Southern Tanzania

Little visited but often wildly beautiful , southern Tanzania is an enchanting and surprisingly easy place to explore , whether it’s mountain you hanker for, or ancient forest wildlife and Birds ,culture, or merely magnificent scenery . Coming from Central Tanzania, first stop is Iringa town a very pleasant base from which to explore the bird-field forest of the western Udzungwa Mountains. A number of historical sites related to the straggle against German conquest , and the huge of fragile wilderness of Ruaha National park-equal to the northern circuit for wildlife , but with only a fraction of the crowed .In the dry season the parks water halls attract a surprisingly rich array of wildlife in the rains , when everything turns green, it becomes a paradise for birds Watchers .

Further south the ever green Southern high land products of the tectonic upheavals that also wretched apart the rift valley -are a giant play ground of forested peaks , creator lakes , hot springs , flower -strewn plateau and even a dormant volcano , mount Rungwe . All in all quite perfect hiking terrain access to which is simple thanks to Cultural tourism programs in Mbeya , The region ‘s Capital , and in the agricultural town of Tukuyu -Tanzania wettest place . To the east , the lands levels off on the Kitulo plateau , declared a national park to protect over fifty species of rare orchids , which put on delicious display during the rains.

But flowers aren’t the park’s only rarity : says hallow to Kipunji , an entirely new species and regent of monkeys that was only discovered in 2003.

Beyond the southern highland , the land drop down the lake Nyasa which feel a deep through at the junction of the eastern and western branches of the picturesque stretch of water, and provides -via a ferry ride-a short but most memorable journey. In contrast to the Lake’s Malawian shore line , however tourist on the Tanzanian side is virtually non-existent the main beach at Mtema in the north has just three modest hotels , whilst the southern town of Mbamba bay is about as far as you can from main stream Tanzania without tripping over the border into Mozambique.

Iringa, Ruaha and Western Udzungwa

Five hundred kilometers southwest of Dar, and just over three hundred from Morogoro , is the town of Iringa , a very attractive base for exploring its equally attractive region -a mix of forested hills , boulder-strewn wilderness , fertile farmland and dusty red lowland that are home to the most of the big species you can also see in the northern Tanzania . The main draw is Ruaha national park. The country’s southernmost savanna habitat and which, together with Selous and Mikumi complete so-called Southern Safaris circuits. Ruaha , together with the western Udzungwa Mountains , is also prime bird viewing territory, with over seven hundred species recorded between them which the exception of Udzungwa, getting around the region is simple enough especially if you base yourself in Iringa.

Iringa and around

Perched on an escarpment a midst jagged hills and cracked granite builders , the town of Iringa -just off the Tanzam highway has a very appealing location location , nicely matched by its welcoming and laid-back mood. Its the main base for visiting Ruaha National Park, and travelers will also appreciate the fresh climate (1600m above see level), which can get positively chilly in June and July . in the 19 century , the region was controlled by the He he tribe most famously led by Chief Mkwawa , who for several years successfully resisted German conquest . There’s a museum dedicated to him at Kalenga , an easy half-day trip from Iringa . Similarly accessible in the stone age site of Isimila , which wouldn’t be all that interesting were it not for its setting a midst a natural “forest” of bizarrely shaped sandstone pillars.

Arrival and information

Iringa lies 3km of the Tanzam highway ; the bus stand in the centre of town but coaches en route to other destination may only stop at Ipogoro in the highway, from where a taxi into town costs,

Iringa unofficial tourist office , operated by River Side Camp site, Is Iringa info on uhuru avenue. Also helpful and well informed is shaffin Hajji, the owner of Hasty Tasty Too restaurant

Accommodation

Iringa’s cheapest guesthouse are mostly quite squalid, with anything half-decent charging over the odds. Lower mid range hotels fare better and there are a couple of very attractive rural places out of town, both of which also have composites lastly Iringa’s tap water needs sterilizing if you’re going to drink it.

Town Centre

Annex staff in lodge uhuru avenue Dreary and a little pricey by any but iringas standards for which its actually something of a bargain ; secure and with cool if cramped en-suite rooms , good beds , nets, and TVs hot water and a nice restaurant, no smoking.

Central Lodge Hotel Uhuru Ave A very pleasant , almost rural alternative to the gloomy central guesthouses , with seven large en-suit rooms some twins with big beds and box net and functional plumbing (warm if not hot water) the best thing through is the lovely garden bar at the back . Safe perking BB.

Dr A .J. Nsekela Executive Lodge Uhuru Ave .Run by a business school in a large and usually very somnolent 1970’s block. Has good en-suite rooms (no twins) with sporadic hot water plus suites with bigger beds and fridges .check nets for size . Food to order. Safe parking .BB2-3.

Iringa Lutheran Center Kawawa Rd Quiet ,prim, proper, and dull, just as a church hostel should be , but also expensive, and sufferings from the classic hostel syndrome of too -small sheet ( the nets are ok through ) Rooms to the left of the reception (singles or double ) are fine, but ones to the right haven’t been properly renovated and the singles are ,well,dingly,All have (local ) TV and bathrooms .food to order safe parking.

