Morogoro is a cool town that lies at the base of the Uluguru Mountains. The surrounding area is one of the country’s breadbaskets and home of Sokoine University.
Morogoro is home to a major education and mission station. Morogoro also offers a warm introduction to Tanzanian life outside the busiest city, Dar es Salaam. Over at Morogoro, you will be offered the chance for cultural tours and hikes in the Uluguru Mountains. Apart from this, what are some of the different things you can do in or around Morogoro?
Here’s a list of some of the best things you can do in and around Morogoro include:
- Explore Selous Game Reserve
- Trek Uluguru Mountains
- Visit Kinole Waterfalls
- Explore Udzungwa National Park
- Pay a Visit to Safari Partners
- Explore Mikumi National Park
- Explore Kimboza Forest
- Visit Chilunga Cultural Tourism
- Visit the Amani Centre
- Explore Morogoro town by Bike
For the remaining part of this article, I’m going to share a lot more information about the above-highlighted activities. So, keep reading to find out more. But first, here is a brief bulleted list of facts I’m sure you will definitely be interested in about Morogoro. Here I’m going first to share information on what Morogoro is about.
Quick Facts About Morogoro?
- Morogoro is a famous region in between Dar es Salaam, the largest city and commercial center of Tanzania, and Dodoma, the country’s capital city.
- Morogoro is informally known as “Mji kasoro Bahari” in Swahili to mean “City short of a port”.
- Morogoro town is the capital of the Morogoro Region. The region hosts many wild animals, some of which are in the Big Five scattered in Mikumi and Udzungwa national parks and in Selous Game Reserve.
- Also, you’ll find a lot of hiking chances and waterfalls in Morogoro. The history, cultures, and lifestyle of locals here are exciting
So, sparing your time to spend some days exploring what the Mji kasoro Bahari offers is rewarding.
Now let’s explore in detail the most exciting things you can do in or around Morogoro.
1. Explore Selous Game Reserve
Selous game reserve is the largest protected game reserve in Africa. Did you know that Selous Game Reserve is larger than Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Cyprus put together?
Despite being that large, Selous is yet wild and remote and a declared UNESCO world heritage site. The game reserve is virtually untouched by a human making it a cool place for you to visit.
It is also the most extensive protected area in Tanzania. The game reserve runs through 5 different regions. It covers 5% of Tanzania’s land area.
Are you asking where is the Selous Game Reserve?
The game reserve is located in the southern Tanzania safari circuit. It’s a short flight south from Dar es Salaam the biggest city in Tanzania. Unlike, parks in the northern tourism circuit, the Selous game reserve is affordable.
Selous game reserve is home to rare and highly endangered charismatic wild dogs. Here you’ll have the chance to spot them in groups.
Also, it’s exciting to spot the very numbers of animals in this game reserve. Specifically, you can see elephants, buffalos, giraffes, hippo, leopards, and crocodiles. I can also almost guarantee that you’ll even witness large lion pride.
Luckily, I visited Selous in October 2015 for the first time. I enjoyed seeing the large number of animals concentrating around the fewer remained central water sources creating nice viewing. Other sources of water had already dried out.
If you’re a bird lover, the Selous game reserve is home to over 440 known different species of birds. They include the white-headed vulture and the orange-beaked African skimmer.
There are lots of commendable exciting activities you can do in the Selous Game Reserve. There you can enjoy walking safaris, bird watching tours, boat safaris, game drives, fly – camping tours, and hot air balloon safaris.
You’ll enjoy experiencing spa treatments and an infinity pool in the luxury tented villas. The tents are well spaced with private verandas to offer you a nice stay. Selous offers a little bit out of the ordinary enjoying luxurious accommodation in a true African wild adventure.
This is a nice way you can enjoy a true back-to-basics experience. So, were you looking for what to do in Morogoro? Visiting Selous game reserve is a great way to spend your day!
2. Trek Uluguru Mountains
Hiking Uluguru Mountains is the nicest way to explore the history and lifestyle of the matrilineal luguru tribe. Here you’ll learn how the Waluguru came to live throughout the mountains for hundreds of years.
Did you know that the forests of the Uluguru Mountains host streams and rivers that form the Ruvu River? This’s the river that provides the water supply to the city of Dar es Salaam? Around 3 million people and major industries in Tanzania rely on this water supply.
As you go through the villages, it’s exciting to meet the welcoming Waluguru gardening or on the farm.
Your hike can be accompanied by the fresh produce directly from the mountains. Some of the fruits you can see along the way up are strawberries, blackberries, dragon fruit, avocado, sugarcane, and bananas.
