Mto Wa Mbu Village Walk
Mto Wa Mbu Village Walk : If you plan to visit Tanzania, the odds are going for a wildlife safari or a Kilimanjaro climb. If you’re after another thing, that’s good for you. But Tanzania, despite having stunning wildlife in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, etc., is home to over 120 ethnic groups. All these tribes speak their mother tongue, but the national language is Kiswahili.
It is hard to visit all these tribes on one safari. Yet, the tribes are attractive; you don’t want to miss them. That’s why Mto wa Mbu village walk is a must. In this village, you will meet the representatives of all 120 tribes of Tanzania.
The village lies in the Northern Circuit, close to Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks. It is 120 km away from Arusha town. It is the perfect stopover when traveling to Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley surround this vibrant village.
The word ‘Mto wa Mbu’ means river of mosquitoes. It obtained its name from the village’s permanent water source, but this doesn’t mean there are a lot of mosquitoes there.
What to expect
From vibrant Maasai attire to unique Chagga’s brewery, there is much to expect on your walk through the Mto wa Mbu village. Meet up with Tanzanian locals who are doing their hustles to earn a living. Here are a few notable locals you may meet with in the Mto wa Mbu village.
The Chagga
The Chagga are well-known merchants and the wealthiest tribe in Tanzania. Their unique local drink, mbege, is something you should not miss. You can learn how they make this alcoholic drink from bananas. Their lifestyle is relatively similar to Western culture.
The Makonde
The Makonde have their representatives in this village. These locals live in the southern part of Tanzania near the Tanzania-Mozambique border. Their unique wood-carving skills earn them a living. They would appreciate your visit or support for their work.
The Maasai
The Maasai inhabit this village and are famous for their conservative cultural beliefs. It would be best not to leave Mto wa Mbu without trying on the Maasai dress. You can also watch Maasai traditional dances.
What to do while in Mto wa Mbu village
Visit farms
The majority of villagers are farmers. They grow bananas, coffee, maize, etc. Your guide will take you through banana plantations, where you will learn about 30 banana varieties. You will also learn about the various stages of banana cultivation practiced by the Tanzanian locals.
Bananas are a staple fruit grown by many Tanzanian tribes. Some people eat them as fruit, while others eat them for lunch.
Visit schools
Meet up and build relationships with primary and secondary schools. Students would love to have your company. Inspire them with gifts like stationery, etc. Your visit will leave a lifelong memory for the kids.
Visit art project
Mto wa Mbu village is home to creative cultures. The Maasai craft beautiful jewelry with their hands, and the Makonde carve stunning masks, household objects, and more. You will learn more about how these locals turn natural products into useful objects.
Try local cuisine
Stop by a local restaurant to try local dishes. There are plenty to try here. Taste the ugali, the main dish of Tanzania. They make this delicious dish from maize flour. It is made by mixing maize flour and a certain amount of water. The mixture is heated and stirred until it becomes stiff.
Mtori is another dish you should try while in this village. It is a favorite of the Haya, Chagga, and Nyakyusa. It is prepared by mixing green bananas with meat, fish, or whatever you like.
Try local drinks like Mbege and many others.
Visit local market
The villagers exchange products in open-air markets. They sell vegetables, fruits, spices, and meat there. You can immerse yourself in such markets and meet up with locals.
Half-day or a full-day?
The village is perfect for half-day trips. Day trips are also available. Most visitors prefer to add this tour to their itinerary after touring Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Its proximity to Tarangire and Lake Manyara makes it a hotspot for evening walks.
This tour is excellent and is better when guided by a local guide. This vibrant local knows many of the beautiful corners of the village, and you will be taken to vibrant local communities.
Price
A half-day Mto wa Mbu village tour starts at $60. The trip usually includes village fees, a local guide, and pick up from and to the hotel.
If you want to explore this vibrant village, contact our safari experts. Focus East Africa Safaris organizes this tour as part of other safaris, like the Northern Circuit safari or the Kilimanjaro climb. Consider looking at our cultural safari packages if you want it as a full-day trip.
