A full-day tour of the town in the company of our local guide gives you the opportunity to interact with local farmers, as well as artisans, craftsmen and painters.

After you have enjoyed breakfast at your hotel, we will drive to Mto Wa Mbu (a 2 hour journey) where you can choose between enjoying a leisurely  bike ride  or a local tuk-tuk ride to the shores of one of Africa’s most majestic lakes, Lake Manyara. This is an amazing opportunity to do some bird-spotting and you may be lucky enough to see some local wildlife like zebras, giraffes, hippos and buffalo in this corridor of migration between the national parks. 

Next, you’ll learn about the innovative farming practices of Mto Wa Mbu villagers, like the irrigation system that sustains local crops, including the 32 varieties of bananas. Take a stroll around the craft market and learn about the famous Makonde tribesmen who are skilled in the art of wood carvings which you can buy if you wish. You will pass by a local youth project which supports young people in their artistic ventures, where they will be happy to show you their painting techniques. 

Before lunch, we will head to the local market where fresh fruits and vegetables are sold. As you taste some of the fruits for yourself, our knowledgeable local guides will explain what  daily life is like in Mto Wa Mbu, and teach you how to pronounce the town’s name too! 

Once you’ve finished  exploring the vibrant life of Mto Wa Mbu, it’s time for a lunch of locally brewed banana beer and delicious dishes cooked by villagers over a wood fire stove. 

After lunch your driver will take you up Balaa Hill to the top of the Rift Valley wall for breath-taking views of Lake Manyara, the village of Mto wa Mbu, and the Maasai Steppe beyond. This involves a very gentle half hour walk on uneven ground to a wonderful viewpoint - don’t forget your camera! On the walk you can spot a diverse array of local bird species and see the magnificent 2,000 year old baobab trees.

From here your Mto wa Mbu Village tour comes to an end and we can drive you back to Arusha city or you may choose to stay locally and continue your adventure. We recommend that you bring some cash, a camera, sun-cream and a hat.

*Our prices are quoted in US Dollars but we are happy to accept payment in other currencies. These prices are for transfers from Moshi town. Please get in touch for prices from Arusha or Mto wa Mbu itself.