Mto wa Mbu Village
A small town located in Monduli district lying alongside the Lake Manyara national park in Arusha Region, it lies few kilometers away from Arusha town. The name Mto wa Mbu means ” The river of Mosquitoes ” in the Swahili Language, it lies between the rift valley Escarpment which extends from North West to southwest, in the south lies Lake Manyara Nation Park (330kmsq) which extends from west to east eventually turning into a wildlife corridor. This cross-cultural melting pot is home to approximately all the 120 tribes found in Tanzania; the town is famous for its rich cultural diversity bustling with varieties of cultures from all over corners of Tanzania living happily side by side conducting different daily cultural activities from farming to grazing. You can spend a full or half day in this small town to explore their authentic cultural ways of life with an experienced local guide who will give you the cultural insight of the village side. This town is also an entry point to Lake Manyara national park but also hub to Ngoro Ngoro crater and it’s very easy to access Tarangire national park and other area like Lake Natron and Eyasi from this town.
THINGS TO DO IN MTO WA MBU
Discover hidden gems that travelers won't want to miss. This small cultural town offers exciting activities and stunning natural wonders. Known for its cultural diversity, it boasts beautiful landscapes and is close to famous national parks, Lake Eyasi, and Lake Natron. Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover, or culture enthusiast, Mto wa Mbu has something for everyone. Here are some things to include during your trip to Tanzania in the Mto wa Mbu area
Mto wa Mbu is surrounded by lush wetlands and a network of interconnected lakes and rivers that gives you an opportunity to engage on a guided canoeing safari activity, this is one of the best ways to explore the unique ecosystem of the Lake Manyara. Canoe safari offers travelers an opportunity to enjoy an incredible scenery both on and around the lake shores. You are likely to spot many monkeys swinging from the overhanging trees and see diverse varieties of aquatic birdlife from lesser flamingos, egrets, Stocks, ibis, king fishers, herons, avocet to pelicans collecting and hunting for food around the lake area. On a canoe safari you also have high chance to see wild animals such as buffalo, giraffes, gazelles, and impalas and elephants drinking and bathing on the shorelines, Lake Manyara is also a home to hippos and so this is very possible to be part of the experience while on a cruise. This type of activity while in Mto wa mbu village will offer you a thrilling, unique and peaceful safari experience from a different perspective allowing you to immerse in the tranquility of the beautiful serene of the nature. This surely is an exciting adventure to remember, spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours on a traditional dugout canoe and your knowledgeable guide will navigate you through the diverse flora and fauna around the Lake.
Mto wa mbu and its surrounding areas are a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. While in this area you have opportunity to explore the Lake shores of Lake Manyara located just a short distance. Join our knowledgeable guides on birdwatching excursions and discover a myriad of avian bird species around this region. Observe the elegant pink flamingos wading through the shallow waters of the lake Manyara, African fish eagles, pelican, herons, egrets, stocks, ibis; you will be able to spot the colourful bee-eaters darting through the air, and listen to the melodious calls of various endemic and migratory bird species. Lake Manyara rich birdlife is a sight to behold and offers endless opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts to indulge in their liking.
Explore the vibrant cultural tapestry of Tanzania in Mto wa Mbu, a town renowned for its rich multicultural makeup. Home to approximately 120 different tribes, Mto wa Mbu offers an immersive experience where you can discover diverse traditions and daily life. Embark on a walking tour through the town, engaging with residents and learning about their customs and rituals. For art enthusiasts, Mto wa Mbu is a treasure trove of local craftsmanship. Visit the Maasai market to admire the skill and creativity of local artisans. Here, you’ll find an array of hand-painted Tinga-Tinga artworks, intricate Maasai beadwork, traditional wood carvings, and vibrant batik fabrics. You can even try your hand at these art forms with guidance from skilled craftsmen and our knowledgeable guide. This tour also supports the local community by providing opportunities to purchase unique souvenirs and observe artisans in their craft. Additionally, explore local farms to witness traditional agricultural practices and learn about staple crops like rice, maize, beans, and the distinctive red bananas that Mto wa Mbu is famous for. Engage in hands-on activities such as pottery-making, banana beer brewing, or traditional cooking classes at local Mama’s place. These experiences offer a deeper insight into the local way of life and promote cross-cultural exchange, all facilitated by a guide who is intimately familiar with the area.