To make your hike more interesting and fun, taste the fruits. They’re sweet and fresh to give your tour more meaning. Most travelers don’t want to miss the fruits from the mountains.
On your pathway up expect among others to spot some unique bird species, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians unknown elsewhere in the world. If you get lucky, you can even spot the Uluguru bush shrike.
My niece and her husband walked the Uluguru mountains when they were coming from Iringa in January 2015.
Unexpectedly after about hot 2 hours of hiking, they heard their guide telling them, “here we’re at Lupanga peak”. Lupanga peak is the highest point (2147m) in the immediate vicinity. It’s the best view of the Morogoro town from up there.
From the peak, they heard the crash of the water! Where do the sounds come from? My niece found herself asking the guide. Then, the guide responded, “it’s water crashing from Choma waterfalls. We’re heading there don’t worry!
From there, they turned to follow the Choma waterfalls. I’d feel the excitement my niece felt as she was explaining how beautiful Choma waterfalls are. That was their time to cool their bodies and taking other photographs for remembrance.
After about 15 minutes at the waterfalls, they resumed their go back to town through the same villages. This was also their chance to spend some Tanzanian shillings buying more fruits and other souvenirs they had passed on the way up.
This hike gave more than they expected. So, if you’re having some time in or around Morogoro, hiking Uluguru Mountains is a great deal.
3. Visit Kinole Waterfalls
Kinole waterfalls are stunning and offer unforgettable experiences. Visiting Kinole waterfalls is adventurous which will take you beyond expectations.
Walking through the different villages of the Waluguru tribe to Kinole waterfalls is a nice experience. You’ll pass through locals working in the farms near Kinole. I recommend to you that taste some fresh fruits along the way. They are sweet and tasty.
The interesting part of the waterfalls is that it’s not too touristic making it a nice tip-off the beaten track.
But don’t go there alone. There is no actual way to go to the waterfalls. Take a guide who will not only show you the way but also assist you to explore the history and lifestyle of people around the area.
Expect to spend about 1 hour to reach the waterfalls. You’ll walk down through the bushes and end up at the bottom of the waterfalls near a beautiful pond.
So, make sure you wear full sleeves and cover your body nicely. But it’s a nice area you’ll also enjoy spotting different species of birds. Waters are chilly and fresh to cool you down after a long go. This’s now the best time to enjoy the snacks you took on the way.
Once you’re done at the waterfalls, you can initiate your way back to town. As you head down the place, you’ll be having a great view over the town of Morogoro.
On your way back, you’ll have the chance to buy any fresh fruit and items you like.
4. Explore Udzungwa National Park
Udzungwa mountains national park is a nice wooded park. The park is located in between Iringa and Morogoro regions. This’s a nice park to combine both game viewing and mountain trekking.
The mountain range is often referred to as “the Galapagos Island of Africa” due to its biodiversity richness and endemism.
The park is home to the largest population of rare monkey species like Iringa red colobus and Sanje mangabey. These species are endemic to only Udzungwa mountains national park. You’ll see them here!
Expect to spot elephants, bushbucks, hunting dogs, leopards, and hyenas.
Bird watching is perfect here because the park hosts over 400 bird species. The species of birds include eastern arc endemic and forest bird species.
Here you can spot green-headed oriole, marabou stork, crown eagle, woodland kingfisher, and silvery checked hornbill. To visit this area when you’re in or around Morogoro is a rewarding activity for you.
Did you know that the name Udzungwa is derived from the Hehe word “Wasungwa” meaning the people who live on mountainsides? The park is surrounded by communities. That’s why you can combine the park with other safari areas like markets, villages, and plantations.
From the mountain peaks, you’ll enjoy spotting the view of the Selous Game Reserve. If you get lucky and it’s a clear day, you can even view the coast of the Indian Ocean. It’s a cool place for climbers and lovers of pure nature.
Remember to take a guide who will not only help you get to the top of the mountains but also tell you interesting stories about medicines from the plants and trees.
My friend and I spend about 4 hours to get to the top of the Sanje waterfalls trail. There are other many waterfalls in the park. You can explore and enjoy it more. We enjoyed swimming in the plunge pools because it’s allowed.
If you love cycling, Udzungwa mountain national park is one of the best destinations to offer exciting cycling activities in Tanzania. You’ll be able to explore the park by bike. You’ll enjoy to spot animals and interact with the surrounding communities by bike.
So, if you’re having a day in or around Morogoro, consider exploring Udzungwa mountains national park.
5. Pay a Visit to Safari Partners
Safari Partners is a local registered tour operator in Morogoro. It’s specialized in organizing wildlife safaris to the Southern and Northern Circuits of Tanzania.
