Discover the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, nestled in Tanzania’s Rift Valley between the eastern and western escarpments, just two hours from Arusha. Home to over 18,000 people from more than 120 different tribes, this culturally diverse community thrives primarily on agriculture.
During this 2-hour biking excursion, you’ll experience the local flavor of Mto wa Mbu as you ride through banana and rice plantations and visit five different tribal communities. Along the way, your guide will explain how these diverse groups share land and water resources, demonstrate how bananas are cultivated and harvested for various uses, and even stop at a local “pub” to sample traditional banana beer beneath the shade of surrounding banana palms.
Witness the Makonde tribe as they skillfully carve handmade wooden art in the tradition of their Mozambique ancestors. You’ll have the chance to try your hand at this craft, as well as visit a local school to meet students and educators, gaining a deeper understanding of daily life in the community.
The experience concludes with a truly local lunch an event in itself. Served in a unique venue that is an extension of a local resident’s kitchen, the meal features a wide variety of African dishes made entirely from locally cultivated ingredients. Enjoy your meal in a tranquil, palm-shaded setting, off the beaten path, while supporting community-driven economic development.