Isimila hotel Uhuru Ave, friendly and calm with 48 en-suite rooms including suites. In several big and actually quiet likeable 1970s block surrounded by cypress and bottle brush trees, despite being a bit damp and forlorn , it’s comfortable and well prized , there is also a restaurant , bar and safe parking. Loud on Friday and Saturday nights (to 4am) thanks to Twisters in the street behind.

M.R. Hotel Mkwawa Rd. over looking the bus stand, this is aimed at business men and is rather pricey , but has bright and mostly spotless rooms on three floors . the ones hire up being less noisy all have (local)TV, a balcony and hot water ,but no mosquito nets as rooms are sprayed instead . There’s also restaurant (no alcohol), internet cafe and safe parking.

Neema craft centre Hakimu St , ten en-suite are being built above the workshop here which

should be up and running by the time you read this they’ll more likely than not offer Iringa’s best valley accommodation an d with the guarantee that profits go straight back into the project.

New Ruaha International lodge KawawaRd, Churchill Rd Churchill road a service of red -walled green-roofed building s occupying a gravel -strewn plot , this motel -like place has gone to town on mirrored glass and assorted renovations. But the rooms remain tiny, not all have bath rooms , and even by iringa’s standards they’re overpriced. Still, you get cable TV and there is a quiet bar and restaurant . Safe perking.

Out of town

Kisolanza Farm (the old farm house), 54km southwest of Iringa along the highway (51km from Ipgoro). The delight full colonial -era farm is a stopover for overland tourist trucks , who have their own composite , and a wide selection of attractive rooms , in including rustic chalets share ring bathrooms en-suite cottages with log fire , and top of the line, a couple of the luxurious “farm cottages) with their own gardens. There’s also a bar (in a surprisingly authentic -looking tribal house ) whose many treats include hot chocolate Amarula and cakes ,and a restaurant ably showing off the farm produce which you can also buy from there shop.

Riverside Campsite 14km east of town; Set beside the little Ruaha River , This lovely British run hideaway has a composite , six enticingly priced chalets in Hansel and Gretel style ( two with Kitchens), nine tented bandas sharing toilets , and 8tents with beds ” Good food available often as evening buffets if there are enough people around , but the main attraction is a welter of activities , including several kilometers of walking trails. Swimming in the river , village towers mountain biking ,horse riding , visits to Lugalo, Isimila , and Kalenga , safaris to Ruaha National Park , and hikes in and around the western Udzungwa Mountains .A taxi from town books the chalets well in advance.

The Town

Iringa’s rural sense is the best sampled by rummaging round the market , a colorful , vibrant and hustler- free shambles built in 1940 .Among the many specialties on offer are beautifully woven(and sometimes aromatic) Basket made from reeds of sisal , pumice stones and honey , bath sponges and loafers imported from the coast , and even cowbells . There is also a riotous selection of Kanga wraps , kibatari oil lamps pungent dried fish from Mtera Reservoir(along the road of Dodoma) and pottery from various places , including -if you’re lucky -the dangerous cream-and-red ware from lake Nyasa’s Kisii tribe .For medical herbs and tree back, have a mooch down the alley way on the west side of Uhuru Park where several Maasai sit behind heir wares together with others making and selling beaded jewellery, or plaiting peoples hair . The compact Colonial quarter occupies the street west of the market: its most impressive building is a toll Bavarian-style structure with a clock tower on Jomat street originally the town hall, is now the Islamic mosque.

O

n the south side of the market next to the police station is the Majimaji Memorial honoring Africa soldiers who died while in the service of Germany during the uprising . Also poignant is Iringa war Cemetery a couples of block north which contains German as well as British graves from Would war, I and these of local(experts as well as Tanzanians) who fought in World War II.

Anthony Mmeri is the Editor and Tours Director at Wings Over Africa Safaris Limited. This is a Safari Holiday Company that specializes on Wildlife Safaris | Hotel Accommodation Booking| Air Safari Flights | Private air charter flights Southern Tanzania. The website has guided thousands of travelers to achieve their dream holiday. For more information and guidance, visit the site at http://www.wingsoverafrica-aviation.com/index.php/safaris-east-africa/tanzania-tour-packages.html

Anthony Mmeri is the Editor and Tours Director at Wings Over Africa Safaris Limited. This is a Safari Holiday Company that specializes on Wildlife Safaris | Hotel Accommodation Booking| Air Safari Flights | Private air charter flights Southern Tanzania. The website has guided thousands of travelers to achieve their dream holiday. For more information and guidance, visit the site at http://www.wingsoverafrica-aviation.com/index.php/safaris-east-africa/tanzania-tour-packages.html

Author Bio: Anthony Mmeri is the Editor and Tours Director at Wings Over Africa Safaris Limited. This is a Safari Holiday Company that specializes on Wildlife Safaris | Hotel Accommodation Booking| Air Safari Flights | Private air charter flights Southern Tanzania. The website has guided thousands of travelers to achieve their dream holiday. For more information and guidance, visit the site at http://www.wingsoverafrica-aviation.com/index.php/safaris-east-africa/tanzania-tour-packages.html

Category: Travel
Keywords: wildlife safaris Sourthern Tanzania,wildlife safaris Iringa,scenic flights Western Udzungwa,birding