Here I present a Tourist Destinations of Mbeya Tanzania where you may find worth to pay a visit for Leisure and Adventure

1. A Guide to Mbeya Tanzania
Tourist Destination Sites
©Mwema Hudson
safarimaniac@gmail.com

2. About Mbeya
• It is not a district, neither a country; It is a region.
• It is one of the Tanzania’s major regions
• Situated to the southern highlands of Tanzania
• 822Km south west of Dar Es Salaam
• Elevation 1,700 meters 5,500 ft up to 2,900 to the highest
point at Rungwe peak.
• Nick Named as the green city due to its rich in vegetations
• It is also one of the three regions in the country that are
regarded as the National Basket
• Is a gateway region to the southern African countries as you
descending from the United Republic of Tanzania
• This is because of the presence of border to Malawi and
Zamibia.

3. History
• Prior colonized by the German who made an area now known
as Matema as the counselor's capital in Mbeya
• Letter the capital moved to a place now known as Masoko
Lake Maar
• Following the 1905 gold rush, Mbeya was founded as a gold
mining town in the 1920s.
• Officially established in 1927 by the British government
as among the major Gold Supplier to the British East Africa
• In the dispatch “Tanganyika” which now is the United
Republic of Tanzania.
• The Lupa goldfields north of the town became a gold rush
region in the 1930s, but were then closed a couple of decades
later.

4. Geology
• The recent volcanic activities to shape the Mbeya-Iringa
region occurred between 2 to 4 million years ago
• Occurred as a result of the rift action between underlying
tectonic plates.
• As a result, this region presents a wide spread of mountains,
crater lakes and lava or dust plains, with a mass of natural
interest throughout.
• Including astonishing falls, Basalt rocks, and various physical
shapes that nourish the region almost to many parts.
• The rifting faults of the surrounding mountains appear to
contain a wealth of riches
• But what glitters here is less often gold.
• Composed of quartz crystals sparkling in sunlight.

5. Districts of Mbeya Region
• Before its division Mbeya had 8 districts within a 6,342Km2
Land area.
• Taking the 6.4% of the total country’s land
• The districts were as follows:
• Mbozi, Chunya, Ireje, Mbeya Rural, Mbeya Urban, Rungwe,
Kyela and Mbalali districts.
• The region was cut into two regions
• The New, Songwe Region was formed from Mbeya Region
• Then Songwe Region acquired the districts of Ireje, Mbozi and
Chunya
• Leaving Mbeya Region with the remaining districts of
Rungwe, Kyela, Mbalali, Mbeya Urban and Mbeya Rural.

6. Districts of Mbeya Region
• There are 5 districts that Mbeya regions remained with after
its division, that are:
• Rungwe District
• Mbeya Urban
• Mbeya Rural
• Kyela District
• Mbalali District
• All of them are rich in Tourist attractions
• Making Mbeya being among the remarkable Tourist
Destination in Tanzania.
• Boasting many tourist activities i.e. Wildlife Safaris, Birding,
Hiking, Trekking, Beach activities and water sports, Cultural
tourism activities, Green Tourism, Sightseeing e.t.c.

7. Tourist Attractions
• Matema Beach
• Lake Ngosi crater
• Lake Masoko crater
• Mbeya Peak
• Roleza peak
• Kapologwe falls
• Kimani Falls
• Nyaugenge falls
• Allan’s Falls
• Mwalalo Falls
• Malasusa Falls
• Daraja la Mungu
• Coal Mines

8. Tourist Attractions Cont.
• Kijungu Pot
• Usangu Gmae Reserve
• Kitulao National Park
• Ruaha – Usangu National Park
• Lukwati Game Reserve
• Mbozi Meteorite
• Songwe hot springs and the Bat carves
• Izumbwe Natural Bridge
• Ifisi Zoo and Cultural Museum
• Kingili Lake Crater
• The Itungi Pot at Kiwila River mouth
• Kyejo Mountains

9. Tourist Activities
• Game Viewing Safaris and Game Hunting Safaris
• Sight Seeing Tours and Beach Lounge Holidays
• Cultural Tourism Programs
• Mountains Climbing; Trekking and Hiking
• Bicycle Trips and Day out walks
• Walking Safaris, Canoe ridden , Boat trips in Lake Nyasa
• Water sports and Sport Fishing activities
• Green Tourism, Research on Tea, Cocoa, Tobacco and Coffee
plantations as well as on world History and Culture
• Souvenirs, Night outing for leisure, Clubbing etc
• Lodging and Camping both Adventures and Leisure excursions

10. Accessibility
• Reached through Air, Road and Rail as one’s from Dar Es
Salaam
• Scheduled Coaches from all parts of the country arrives
Mbeya every day
• Train from Dar Es Salaam to Zambia crosses Mbeya twice a
week
• If one’s coming from Malawi may use a ferry a cross Lake
Nyasa to Itungi Port in Kyela district of Mbeya Tanzania.
• Thus Mbeya can be accessed through all that means of
transport from any where in Tanzania and outside Tanzania.
• The best time to visit is between June and October while the
dampest period occurs between November and May.
• Between December and February is an intermediate season.

