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Mto wa Mbu

Mto wa Mbu, a hidden village on the way to the Serengeti. Enjoy lush banana plantations, fish from Lake Manyara, and meet the Masai. A must-visit for culture enthusiasts and adventurers seeking authentic African vibes.

Celebrate life during a Masai celebration

Fancy celebrating life in cultural style? Then pay a visit to the Masai. We guarantee nothing is staged here—you’ll simply join in with the everyday life of this nomadic people. While enjoying a freshly milked cup of warm goat’s milk, the Masai will tell you all about their daily lives, and of course, they’ll be curious about yours too.

As evening falls, the women prepare the food, and the Masai men slaughter a goat. These animals live a good life here, and the slaughter is carried out with honour. While the meat slowly cooks over a fire, the young warriors, the Morani, sing their songs—not for tourists, but for themselves, just as they always have.

Good to know! The Masai truly live as a community, so when it’s time to slaughter a goat, the whole community gathers to watch. This creates a real celebration!

Masai Visit: Enjoying Tea with the Masai

Not keen on witnessing a goat being slaughtered? Then visit the Masai and learn how this nomadic people live while enjoying a relaxed tea together. Take a seat under a tree that offers shade from the warm sun, soak in the magical atmosphere, and savour the conversations with the Masai about your different ways of life. If you haven’t had enough of your Masai visit, you can choose to stay the night, whether during the Celebration or this visit.

Tinga Tinga painting afternoon

Head to a spot in Mto wa Mbu where the air is filled with creativity and the sounds of reggae dance towards you from a jungle of banana trees. The streets here are scattered with the most stunning artworks. Art is not only shared here but also taught during a painting afternoon that you’ll take part in!

This village is a place where care and community go hand in hand. Not only is artistic talent shared, but the community also embraces those who need a bit of extra support. Young people who struggle to find their way at school are given a fresh start here and the opportunity to learn a trade.

Bajaj tour: Discover the village by tuk-tuk

Hop into a Bajaj, or tuk-tuk—the ultimate way to discover local life! You won’t stand out among the locals, as tuk-tuks are considered public transport here. The best part of this tour is that you can tailor it entirely to your own wishes. Want to stop at the fruit market to buy red bananas? Absolutely—because you won’t find these anywhere else! There’s also the option to taste the local banana beer after taking a ride through the banana plantations.

Get active: Mountain biking and canoe trip

Discover the village life of Mto wa Mbu by bike and boat! Cycle past rice fields and banana plantations, taste the local banana beer, and pick up unique red bananas at the market. Continue your adventure to Lake Manyara National Park, where you can safely enjoy spectacular views of flamingos, monkeys, antelopes, zebras, and perhaps even a warthog. Meet local fishermen on the lake and hop into a traditional wooden canoe for an insightful trip among the fishing boats. After this special boat ride, jump back on your bike and cycle back to the village.

Not active enough? Try the Rift Valley Hike

Can’t get enough action? Then go for a hike along the Rift Valley! Despite the steep paths, this challenge is perfectly doable with a bit of fitness under your belt. You’ll start at the trailhead, where you’ll be dropped off by a Bajaj. From there, you’ll dive straight into a steep climb. As you make your way up the hill, take in the stunning views over Mto wa Mbu. The trail continues over rocky steps, passing a beautiful old baobab tree—perfect for an Instagram-worthy selfie! Along the way, remember that this path is also used by market traders from Karatu, so expect to encounter cows and goats too.

Not afraid of heights? Great! The final stretch requires a bit of perseverance, but once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view. Make sure to bring a refreshing drink so you can relax and enjoy it from the top!

Splashing moments: Miwaleni waterfalls

You’ll drive past the banana plantations on your way to the Miwaleni Waterfall. Gradually, the road narrows until you can’t drive any further. Time to hop out and start the trek! Clambering and climbing over rocks, stones, and through streams, you’ll make your way to the waterfall. The water, originating all the way from the Ngorongoro, cascades down an impressive 15 metres here.

Cooking together with a local Mama

As you might have read in the introduction, the people of this village mainly make a living from the banana plantations. One of the dishes commonly enjoyed here is Ndizi Nyama—meat with banana. You’ll prepare this dish together with one of the local mamas. If you’re lucky enough to have your cooking lesson with Mama Baraka, you can fully embrace that after-dinner dip, as her doors are always open for a cosy homestay at her home.

Note!
Vegetarians, don’t worry—this dish can easily be made without meat. We’ll simply add more vegetables and skip the meat.

Feel like a true local at the local market

Visiting a market in Tanzania is an experience in itself. It’s bustling, with a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells, offering an impressive spectacle. In Kigongoni, traders come from far and wide to sell their goods. You’ll find everything here—clothing, vegetables, jewellery, food, kitchenware, and even animals. Truly anything is up for sale. The market isn’t aimed at tourists but at the people of Kigongoni, meaning you can find genuinely authentic Tanzanian items. Meanwhile, meat is being grilled all around, and you’ll round off your visit with a drink among the locals.

Cultural finale: Visit the Nanginyi Foundation

Since its founding in January 2017, the Nanginyi Foundation has been wholeheartedly dedicated to giving Masai children from low-income families the opportunity to attend school, with the ultimate goal of building a better future. By enabling these children to complete their education, the foundation helps break the cycle of poverty. Currently, the Nanginyi Foundation supports 46 children—26 at nearby primary schools and 20 at their own nursery school in Baraka Village. Here, the young children receive lessons during the week, while primary school students attend extra classes on Saturdays. With healthy meals and fresh fruit, both mind and body are nourished.

Thanks to local Masai women who cook, clean, and grind maize, the foundation even provides employment for women who never had the chance to go to school themselves. At the Nanginyi Foundation, education is not only delivered, but hope and opportunities are created for an entire community.

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1. Africa is our home

We know it from the farthest corners, and that results in amazing trips. We put them together by venturing out there ourselves. Believe us, you won't find these experiences anywhere else!

2. Local experiences

That means you'll visit local people in their villages and communities. Hike with the Masai, cook with your host family in a homestay, and cast a line with traditional fishermen.

3. You decide

So, what are you in the mood for? We’ll tailor the entire trip to your preferences. Along the way, you can always count on us, even in the middle of the night.

4. Travel responsibly

While you enjoy your dream trip, you'll be contributing to the development of local communities, economies, and the environment. That feels good!

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