THE SOUTHERN TANZANIA HIGHLANDS - RUNGWE DISTRICT

Rungwe district in the far south west of Tanzania is one of the least visited areas of the country and one of the most fertile areas of Tanzania with rolling mountains, crater lakes and lush valleys. In addition to the tea estates and a host of natural attractions there are several good hiking opportunities.

Rungwe Tea and Tours is a community based tourism program and money generated from the tours is used to help build classrooms, buy schoolbooks or medical equipment for the local dispensary.
Authentic Tanzania recommends spending a couple of days to relax between safaris in this stunning region and enjoy some genuine local Tanzanian hospitality. There are a range of low budget hotels or beautiful campsites in the area.

COMMUNITY TOURISM PROGRAMMES:

TEA TOUR
On this tour a tea farmer will tell you everything about tea while showing you around their smallholder shamba and the expansive Rungwe Tea Estate with its great views. After hiking to the estate through small local villages you can relax and have a cup of tea before hiking back or visiting the local tea factory.

MOUNT RUNGWE
One of the highest mountains of Tanzania, Mount Rungwe (2,960m) dominates the area. This great volcano can be climbed on a full day or two day hike. After camping on the slopes of the mountain and seeing the sun come up over Rungwe, visit the village of Ilolo with its traditional healer and famous stories about the last big chief.

MONKEY TOUR
Mount Rungwe is famous for its unique wildlife. This is the place where the Wildlife Conservation Society has discovered Africa’s first new species of monkey in over 20 years: the highland Mangabey, or Kipunji in local language. On the slopes of the mountains these and other monkeys can be spotted.

NGOZI CRATER
Ngozi is another million year old volcano, that can be climbed in just a few hours. After climbing to the top through tropical vegetation you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the crater lake, lying 200 meters below.

KAPAROGWE FALLS half day tour
This tour is not just a trip to the beautiful Kaparogwe falls, but also includes a hike in to the valley to see the German built hanging bridges. On the way to the waterfall you will pass through the authentic village of Isuba with traditional houses and a traditional bar.

DARAJA LA MUNGU half day tour
The Bridge of God is a millions of years old rock that forms a bridge over the Kiwira river. This ‘bridge’ is only one of the attractions in the Kiwira valley. The ‘cooking pot’ and the Marasusa falls are also worth seeing. A completely different kind of attraction is the famous traditional healer that you can visit in Lugombo, the starting point for this beautiful hike.

LAKE MASOKO
This crater lake is the perfect place to swim, picnic or even camp. It is especially known for its history. The Germans dumped coins and other items in the lake when they were being chased by the British forces during the first world war. Find out more about Rungwe’s past during a nice walk around lake Masoko.

KYEJO MOUNTAIN
Kyejo Mountain is one of the main mountains of Rungwe area. Hike up this 2,152m high active volcano along the lava pathways. From the slopes of Kyejo mountain you have great views on the surrounding tea growing villages. One of the farmers of the village at the foot of Mount Kyejo welcomes you to have a look on his ‘shamba’.

For further info see www.rungweteatours.com

UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE, MANGULA

CULTURAL TOURS IN THE ULUGURU MOUNTAINS, MOROGORO

USAMBARA MOUNTAINS

Visit local community projects in the Usambara Mountains and enjoy hiking in some breathtaking scenery around the Amani Nature Reserve.

MIKUMI, USAMBARA MOUNTAINS and PANGANI ITINERARY

KILOMBERO VALLEY

A new initiative has been started by the local fishermen in the Kilombero Valley, take a relaxing safari by dugout canoe along the Kilombero River. This is probably best suited to those seeking an adventure tourism experience on a low budget and combines well with a visit to the Udzungwa Mountains.

KILOMBERO VALLEY CANOE SAFARI