11. Transportation
• Transport in Mbeya varies from the cheapest commuter buses
to the costly charter flights
• Your transport selections can be as wide as follows:
• Flights
• Buses
• Train
• Coasters
• Min Buses (Dala Dala)
• Rent a Car services
• Tax cabs, Air port Transfers and Shuttle
• Motorbikes for hire (Boda Boda)
• When in Kyela, some time situation may force one to hire a
bicycle.

12. Accommodations and Bistros
• Mbeya is dotted with a number of Recommended
accommodations for Lodging and Camping:
• Hotels
• Motels
• Churches Hostels
• Inns
• Villas
• Tented Camps
• Camping Sites
• Fine Restaurants with Tanzania’s and foreign Dishes as per
tourist interests.
• Chinese and Indian Cuisine are most common than of the
other Asian and European Nations

13. Guides
• It is possible to arrange guides for walks and days out
excursions in Mbeya
• There have been security concerns for tourists wandering the
outskirts of Mbeya unaccompanied.
• It is suggested one to pick a guide to a walk around Mbeya
• Guides are not only for security but also for interpretations of
interesting things to be seen along.
• Guides speaks good English, they are worthwhile to have
around for translating Swahili exchanges as you explore
• They can arrange to visit local sites or to visit rural villages and
to places of interest according to one’s preference.
• Search out on Facebook, for Ekindingo Safaris, or Mwema
Hudson to have a guide who can process even the whole
excursion activities in Mbeya Tanzania.

14. Recommended Tour Guide
• The writer of this handout works with Tour company in Mbeya
as a Tour Guide, Marketing officer and Tour Consultant
• Under are Details about a recommended personnel:
• Full Name: Mr. Mwema Hudson Mwanjisi
• Company Name: Isana Travel and Tours Services
• Location: Mbeya, Tanzania, East Africa
• Email: safarimaniac@gmail.com
• Phones: +255 757 533 186/ +255 719 622 379
• Website: www.isanatours.com
• Facebook Page: Ekindingo Safaris/ Mwema Hudson
• Tweeter: Mwema Hudson
• Google +: Mwema Hudson
• Could supply an outstanding Travel and guiding service in
Mbeya, informative and friendly guiding and assistance.

15. Lake Nyasa
• Situated about 140Km from Mbeya Town
• In the southern district of Kyela
• Bordering the countries of Malawi and Mozambique
• Boasts a wonderful sandy beaches e.g. Matema Baach
• Kiwila river mouth and Lufilyo river mouth
• Fishing activities, canoe ride, ferry boats, a Carve and pots
• Cultural activities i.e. cookery, pot molding, Fishing e.t.c.
• Mwalalo falls is vital place to pay a visit while in Matema
• Crocodiles and hippopotamus may be spotted to lakes carves
near rivers and ponds
• Livingstone mountains hiking and a visit to Kingili crater Lake
• Ferries to Malawi, Mbamba Bay and to other lake coasts are
available at Itungi Port in Kyela.

16. Kiwila River
• Stretches throughout Rungwe district to Kyela district
• Forming wonderful historical geology features along it
• The local associates the miracles of the river with a myth story
of a (NYIFWILA) dragon spirits.
• Kijungu pot, Malasusa falls and the Daraja la Mungu are
attractions located in Kiwila river.
• Kapologwe falls are formed by the Kiwila tributary “river Kala”
• The Kiwila coal mine in Kyela are along the river side
• Kiwila river mouth is situated at the new Itungi pot in Kyela
• Boast Fishing activities, Canoeing, Bird watching, fortunately
Crocodiles may be seen.
• Hiking, Trekking and sightseeing, may be arranged and never
miss visiting the hanging bridge after Kapologwe fall as
ascending to Ireje mountains.

17. Lake Ngosi Crater
• The peak of Ngosi mountain is 2,620m above the Mporoto
Forest Reserve.
• The crater is roughly 38 km southeast of the city of Mbeya.
• Is the highest point of the Mporoto Ridge Forest Reserve
• The forest has an endemic three horned chameleon
(Chameleo fuelleborni).
• Is the second largest Crater Lake in Africa
• It is a sight of outstanding natural beauty and a superb hiking
location
• It is a green shimmering lake walled by the collapsed caldera
of the extinct Ngosi Volcano.
• The water is slightly brackish, contains some fish, and is up to
75 m deep.
• The Lake is among of many tourist attractions of Mbeya
Tanzania, pulling hundreds of visitors each year.

