Mbeya is an influential area as it is a major trading and transit point for connections to Zambia and Malawi. It owes its existence to its location on the TAZARA railway line and the TANZAM HWY.
Mbeya town is the top tourist destination in southwestern Tanzania. The cool climate and picturesque hilly landscape make it a beautiful place for nature lovers. But what are the things you can do in or around Mbeya?
Due to its geographical location, Mbeya region is packed with a lot of exciting activities you can do. But here I will share the most exciting and fun ones.
1. Visit Ngozi Crater Lake
2. Explore Kitulo National Park
3. Go to See the Daraja la Mungu
4. Visit Mbozi Meteorite
5. Trek Mbeya Peak
6. Visit Ifisi Zoo
7. Hike Loleza Peak
8. Trek Mount Rungwe
9. Pay a Visit to Uyole Cultural Tourism Enterprise
10. Go Shopping at Mwanjelwa Market
11. Kapologwe Waterfall
12. Malamba Falls
In the remaining part of this article, I will provide detailed information about the activities listed above. To learn more, keep reading. But first let me give you some basic information about Mbeya, the green city.
What Do You Know About Mbeya?
Mbeya was founded in 1927 as a supply center for the gold rush. The city of Mbeya is in southwestern Tanzania. It is situated on the foothills of the towering Loleza Peak, between the Mbeya and Poroto mountain ranges.
This place is often referred to as the “Scotland of Africa” because of its rolling hills.
Mbeya town is now a growing metropolis and a business center for the southern regions and neighboring countries of Malawi, Zambia, and Congo.
The city is well connected by an all-weather road that forms part of the “Great North Road”. The road runs from Cape Town to Alexandria.
Spending a day or more exploring what Mbeya has to offer is a good thing for any traveler. Let us now explore in detail the most exciting and fun activities you can do in Mbeya.
1. Visit Lake Ngozi Crater
Lake Ngozi is the second largest crater lake in Africa. When you visit Mbeya, you will find Lake Ngozi in the highlands Rungwe District.
Did you know that Ngozi crater was once a mountain and is said to date back to the Neogene period? After it became unstable, it ended its life as a volcano and has become extinct as a caldera.
The crater is part of the Mporoto Ridge Forest reserve, with Ngozi Peak being the highest point of the ridge at 2620m.
I have not been there yet, but my niece visited in January 2017. He said, “Ngozi Lake Crater is a beautiful place where you can learn a lot about nature, history, and culture if you take a guided tour.”
You will be amazed by the lake inside and the steep forested cliffs of the crater as you hike to the top of the crater. It can take an average of an hour and a half to get to the top. The water itself supports the vegetation, wildlife, and marine life.
My niece told me that he was thrilled to see a large black and white monkey playing in the dense forest. He thinks it might have been colobus monkeys. Among the wildlife, you will also have a chance to see chameleons.
And while you are there, take some time to learn about the history of the area. Ask your guide to explain about Lwembe. Lwembe is the person who was chased out of his native village of Ukwama in Makete after people got tired of the elusive nature of his magic.
People claim that Lwembe had become a resident of the water’s edge. It is said that the cattle of the villagers and the local tribe began to disappear when they came near the water.
You will be thrilled to learn that the local elders decided to drive Lwembe away by heating a huge stone in a fire for three days.
Then the elders rolled the stone into the lake and cast their spell. It is believed that the danger spell on the lake has not returned since.
Have you ever heard of treasure being thrown into the lake? After hearing the story of Lwembe, ask your guide to tell you the story of a group of Colonial German soldiers who threw the gold into the lake. This is very interesting!
The soldiers put a spell on the lake to protect the gold and hinder other people’s efforts to retrieve it. Some variations of the myth say that this caused the emission of poisonous gasses.
Another myth states that there is a twelve-headed snake that protects the treasure. The locals believe that the snake comes to the surface on sunny days.
My niece told me that no such snake was seen during the visit, but if you go, just be careful. By the way, whether there was ever any treasure or not remains a mystery. This is the most interesting aspect of the lake.
So, if you are in or around Mbeya, Lake Ngozi Crater is worth a visit. But remember to take insect repellent, a rain jacket, and a good pair of walking shoes.
2. Explore Kitulo National Park
Kitulo National Park is compared by most tourists to the Biblical Garden of Eden. Botanists have dubbed Kitulo the “Serengeti of flowers”, home to “one of the greatest floral spectacles in the world”.
Did you know that Kitulo was once used by British and American settlers who took care of livestock and carried out small tourism projects?
Kitulo is also the only natural habitat area that is at a higher altitude than any other park in Africa.
Kitulo stands alone and boasts of being the only tourist-attractive place in Africa that offers floristic tours rather than traditional wildlife photo tours. I have no doubt that you will be drawn to it when you are there.
