
Mto wa Mbu Village Walking Tour
Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and just a few minutes from Lake Manyara National Park, Mto wa Mbu villageย is one of Tanzaniaโs most culturally diverse destinations. This walking tour lets you step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the daily life of more than 120 tribesย living harmoniously in this small, vibrant village.
Whether youโre traveling from Arusha, Moshi, or Zanzibar, the Mto wa Mbu Village Walking Tourย is a must-do stop on your Tanzania safari โ blending culture, food, art, and nature into one unforgettable experience.
What to Expect on Your Mto wa Mbu Village Tour
๐ง Cultural Encounters
Meet local artisans, farmers, and craftsmen who will share their stories and traditions. Learn how banana beer is made, watch Makonde woodcarvers at work, and visit vibrant local markets filled with color, spice, and laughter.
๐พ Banana Plantations & Local Farming
Stroll through lush banana farms, learn about the many uses of bananas in local life โ from food to brewing โ and taste a fresh banana straight from the tree. Your guide will explain traditional irrigation systems that make Mto wa Mbu a green oasis.
๐ก Daily Village Life
Visit family homes and schools, interact with villagers, and gain authentic insight into Tanzanian hospitality. Itโs a living classroom for anyone interested in community-based tourism.
๐ Local Cuisine & Tasting Experience
Enjoy a home-cooked Swahili lunch prepared by the local womenโs cooperative โ often featuring pilau rice, beans, plantains, and seasonal fruit. A true farm-to-table experience!
ย Location and Accessibility
Mto wa Mbu is conveniently located:
๐ 2 hours from Arusha
๐ 10 minutes from Lake Manyara National Park
๐ 1 hour from Ngorongoro Crater gate
Itโs an ideal stopover on any Northern Tanzania safari circuit, connecting routes from Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti.
Group Size | Price (Per Person) | Inclusions |
1 Person | USD 60 | Private guide, lunch, entrance fee |
2โ4 Persons | USD 45 | Guided tour, water, local lunch |
5+ Persons | USD 35 | Community donation included |
1. Where is Mto wa Mbu located?
Mto wa Mbu is a small but lively village in northern Tanzania, situated between Arushaย and Ngorongoro Crater, just a few minutes from Lake Manyara National Park. It lies along the main safari route connecting Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti, making it a perfect stop for travelers exploring Tanzaniaโs Northern Safari Circuit.
2. How long does the walking tour take?
The standard Mto wa Mbu Village Walking Tourย lasts about 2โ3 hours, though it can be tailored to your interests. Travelers who want a deeper cultural immersion can extend the experience to a half-day tourย that includes a local lunch and extra visits to farms, workshops, and schools.
3. Is the tour suitable for children and families?
Yes! The walking tour is completely family-friendlyย and safe for children. Kids love meeting local people, watching craftsmen at work, and trying new foods. Our guides are experienced in working with families, ensuring the pace is comfortable and the content educational and fun.
4. Can I book the Mto wa Mbu tour from Zanzibar?
Absolutely. If youโre starting your Tanzania adventure from Zanzibar, we can organize a smooth connection with a morning flight to Arushaย or Lake Manyara Airstrip. Youโll enjoy the Mto wa Mbu village tourย and then continue your safari or return to Zanzibar in the evening โ a perfect day trip from Zanzibarย to the mainland.
5. What should I wear for the tour?
We recommend light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. Donโt forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle. Dress modestly out of respect for local culture, especially when visiting homes or community sites.
6. Is lunch included in the price?
Yes, all our Mto wa Mbu tours include a traditional Swahili lunchย prepared by a local womenโs cooperative. Youโll enjoy dishes like pilau rice, beans, plantains, chapati, and seasonal fruits โ an authentic Tanzanian home-cooked mealย that supports community development.
7. Do I need a guide?
Yes. A local guideย is essential and adds immense value to your visit. Theyโll explain the customs, traditions, and history of Mto wa Mbu while ensuring your visit directly benefits the local community. Our guides are multilingual and highly experienced in cultural and community tourism.
8. Can I combine this tour with a safari game drive?
Definitely! Many visitors pair their Mto wa Mbu cultural tourย with a Lake Manyara National Parkย safari or use it as a rest stop en route to Ngorongoroย or Serengeti. We can customize your itinerary to include both cultural and wildlife experiences in one day.
9. How far is Mto wa Mbu from Arusha?
Mto wa Mbu is approximately 120 kilometers (about 2 hours by car)ย from Arusha town. Itโs also just 10 minutes from Lake Manyara, 1 hour from Karatu, and 2.5 hours from Ngorongoro Crater, making it an ideal mid-journey stop during your northern Tanzania safari.
10. Are there bike tours available?
Yes, we offer Mto wa Mbu biking toursย that take you through banana plantations, farms, and local villages. Youโll ride at an easy pace, guided by local experts, and experience the daily rhythm of Tanzanian life on two wheels โ perfect for active travelers.
11. Can I visit a Maasai village nearby?
Yes. You can extend your walking tour with a visit to a nearby Maasai boma (village)ย to learn about their unique lifestyle, traditional dances, and beadwork. This optional add-on gives you a broader look at Tanzaniaโs rich cultural diversity.
12. Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Certain routes can be adjusted for accessibility. Please inform us in advance if you have mobility needs, and weโll ensure a comfortable experience. We can plan a shorter route or provide vehicle support where needed.
13. What languages do the guides speak?
Our guides speak Englishย and Swahiliย as standard, with Frenchย and Germanย available upon request. This ensures travelers from around the world enjoy a personalized and informative experience during their Mto wa Mbu cultural tour.
14. Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, photography is welcome! The village is colorful and photogenic โ from banana farms to bustling markets. However, always ask permission before taking pictures of people, especially elders or children, as a sign of respect.
15. How do I book this tour?
You can book directly with Travel Wise Safariย via our website, email, or WhatsApp. Once we confirm your date, youโll receive a full itinerary and guide details. Instant confirmation and flexible payment options (USD, TZS, Visa, MasterCard) are available.
๐ WhatsApp: +255 789 075 999๐ง Email: info@travelwisesafari.com๐ Website: www.travelwisesafari.com
16. Can I customize the tour duration or activities?
Yes! We can tailor your Mto wa Mbu visit to match your interests โ whether you prefer a short 1-hour cultural stroll, a half-day with lunch, or a full-day adventure including biking, zip-lining, and a Maasai visit.
17. Is Mto wa Mbu safe for tourists?
Yes, the village is safe and welcoming. The community is used to visitors and proud to share their culture. Our guides stay with you throughout to ensure comfort and safety.
18. Can I pay online or in cash?
Yes. We accept online payments, Visa, MasterCard, USD, and Tanzanian Shillings. If youโre already on safari, you can also pay your guide directly in cash.
19. Do I need to book in advance?
Itโs recommended to book at least 24 hours in advance, especially during the peak safari season (JuneโOctober and DecemberโFebruary). This allows us to coordinate guides, meals, and optional add-ons smoothly.
20. Can I include this in my multi-day safari itinerary?
Yes โ and we highly recommend it! Our team can seamlessly integrate the Mto wa Mbu Village Tourย into your Tanzania safari itinerary, whether youโre on a 3-day Lake Manyara safari, 4-day Serengeti adventure, or 10-day Tanzania & Zanzibar package.


