Tanzania is still home to several nomadic tribes, such as the Bushmen and Datoga tribes, but also the more famous Maasai tribe. Mto wa Mbu is one of the main villages where these African people live located near Lake Manyara. This particular town is one of the most interesting areas to visit if you are interested in learning more about African culture and the history and life of the indigenous people of Tanzania.
This village plays an important role, representing a trading hub that intercepts routes between three different national parks, that of Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Tarangire. It is also where the gateway to Lake Manyara National Park is located.
The village of Mto wa Mbu lives mainly on agriculture, thanks to the cultivation of bananas (up to 30 different varieties are grown), maize and rice. More than fifty years ago, in fact, major irrigation works markedly changed the nature of the soil, making it extremely fertile, thus improving the economic possibilities of the inhabitants. Thanks to its economic and agricultural development, the village has expanded greatly over the years through the migration of new inhabitants belonging to different tribes, such as the Chagga and Sandawe tribes. Today as many as 120 different cultures are counted to coexist in the village.
The city takes its name from the river of the same name that runs alongside it, whose name in the Swahili language means river of mosquitoes.
What to do in Mto wa Mbu
On safari in Tanzania you will have the opportunity to visit this lovely African village. The visit can be done either on foot or by bicycle and will take you to see all its special features, including plantations. In this land they also produce a special beer made from bananas, with a sour but very good taste.
As soon as you set foot in the village you will notice its vibrancy and bright colors, along with the typical dwellings. Indeed, one of the main features of this village is the presence of the carvers of wooden figurines and utensils and the artists and painters whose paintings you will find throughout the town.
Unmissable, then, the local restaurants, where you can enjoy the dishes and dishes of the typical cuisine.