Kitulo National Park is the only park in Africa that is visited solely for its floristic attraction. It is also the only place in Africa where you will find wildflowers, birds, and mammals dominating. Kitulo is home to about 400 species of vascular plants, including 45 species of terrestrial orchis. During the rainy season, you will find that these orchids have erupted into a wild floral display.
Kitulo is the only place where you can observe migrating storks resting on their flight from South Africa to Northern Europe.
Here you will be thrilled to walk or drive across the grasslands to watch the migratory birds on their way to Europe at certain times of the year. I can almost guarantee you will see some of the endangered Blue Swallows and Mountain Swamp Widows.
You can also spot proteas, geraniums, giant lobelia, lilies, and aster daisies, more than 30 species of which are endemic to southern Tanzania.
Also be sure to see the butterflies, Kipunji Mangabey, chameleon, lizard, and frog in God’s garden. A camping safari is also possible and interesting if you are interested. So, if you are looking for what to do in Mbeya! Exploring Kitulo National Park is worth a visit.
3. Visit The Daraja La Mungu
Daraja la Mungu is one of the exciting tourist features in Mbeya. The name Daraja la Mungu is a Swahili name meaning “God’s bridge”.
The name was given by the locals because of its god-like design along with other cultural stories. It is believed that the bridge was formed when River Kiwira water flowed through cooling lava spewed from Mount Rungwe, creating a path under a hard rock structure.
The interesting thing about the bridge is that it has withstood the tests of nature and time to a degree better than any bridge built by man.
The bridge is an important crossing route for the locals. The bridge is the natural bridge that connects two banks of River Kiwira about 10 km west of Tukuyu. The bridge is about 50 m long and has a width slightly larger than that of a single-lane bridge.
The interesting thing about this area is that the locals believe that only God created the bridge. This is the reason why the bridge is called “God’s Bridge”.
I was lucky enough to pass by this place with my friend in July 2018. We were very interested to hear the stories of the locals. If you are in or near Mbeya, you cannot miss seeing this natural bridge.
4. Visit To The Mbozi Meteorite
On the south-western slope of Marengi Hill, 70 km west of Mbeya, off the road to Tunduma, you will find Mbozi Meteorite. The Mbozi Meteorite is the most popular tourist attraction for travelers in or around Mbeya.
It is an ungrouped iron meteorite found in Tanzania and named after Mbozi District. It is a fragment of interplanetary matter that was large enough not to burn up completely when it entered the Earth’s atmosphere.
The Mbozi meteorite is the largest meteorite in the world. It weighs an estimated 25 metric tons, is 3 m long and 1 m high, and is dark in color.
Surprisingly, despite its heavyweight, the meteorite sounds as quiet when struck as when gently tapping on a metal container. Little is known about the age of the Mbozi meteorite. Researchers have cut pieces for study, but not yet to date its age. This is a nice place to learn and explore more about the outside world.
It is believed that the meteorite fell there before the current inhabitants arrived, about a thousand years ago. In 1930, the meteorite was officially discovered when only its top was visible.
Then the hillside was cleared all around to expose the whole meteorite. This left a column of the earth under the meteorite, which was then reinforced with concrete to serve as a pedestal.
I was not aware of the site until I heard about it in 2018 when I was planning a trip to Mbeya. My mother advised me to put visiting the site on my bucket list. She said visiting the Mbozi meteorite makes you feel out of this world.
The irregular notches at the pointed end were caused by souvenir hunters hacking out chunks of iron. Visiting the Mbozi Meteorite also brings you into contact with the locals who are always happy to interact with travelers.
5. Trek Mbeya Peak
This is a must-do for most tourists while in or around Mbeya. If you are in or around Mbeya, you will find Mbeya Peak northwest of Mbeya town. It is a beautiful place to be adventurous and the most climbed peak in Mbeya. To reach the summit, you should allow an average of 5 hours. It depends on the route you take or where you start your hike.
The hike itself to the Mbeya summit is relatively easy, enjoyable, and exciting. But I recommend taking a local guide with you to assist you and get you to your destination with ease. I met a friend who had hiked up Mbeya Peak at the hotel.
We sat down for coffee and discussed some exciting activities to do in or around Mbeya. In the process, I learned about the excitement of trekking Mbeya Peak. She told me that their trek was relatively challenging because they went there without a guide.
Fortunately, they managed to find a certain knowledgeable man who agreed to help them. They gave him a few thousand Tanzanian shillings.
You must take a local guide who knows the routes because the routes change according to the conditions. It is more exciting and fun if you take someone with you or go with a group.
Take it slow, have fun, and feel comfortable taking healthy breaks along the way. Also, take this as an opportunity to learn the exciting stories about life in Mbeya.
