that assists local men and women to organize tours in the areas where they live. CTP provides the Sisi kwa Sisi Society with advises on organizing tours, and assists them in promoting Mbeya Region as a tourist destination.
Please contact us at info@amani-tours.com to make an inquiry and/or to place a subsequent booking. Thank you!
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