18. Lake Masoko Crater
• Situated in Rungwe District Mbeya south of Tanzania
• It was an administrative center between Tukuyu and Lake
Nyassa dulling Germany colonization
• Masoko maar lake, in German colonial times it housed the
barracks of a company of the Schutztruppen.
• Known specially for its history
• This beautiful Crater Lake is a perfect place for swimming,
picnics and camping.
• Canoe ride and Fishing may be performed near Lake shore
• The Germans cast off coins and other items in the Lake when
being chased by British forces during the First World War.
• Here you will discover more on Rungwe’s past while taking a
walk around the Lake.

19. Mbeya Peak
• The most splendid peak towering above the whole town
• Stands at 2,826 m high, making it the second highest peak in
the Southern highlands after Rungwe Mountain
• It takes about four hours to reach the peak
• Covered with beautiful flowers and gorges that link to Lake
Nyasa and Lake Rukwa to the far North.
• The view from the top gives a wonderful Mbeya Town
panorama
• There are two ways to reach the peak which are:
• First is the Luinji Farm route (Takes 3hrs up and 2hrs down)
• Second is the Kawetele route (Takes 4hrs up and 3hrs down)
• Alternatively can climb with the other route and go down with
the other.

20. Kitulo National Park
• Prior Known as Elton Plateau, named after the explorer
Frederick Elton who crossed the area in the 1870s.
• It is about 160Km East of Mbeya to reach kitulo national park.
• It is one of the great flower gardens of the world, over 350 of
High plant recorded with 45 species of terrestrial orchids
alone.
• There is 31 Endemic species of lower, several rarely seen birds
Denhams bustard, Kipengele seedeater, njombe cristicola etc.
• Africa’s first new specie of monkey for over 20
years(Lungwecebus kipunji) has been discovered here in
mount Rungwe
• Well drained grassland on volcanic soils with species like Aster
transaniesis, Knophofia grantee, Lobelia, Gladiolus, Moraea
callister and Romulea companuloides
• Other species are Hagenia abyssinica, Ocotea usambarensis,
Juniperus procera, and Sinarundinaria alpina,

21. Activities in Kitulo NP
• The Numbi valley is occupied by Juniper forest, one of the
most extensive in Africa.
• They tower to 50m high and are indeed the tallest Junipers in
the world.
• Activities in Kitulo National Park may be:
• Mostly Sightseeing
• Cultural activities to Matamba village
• Bird watching
• Hiking
• Camping and Picnic
• Walking safaris
• Cycling/ Biking (Bicycle Riding)
• Also Horse riding and Golf sport has been proposed as well.

22. Loleza Peak
• Stands 2,656m high on Mount Kaluwe in Mbeya town.
• Is the large hulk of mountain at the foot of which Mbeya town
sits.
• Two climbing routes, both commences in Town near the
Region Referral Hospital.
• Not less than 2 hrs to climb up and almost 2hrs down.
• On top of Loleza, magnificent view of Mbeya peak is seen
North West.
• The peak gives a panorama (bird eye) view of the Mbeya town
• A patient birdwatcher can see variety of bird species.
• Beautiful flowers and various plant species in a dance tropical
forest offers a superb environment to ramble within.
• Butterflies, Grasshoppers and dragon flies also may be
spotted.
• Other variety of insect species including the playing/dancing
mantis can rarely be seen.

23. Out of Town
• Out of Mbeya Town, excursions may be arranged to:
 Ifisi Zoo and the Cultural Museum
• Various games may be seen in the zoo i.e. Kudu, Snakes,
Impala, Various Birds, Hyena, Gazelles, etc.
• The museum at Ifisi hosts Nyakyusa and Safa Cultural
exhibitions as well as other Mbeya Tribes cultural facts
• Includes traditional weapons, Music instrument, Cloths and
warriors ornaments, etc.
 Izumbwe Natural bridge at Izumbwe village in Mbalizi is
another feature out of town
• Formed by sold Basalt lava leaving it across the small river and
shaped a wonderful natural feature furnished as a bridge.
• People took it as God’s award to them for the place had no
bridge before.