It may not rain, but just a word of advice, remember to prepare. It is a good idea to have a rain jacket, some water, and good walking shoes as it is slippery.
Once you get to the top, enjoy the view of the city from the top. The view from the top is very pleasant. See beautiful flowers and trees with a small stream. So, are you still looking for what to do in or around Mbeya? Go and see Mbeya town from the top of Mbeya peak.
6. Visit The Ifisi Zoo
Ifisi Zoo is a beautiful place to visit when you are in or around Mbeya. If you are in Mbeya, take the road to Tunduma near Ikumbi, about 5 kilometers from Mbalizi you will find the Ifisi Zoo. The good thing about Ifisi Zoo is that you can visit it again and again. It is a nice place for you if you are interested in a cultural and natural tour.
Most of the researchers and students also visit this place for learning. Sometimes, you will also find wedding ceremonies and people taking photos here. This is the area that will give you a classic experience that you cannot imagine. The charges to enter the place are clearly stated at the entrance.
There you will find exciting artifacts in the museum. The museum mainly preserves tribal cultural artifacts and other interesting resources from the southern highlands. You pay only 2 USD to enter the museum.
After enjoying the artifacts, you can also observe wild animals at the zoo. Animals include crocodiles, snakes, black and white colobus monkeys, spotted hyenas, zebras, antelopes, and wild boars. Most tourists enjoy the fresh breeze from the gorge where the wildlife is located. To enter the gorge, you need to pay 3 USD.
Besides, you can see some beautiful birds like pelicans, ostriches, peacocks, and flamingos there. It is reported that watching large and small flamingos from their pool is one of the most beautiful activities that most tourists enjoy.
Ifisi Zoo is also a nice place to have a picnic with your family. There you will find a nice playground for kids and a big hall for meals and parties. They have a beautiful garden with amazing flowers and trees. You can also enjoy the sound of artificial waterfalls.
Another interesting part of this zoo is that it offers a guided walk and a wildlife ride to stop the animals. This is a nice place to visit when you are in or around Mbeya.
7. Hike Up Loleza Peak
A beautiful place for people who love adventure. Loleza Peak is one of the peaks visited by most tourists in or around Mbeya. It is 2,656m high and is located just north of the town of Mbeya. It is a typical spot for the motte Zamarada Loleza.
A day hike to Loleza peak is quite exciting, fun, and challenging but possible. So a guide is essential. You can find guides through many of the travel agencies or nice hotels in Mbeya. You will trek through beautiful scenery with artificial and natural trees and flowers like pine trees. While trekking, you will be feted by the sounds and sight of beautiful birds.
The air itself is calm and fresh to give you the kind of pleasure you deserve. I went there once on a group hike in July 2016. The hike to the top was adventurous and full of fun for about 4 hours. The weather was cool and pleasant.
You will see the stations of the cross along with the way up. You may also meet locals preparing for prayers as some churches are praying there.
Another interesting activity that you may come across here is meeting groups of scouts doing their exercises. Just stick to your plan but take it easy and have fun, you are not in the race!
8. Trekking Up Mount Rungwe
Mount Rungwe is a potentially active volcano. It is estimated that the last volcanic eruption occurred about 1200 years ago. Mount Rungwe is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania at 2960m. It is one of the most visited places by tourists in and around Mbeya.
If you are in Mbeya, you will find the mountain at the junction of the eastern and western arms of the Great Rift Valley of Africa. This is the place that receives the highest rainfall in Tanzania, especially on the southeast slopes of the mountains.
Mount Rungwe is a beautiful place to go with your guide if you love nature and adventure. You will see a diverse and unique ecosystem with Rungwe Peak, a barren mountain. A large part of the mountain is a forest reserve. The western slopes of Mount Rungwe are drained by the Kiwira River which leads to Lake Nyasa.
Here you can spot some animals, bird species, and beautiful vegetation on your way up. Some of the animals you may see include Abbott’s Duiker, the Kipunji and. Rungwe Galago And once you reach the top, the view of Poroto Ridge, Mbeya Peak, Loleza Peak, and areas stretching down to Malawi is thrilling. Imagine exploring the view of Crater Lake Ngozi, Africa’s second-largest crater lake, from the top of Mount Rungwe.
Then you can set off to see Crater Lake Lusiba after descending from the summit of Rungwe. The crater is located 2,400 meters below the bamboo belt. This place is also considered a traditionally important site for the surrounding communities. You may come across Masieto when the Nyakyusa are performing their traditional rituals or ceremonies.
I cannot tell you more about this mountain than to tell you to go and feel nature!
9. Visit To Uyole Cultural Tourism Enterprise (UCTE).
Uyole Cultural Tourism Enterprise is a cultural tour operator that will exceed your expectations. With UCTE, you can explore everything of interest in and around Mbeya. The staff is knowledgeable, charming, and professional. If you are interested in the traditions and customs of the local communities in and around Mbeya, you should contact UCTE.
