Mto Wa Mbu

The little town of Mto Wa Mbu lies at the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park. A local agricultural hub, the town is famous for its crops of rice and the distinctive red bananas that Tanzania is known for. A half-day tour of the town in the company of a local guide gives travellers the opportunity to interact with local farmers, as well as artisans, craftsmen and painters. A sampling of the local banana beer adds a unique taste of local flavour.

This cross-cultural melting pot is home to approximately 120 tribes. A bustling, thriving village, it is fascinating to hear the colourful blend of languages and witness first-hand the unique customs. Cultural diversity is seen in the various entrepreneurial ways including a farmer from Kigoma producing palm oil from palm trees that he purchased from the shores of Lake Tanganyika, and the Rangi creating colourful, beautiful mats and baskets using papyrus from the lakes and rivers.

 

Extra Activities To Take During Safari

Located halfway between Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Park, the bustling market community of Mto Wa Mbu is also a fantastic place for visitors to engage in a little cultural exchange.

Balaa Hill Climb
Taking between 3 and 6 hours depending on the climbers, this stunning hike takes you to the very edge of the Great Rift Valley for an astonishing view of the valley floor and the surrounding landscape.

Masai Boma Visit
The iconic Masai are omnipresent in and around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and a visit to one of their traditional villages is a thrilling cultural excursion.
In addition to a tour of a working Masai village, visitors can also expect demonstrations of traditional dance and the opportunity to purchase authentic, locally made jewellery.

Masai Market Tour
Available only on Thursdays or on the 22nd of each month, a visit to an active and bustling Masai market is a truly amazing cultural experience. Visitors will have the chance to browse the market, marvel at the many people who come to sell their wares, and try some traditional Masai BBQ.

Farm Tour
A visit to a local farm offers some insight into the ways in which local farmers are mixing modern farming techniques and traditional practices.
Tours typically take 1-4 hours.

Miwaleni Waterfall & Lake Tour
For those fancying a refreshing dip, a hike (or bike ride) out to Miwaleni Waterfall offers a chance to be at one with nature as you soak in the deliciously cool waters beneath the falls.
Along the way to and from the pool, it is possible to see a variety of bird and wildlife.

Local Lunch at Mama’s
They say you need to eat a culture’s food to truly experience that culture, and lunch at a local Mama’s house is an exceptional way to sate your appetite and gain some insight into local tastes and traditions.

Village Walk
Get an inside look at the homes and exquisite craft of Mto wa Mbu’s many tribes. Visitors will get a chance to meet locals and learn about banana beer, Makonde woodcarvings, and the tribal painting techniques; the village provides a great introduction to everyday life in Africa.

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