Mto wa Mbu, situated on the outskirts of Lake Manyara, is renowned for its rich fish population, making it a prime spot for fishing aficionados. Visitors to the area can team up with local fishermen to experience traditional fishing methods. Drop your line into the water and test your skills at catching tilapia, catfish, and other freshwater species. Revel in the tranquil ambiance of the lake while you await a bite, and relish the thrill of a successful catch. Fishing in Lake Manyara or the larger rivers around Mto wa Mbu provides travelers with a peaceful and gratifying adventure.
Mto wa mbu offers an opportunity to biking and or hike to Miwaleni Lake and water fall, a tour that can take the maximum of 7hours and can take the minimum of 3 to 5 hours. Miwaleni Lake is surrounded by papyrus plants which they are very essential materials for the Rangi people who live at the near village of Majengo in making mats, brooms, and baskets which they sell them to either tourists or other people in the village and earn some money. In this tour visitor will get to see papyrus plants and be told on the uses of those plants and they can swim in the lake water and in the water fall. Poles of papyrus plant are used in roofing the house and in fencing. The place is safe during the day time and unsafe at night for there can be leopards and hippos at night. On way to Miwaleni waterfall visitors passes through Majengo village and can see a number of Rangi traditional houses and Sandawe houses, visitors also see different crops again and tree species.
This excursion features a hike up Balaa Hill, ascending to the summit of the Rift Valley escarpment for breathtaking panoramic views. From the top, visitors can gaze upon the villages of Mto wa Mbu, Lake Manyara National Park, and the expansive Maasai plains stretching beyond Kigongoni and Lesilalei. The view also includes the stunning Selela Forests and Laibon Hills. On the summit, hikers may spot a variety of local bird species, such as the Marabou stork, and admire ancient baobab trees that are over 2,000 years old. Known locally as the “Hill of Misfortune,” Balaa Hill carries its enigmatic name, which visitors will learn about from their guide, likely a local resident with deep ties to the area.
This tour involves visiting to local public schools in Mto wa mbu area. Visitors will get briefed on educational system in Tanzania, understanding how teachers do their work and participate your time in teaching session depending on what you wish to teach and share with kids, students in that particular school. Mto wa mbu has high opportunity for travelers who wish to volunteer their time in teaching projects at local schools which increases education standards at the local schools that we support. Volunteer your time and skills in teaching life skills that will help and empower children to make sustainable improvements within their local communities in this area and the country in general. This tour is ideal for the visitors with the passion for kids where they can play and share moments with them. Travelers can extend their time and have more days to volunteer in local schools for at least a week or more and help work on a project aimed to help the children improve their English skills at a local primary school, teaching center or a local pre-school in the area.
Discover some of the local markets in the area including the fresh vegetables and fruits market in Mtowambu village where you will find an array of goods, from handcrafted jewelry and traditional clothing to fresh produce and spices. The lively atmosphere is also a feast for the senses, with the aromas of local dishes wafting through the air as you interact with friendly vendors in the market. Travelers can also engage with hundreds of Maasai and other local people gather each Thursday afternoon at the bustling Maasai market, in this market visitor get time to see the Maasai local crafts like bead made necklaces, bangles, Maasai blankets also they get an opportunity to see and taste Maasai food including the famous Maasai BBQ, on 22rd each month is when there is a large village market for everything.
When to visit
The best time to visit Mto wa Mbu village is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to February. During these months, the weather is pleasant for exploring the markets and engaging with the local community, and wildlife viewing in nearby parks is at its peak.
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