Here you have several activities to choose from, depending on your interests and time. The storytelling by local elders and Safwa chiefs about their tribal life is exciting. My wife left afterward because she had heard their advertisement about two days of traditional dances “Mbeta”.
Fortunately, she was in Njombe at the time and decided to go there and watch it. She sent me a text saying UCTE is a perfect place to spend some time if you are in or around Mbeya. She was lucky enough to even see elderly people playing Bao, a traditional game that is also very interesting.
A visit to UCTE can almost guarantee you to mingle with the locals, especially during the farm tour. Other interesting activities that UCTE offers are comping tours, hiking tours, and walking tours. If you wish, UCTE can arrange for you to go on a trip to various hot springs.
Mbambo hot springs, Kilambo hot springs, and Songwe hot springs. Or you can opt for a walking tour to one or more of the nearby peaks such as Loleza, Rungwe, and Mbeya.
Another interesting activity you can do when visiting UCTE is to explore various crater lakes. You can choose to explore Ngozi, Masoko, Itende, or Kiungululu crater lakes.
These are not only the activities that UCTE offers, but you can also do beachcombing activities. They offer beach activities like swimming, canoeing, and sports at Matema beach. All these activities are nice and fun.
Also, with UCTE, you can pass through Nkunga and Ndandalo suspension bridges. These bridges are breathtaking and amazing.
But you can also visit one or more of the nearby waterfalls. These are the Kipili, Malasusa and Mwalalo waterfalls. Even more interesting is that UCTE has volunteer programs. You can work in agriculture, cultural heritage, health, and education in your area. These activities will leave an impact on the community to remember you by.
And do not forget to try some local food and drink. Their local beers, including Komoni, Dadii, and Chipumu, are very popular there. You can drink it with the local straw called Kinfwefwe, it is a beautiful experience you can’t forget. So, if you are in or around Mbeya, spending your free time with UCTE is a great deal.
10. Shopping At Mwanjelwa Market.
Mwanjelwa market is a nice place where travelers and locals mix very well. It is a modern open market with great infrastructure. The market has a large parking area. Here you can buy fresh produce, fabrics, clothes, plastics, kitchenware, jewelry, and electronics. You can also buy jewelry and souvenirs here.
Other important facilities found in Mwanjelwa market are banks and public toilets. You will also find nice restaurants around the market where you can get good food and drinks. Are you in or around Mbeya and don’t know how to get there? It is a popular place that everyone in or around the city knows.
Make your way and get off at Mwanjelwa bus stop, Kabwe Bus Station, or Mafiati bus stop. This is where you will find the stunning market, this is where you are. I can almost guarantee that you will find everything you need here, both retail and wholesale. The prices are very reasonable, and the items are high quality.
11. Kapologwe Waterfall
Visiting Kapolongwe waterfalls is worth a guided day tour. Kapologwe waterfalls are one of the top tourist attractions in Mbeya. This is a natural massive waterfall at the Livingstone Mountains. You will find these waterfalls 25 km from the town of Tukuyu. Kapologwa falls is also known as Kala falls. It is famous for the green and natural beauty of its surroundings.
You can even enjoy your lunch here before getting wet in its plunge pool at the bottom. The falls are located in a remote and serene place that is perfect for hikers. Kapologwe Falls is home to natural evergreen forests. Many baboons, vervet monkeys, and white colobus monkeys call these forests home.
Here you will not only find the falls but also see the large cave that lies behind the falls. These caves were used as a hideout by the Germans during the First World War. From here, you can walk to the Daraja la Mungu (God’s Bridge). This is another tourist attraction. You can also combine this day trip with cultural and village tourism. You will have the opportunity to see traditional dances and handicrafts of the indigenous Nyakyusa tribe.
12. Malamba Waterfalls
Waterfalls are always natural wonders on earth that no one wants to miss.
Malamba Waterfalls is another gem that I would recommend you visit while you are in or around Mbeya. The falls are in Malamba village (Suma district) in Rungwe district. If you are in Tukuyu town, it is about 15km from the falls.
They are the longest waterfalls in Rungwe District with an estimated height of 80 km.
Visiting these falls is breathtaking as the falls overwhelm with a beautiful sigh. On the way to the falls, you will have the opportunity to see various crops from the village. I can guarantee that you will see a lot of bananas, tea, coffee, avocados, and the like.
If you love excursions and exploring nature, this is the place you would visit in Mbeya as well. You will never regret visiting the falls because the experience is unforgettable.
Conclusion
In general, there are a lot of things you can do in or around Mbeya. But in this article, I have listed only the most exciting and fun ones. This way, you can combine at least some of the activities that suit your interest and make a visit.