Mbeya

Mbeya, located in southwestern Tanzania, is a gold mining town. Established in 1902, the city was under the control of the British until the 1960s. It is famously known as the ‘breadbasket of Tanzania’ for being a major food producer.

Mbeya’s location in a narrow valley surrounded by high mountains in a bowl-like shape makes it an extremely interesting and beautifully landscaped place. The sprawling cattle farms and plantations of coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices and forests of bamboo and medicinal plants also accentuate its natural beauty.

One of the major highlights here is the Ngozi lake, the second-largest crater lake in Africa known for its emerald-green water and varieties of fish. Naturalists would love to visit Kitulo National Park. The park houses almost 400 plant and orchid varieties and rare birds like the Blue swallow, Mountain marsh widow, etc., making it one of the best places to visit in Tanzania.

Some of the most fun activities here are birding, swimming, and caving at the famous Kapologwe Falls. This laidback city and it’s Lake Malawi is perfect for lazing and trying to spot the rare cichlids. Beach lovers would love to explore the fishing villages, windsurfing, and ornamental fish viewing at Matema Beach.

Matema sees humid and rainy weather throughout the year. June-October is warm, sunny, and dry and the best time to visit.