They are professionals and have great knowledge when it comes to wildlife safaris in the country. The guides know a lot about nature and animals.
If you’re interested in cultural and historical tours, Safari Partners also can organize the tour for you. My friend had a historical day trip to Bagamoyo with Safari Partners in August 2020. It was a nice tour.
They try everything possible to make sure your experience with them is unforgettable.
If you’re interested to chill on natural pristine white sand beaches after a wildlife safari, they also have holiday packages including Zanzibar and other coastal towns.
I was impressed to hear that from a traveler whom we met on a flight back to London from Tanzania. She said that Safari Partners organized a nice trip to Zanzibar and it was perfect. They had three days there and everything was super.
They have local partners all over Tanzania. So, if you’re heading to other places where they don’t operate out of Morogoro, Safari Partners can link you up.
Safari Partners also offer transfer services for individuals and groups to any destination in the country. They do airport pickups/ drop-offs as well.
Most travelers recommend Safari Partners to travelers who are going to spend time in Morogoro.
So, if you’re in or around Morogoro and can spare some time to visit them is a great idea. You won’t be disappointed.
6. Explore Mikumi National Park
Mikumi national park is the fourth-biggest park in Tanzania. The park is often nicknamed the little Serengeti because of its great wildlife experience in the plains.
The park is surrounded by the mountains like Udzungwa and the Uluguru Mountains. The scenic views of the mountains have a unique formation system. That attracts more travelers particularly writers, photographers, and researchers to the park.
Most travelers say that exploring Mikumi is always the best experience of their lives.
The sunrise and sunset here are nice especially if you walk to the top of any mountain or hill. Most travelers do their park safari in the northwest commonly known as the “Mkata plains”.
If you don’t have much time but you want to enjoy a wildlife safari, Mikumi is a perfect place for you to go. Here you’ll enjoy the guided walk safari as well.
You’ll be excited to find a wide assortment of natural life easily spotted at the park center.
If you go there during the dry season, the waterholes attract huge herds of animals creating beautiful scenery.
Among the animals, you have the chance to spot are the African Big Five only missing rhinos. Here you have a greater chance to see tree-climbing lions than even in the famous Lake Manyara national park.
Also, hippos, hyena, zebra, and wildebeest are spotted here. Also, expect to spot eland, greater kudu, and sable.
Giraffes are also common here. If you’re lucky you can encounter some great pride of a lion.
Another interesting part about Mikumi national park is that the game drive is at its best here. Also, the park is affordable, so don’t worry much about the price. But if you’re visiting this park in the wetter period, take a nice rain jacket.
More than 400 bird species including the European migrants are hosted here. The most spotted birds are secretary birds, guinea fowl, oxpeckers, bateleur eagles, and cattle egret.
If you still have time, Mikumi national park is well connected to Selous and Ruaha parks. You can also try them after you’re finished with Mikumi.
So, if you’re in or around Morogoro, I’d definitely recommend Mikumi national park to you.
7. Explore Kimboza Forest
Kimboza forest is a lowland forest at the foothills of the Uluguru Mountains. This forest attracts many travelers especially researchers and students.
The Ruvu River passes the forest stretches to the top of the nearby hills. It’s interspersed by massive rock outcrops and has several permanent small streams.
To explore the forest, take a local guide who will also assist you to explore medical wild plant species here.
The forest is home to many endemic plants and animals. The forest is hosting at least 226 vertebrate species including 52 amphibians and 174 mammals. Kimboza forest has been described as the most important and species-rich lowland forest on limestone in Africa.
Exploring this forest will give you the chance to see the turquoise gecko. This’s the only one of the two localities in Tanzania where you can find this endangered species.
More interesting is that here you’ll find a campsite at Kimboza adjacent to the forest. The campsite has basic facilities including a toilet and a shower. Also, you can find local dishes and basic supplies from the mission across the road.
You’ll have the chance to meet with local inhabitants who have played a great role in conserving it. The local inhabitants are masters of their environment and you’ll be excited to learn from them. They’re happy to share their history and culture with tourists.
So, are you in or around Morogoro and looking at what to do? Kimboza forest is a worthwhile day trip.
8. Visit Chilunga Cultural Tourism
Chilunga Cultural Tourism is a programme run by Chilunga Nature Conservators; a local NGO based in Morogoro. The local community in the Uluguru Mountains is directly involved in designing and organizing the tours and showing tourists aspects of the life they live.
The enterprise support community development and conservation to ensure sustainable tourism.
Their tours directly benefit the local community by providing income and funding for development and conservation projects. 100% of the village fund support fees go to community development.
