Culture & Nature
Explore vibrant village life, stunning landscapes, and the local customs that define the soul of the region.
Scavenger Hunt
Time to stretch your legs and start discovering Tanzanian culture. Hop on your bike and cycle through Mto wa Mbu, a small, seemingly uninteresting Tanzanian Village, but with a world for you to discover. Mto wa Mbu translates to ‘river of mosquitos’, but that will not be the only Swahili you’ll learn today! In the Scavenger hunt that is set out for you, you’ll learn about the culture in a playful way. Find your way around the village by using maps and pictures and learn how to be a respectful Tanzanian. We will not drop too many hints, but if you do it well, you will not go home empty handed!
Rather not cycle, but want to explore the village in this unique way? We can also take you by tuk-tuk.
Duration:
- With Bike 3-3.5 hours
- With Bajaj 2.5-3 hours
Cultural Tour
Today, you will explore the lush village of Mto wa Mbu and learn about Tanzanian culture from your local guide. The route will take you past various plantations where you see and learn how they grow rice, beans, bananas or tomatoes, according to the season. The tour will take you to the village center and you will walk through the colourful market where you can see many different types of vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices that are sold here every day. Can you identify the different spices by its scent? Your tour ends with a tasting of local maize and banana beer.
You can choose to do this on foot, by bicycle, or in a tuk-tuk.
Duration:
- By foot: 2 hours
- By bike: 2 hours
- By bajaj: 2 hours
Homestay
Want to get to know Tanzania, its people, and culture in a relaxed and authentic way? Spend a night with a Tanzanian family. After a warm welcome and introduction, you can help out with the daily chores. In the evening, everyone gathers together for a cozy meal. You will sleep in a simple but tidy room. After a delicious breakfast of mandazi, vitumbua and fruit, you will say goodbye to the family.
Market Visit
Wander through the colorful market with your guide. You can find just about anything you can imagine for sale here, from clothes and cosmetics to vegetables, fruits, animals, and meat. The market is a lively event in the village, attracting vendors from far and wide, and the villagers enjoy visiting it as well. There are no fixed prices, so you’ll need to showcase your negotiation skills if you want to make a purchase. The guide can help you with this. You’ll also learn about where the vendors come from and what their goods are used for.
Market Days:
- Kigongoni (Mto wa Mbu): Every Thursday and the 22nd of the month
- Makuyuni: Every Saturday of the month
- Selela: Every Wednesday
- Karatu: 7th and 25th of the month
Duration : 1.5-2 hours
Miwaleni Waterfall and Lake
Climb and clamber over the rocks that form a path to the Miwaleni Waterfalls. Together with a guide, you will explore the area. It’s a walk through the greenery of the banana plantations, over rocky boulders, and across stones in the river until you finally reach the waterfall. This waterfall flows all the way from the Ngorongoro Crater, covering quite a distance to reach. After visiting the waterfall you will take a hike to visit the nearby Miwaleni Lake, where you can see many beautiful birds.
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Great Rift Valley Hike
The Great Rift Valley stretches over thousands of kilometres between the South of Turkey and Mozambique. If you love hiking and are not afraid to challenge yourself a little bit, you should book this experience. Our guide will take you along a beautiful path with water streams and baobab trees, until you reach the top where you have a spectacular view over the valley and its surrounding areas. Along the way you will learn more about the flora, fauna, monkeys and birds in the area. Also you will get to know how the rift valley originated. Put on your shoes and let’s go!
Durations: 3 hours
TingaTinga
Tinga Tinga is a painting technique that was invented in Tanzania. You can’t miss these paintings along the road. Today, you will unleash your creative spirit. You will get started with a member of the painting community. This painter will provide you with tips and assistance to ensure that you will go home with a beautiful home-made souvenir.
Duration: 2 hours
Biking at Lake Manyara
Time for some physical activity! You will cycle to explore a wildlife management area. Ride through the plantations of Mto wa Mbu, heading towards the lake. Along the way, you will see a variety of birds and animals, including antelopes, zebras, baboons, velvet monkeys, and wildebeests. It’s a fun way to experience a safari in a different way and get some good exercise at the same time.
Durations: 3 hours
Canoeing
Time for a relaxing one-hour boat cruise on Lake Manyara in a handmade canoe. Your guide will paddle you around the lake, while sharing insights about local fishing practices, the birds you will see, and the nature that surrounds you.
This activity is also great to combine with cycling at Lake Manyara.
Duration: 1 hour
Boat Sundowner
Can you feel the love tonight? Our chefs prepared a picnic basket full of delicious homemade treats for you to enjoy while you will set off on Lake Manyara by boat. Watch the sun setting down when you sip from your cold drinks. Sit back and relax while you cherish this perfect moment together.
Duration : 1.5 hours
Other Services
Transfer
We offer transfers in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Our experienced drivers will take you safely to your next destination. We are available 24/7 for this service.
Local Transfers
Have you spent a lot of time in a car or Land Cruiser and want to do something different during your trip? Hop into a tuk-tuk or ride on the back of a motorcycle! This way, you can travel like the locals and enrich your experience.