24. The Mbozi Meteorite
• It is a world’s 8th largest meteorite, an Iron type meteorite
weigh 12 tones found in Mbozi, Songwe Tanzania.
• Located about 43km west of Mbeya town.
• The exactly time when it felt from the sky, is not known .
• Has been known by local for hundreds of years ago when
firstly was seen by some one Halele (He was Ironsmith)
• Local protected it as a ritual site for their worships after their
discovery.
• Some one YengaYenga the area’s resident shows the iron body
to a Germany explorer named Hellman Note in 1930
• It was publicized internationally as a meteorite in 1931
• Composition of the Meteorite is 90.45% Iron, 8.69% Nickel,
0.69% Copper, 0.11% Phosphorus, 0.1% Sulfur,

25. Songwe Hot springs and Bat Carves
• It’s a widest hot water springs ever, found in Momba village,
Songwe Tanzania.
• Situated about 56Km north west of Mbeya to the upper cast
region of Songwe limestone's area.
• Set in the heart of the Travertine Mining
• It is the hottest Hot Water Springs reaching up to 100oC hot.
• Where even eggs or potatoes take about five (5) minutes to
cook, ready for eating!
• Hike around the area to view beautiful sceneries and also see
the Momba River, which is believed to have gold and natural
gas deposits.
• The Tiles making stone quarry and The Bat Carves are
wonderful feature to observe around Momba Village.

26. Mpanga Kipengele Game Reserve
• The Reserve has unique flora and fauna, scenic beauty, cultural
heritage of Nyumbanitu and Kimani waterfalls.
• Are very attractive for nature tourism.
• Visiting the reserve is quit a special and lifetime experience while in
Mbeya Tanzania.
• The reserve protects a variety of small to mega fauna including
rodents, primates, mammals, birds, reptile, amphibians and fish.
• The Kipengere ranges, Mpanga highlands and Chaufukwe Moutains
are lovely landscapes for recreation.
• Are also ideal for trekking, walking and hiking, Walking Safaris and
Horse riding.
• The reserve is accessible by Air, Railway and Road from Mbeya or
else where.
• The Beautil Kimani and Nyaugenge falls are within the reserve area.

27. Kimani River
• Is located west of Mbeya in Mbalali district travesing the
Mpanga Kipengele to Kitulo
• Boast a beautiful Bird area for birding
• Wonderful waterfalls picnic of Kimani fall, the Nyaugenge falls
and Allan’s waterfalls
• The Nyaugenge falls, a magnificent drop of some 120m is a
beautiful sight you will come to see in front of you.
• It is possible to walk down to the base of the falls, if the river
is not too high then you can enjoy a wonderful swimming in
the pool.
• The Kimani Falls scenery is a spectacle of huge stones and
several river beds with a unique and very different view from
the usual sightseeing visits.
• It is a really astonished waterfalls picnic site where any one
would like to stop and admire

28. Usangu Game Reserve
• Located East of Mbeya in Mabali District.
• It has been added to Ruaha for the Expansion of Ruaha
National Park.
• Ruaha-Usangu area is believed to have high concentration of
elephants than any national park in East Africa.
• Is one of the Tanzania birds’ paradise with more than
571species.
• Characterized by mountains, valleys, grassland and Miombo
woodlands.
• It includes the Ihefu Wetland, the natural water reservoir for
the Great Ruaha River.
• The Big Five found are elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard.
• Plains game such as greater kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck,
topi, oribi and many more.

29. Investment Opportunity
• Mbeya investment may vary according to investors interests and
Business experience, The region bears a wide chance to invest in
the following:
 Marine Transportation:
• Ferry Boats are needed to furnish transfers within Lake Nyasa which
joins the Ruvuma Region, Mbeya Region in Tanzania and the
countries of Malawi and Mozambique.
 Agriculture Products:
• Cash crops like Coffe, Tea, Cocoa, Tobacco, Pyrethrum, Palm nuts
may offer investment opportunity in creation of Manufacturing
films such as Oil processing, Tea Processing, etc
 Game Stone Mining, Stone Quarries, Cement Processing, and as
many as can be seen according to product found in Mbeya
Tanzania. Let you suggest what you are capable of.
 Investing in accommodation, especially to the Lake Nyasa near
Itungi Port are seriously recommended.

30. Conclusion
• Hope you enjoy the reading
• The writer of this handout is a Tour consultant at Isana Travel
and Tours Services, in Mbeya Tanzania.
• The one you can have for companion to any part in Tanzania.
• He is friendly and inviting, hopeful one may enjoy having
Mwema Hudson by aside to Tanzania
• Good English speaker and intermediate French.
• We will make your holiday an epoch moment of your life time.
• Welcome to Mbeya Tanzania, the Green City.
• A land of Daraja la Mungu, Kimondo cha Mbozi and the
Songwe hot springs.
• Reservation write to: safarimaniac@gmail.com
• Or visit our website: www.isanatours.com
• Facebook Page: Ekindingo Safaris