Some of the projects you’ll see are tree nursery raising and planting, beekeeping, local tour guide training, capacity building, school projects, building dispensary, and maintenance and reconstruction of the village road.
Also, they’re doing campaigns on environmental issues and awareness-raising on cultural tourism.
If you’re interested to visit local villages and share cultural experiences, Chilunga Cultural Tourism is a perfect place to visit.
Here you’ll have the chance to taste their dishes and engage in their daily life activities.
Also, for easily hiking the mountains and wildlife exploring in Morogoro, Chilunga Cultural Tourism are highly recommended for you.
Most tourists express their excitement for the time they spent with Chilunga Cultural Tourism. They always say exploring Morogoro with Chilunga Cultural Tourism is an inspiring experience. The staff is professional and helpful to travelers.
So, if you’re looking for what to do in or around Morogoro, paying a visit to Chilunga Cultural Tourism is worth rewarding.
9. Visit the Amani Centre
Amani Centre for Persons with Disabilities is an NGO that intellectually children and youth with disabilities are identified and provided with basic needs to enable them to live a normal life.
Also, the center is known as the place of hope. To support children and youths with disabilities, the center is having different projects. The projects include agricultural and animal husbandry projects, tailoring, and water project at Mikese.
The center also provides humanitarian aids to poor families. Visiting the center is also showing that you care and love what they’re doing.
It also provides cultural and natural tours through Amani ecotourism. With Amani ecotourism, you’ll have the chance to explore the nature and cultural diversity in or around Morogoro.
When you’re at Amani you’re having the chance to hike the mountains that surround the town. If you’re interested to explore the nearby national parks, the center is ready to organize a tour for you.
Here you also have time to try even local dishes at the Amani café. Try ugali, wali na maharage, ndizi na nyama, or wali na nyama along with a nice selection of drinks. They’re delicious and affordable.
After you’ve enjoyed the meal, head to the Amani shop which is next to the café. Here you can buy some souvenirs like necklaces, earrings, wristbands, jewelry, scriptures, and T-shirts. Most of the items are handcrafted.
Another interesting part of the center is that they have volunteer programmes. The center welcomes all types of professionals and student volunteers. The center offers accommodation for professional volunteers. If you’re a student volunteer, you’ll have to pay for your room, board, and meals.
Most volunteers have reported how great is volunteering at the Amani center. Interacting with the locals, sharing their skills, and learning the local culture is an experience you won’t forgettable.
You’ll have opportunities to stay close with children and youths with disabilities. You learn a lot from them and you offer what you have for their better future.
So, if you’re interested in creating a better future for persons with disabilities and poor households, join hands with Amani Centre when you’re in or around Morogoro.
10. Explore Morogoro town by Bike
Cycling Morogoro town by bike is the only way to explore the real Morogoro. This tour will make you gain a first-hand experience of the socio-cultural issues in the town.
This’s the easy way you can explore locals living conditions, infrastructures, and urban environment. Paddle to the local markets. And you’re on the way there feel free to get off the bike and interact with locals.
To make your tour more interesting, I suggest that you learn some basic Swahili words before you go. Some basic words I recommend to have include:
- “Mambo?” or “habari yako?” (how are you?)
- “Nzuri?” or “poa” (fine)
- “Karibu” (welcome)
- “Shilingi ngapi?” (how much?)
- “Ndiyo” (yes), “hapana” (no)
- “Asante!” (Thank you), “Asante Sana” (thank you very much)
- “Kwa heri” (goodbye)
Just a piece of advice, take only the amount of money you need for the day. You’ll pass through different attractive items and be attracted to buy.
At the markets, you’ll see a lot of local products like fresh fruits produced directly from the farms. Buy some if you’re interested. The fruits are sweet and fresh.
After you’re finished with the market life, tell your guide to continue peddling. The good thing is that you have not to worry about water and meals. There are plenty of nice restaurants and shops along the way. Just get off the bike and take health breaks.
Make your tour fun and enjoyable. Remember you’re not racing! If you don’t want to spend much time at the restaurant, you can order a local favorite of chips mayai and mishikaki.
If you’re interested in social aspects, I suggest that visit some education centers or health facilities around the town. People are appreciative to see guests paying their visits. It’s one way of making them feel they’re loved and valued.
So, this’s a perfect tour because it’ll not make you only discover the town but also make you make an impact and get fit for a hike or safari the day after.
Conclusion
Generally, there are a lot of things to do in or around Morogoro. But in this article, I’ve just shared the most exciting and fun ones.
So, what you can do now is combining some of the activities. Choose activities that suit your interest and the nature of your trip and make it of life experience in or around Morogoro.