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Southern Highlands
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Explore Tanzania’s Southern Highlands for cool mountain scenery, tea country, archaeological sites, highland culture and major safari landscapes.

Tanzania’s Southern Highlands form a spacious, elevated travel region stretching across the cooler uplands around Mbeya, Iringa and Njombe, with less-visited landscapes extending towards Rukwa and the shores of Lake Nyasa. This is a country of volcanic ridges, steep escarpments, tea and coffee farms, high grasslands, forested valleys and long-distance views. It feels markedly different from the hot coastal plain: temperatures are generally milder, rainy-season landscapes turn intensely green, and settlements are separated by broad tracts of cultivated or wild country.
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Mbeya is the principal western gateway and a lively base for exploring the volcanic scenery of the Mbeya Range, Lake Ngozi and the Tukuyu highlands. Farther south, the Lake Nyasa shore introduces a warmer, more tropical character, with fishing communities and beaches around places such as Matema. Iringa, built above the Ruaha River valley, combines a busy highland town with access to Isimila’s archaeological landscape, the Hehe historical sites around Kalenga and the wildlife-rich plains of Ruaha National Park. Njombe is quieter and strongly associated with tea-growing country, pine plantations, wooded hills and rural viewpoints.
The region’s natural drama is matched by a layered history. Stone Age tools and rock formations at Isimila provide evidence of ancient human activity, while the nineteenth-century Hehe resistance led by Chief Mkwawa remains central to the historical identity of the Iringa area. German colonial rule, the construction of transport links and the post-independence development of ujamaa villages all left visible marks on settlements, roads and agricultural landscapes. The TAZARA railway, linking Tanzania with Zambia, is both an engineering achievement and an important part of the region’s modern history.
Outdoor travel is a major reason to come. Ruaha offers some of Tanzania’s most extensive safari country, with elephants, giraffes, lions and other wildlife across a semi-arid ecosystem shaped by the Great Ruaha River. Kitulo National Park, known for its seasonal displays of wildflowers, occupies a high plateau between Mbeya and Njombe, while forest reserves, crater lakes and mountain routes provide opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. Conditions vary considerably with altitude, so a sunny morning in Mbeya may contrast with cool mist or heavy rain on the higher plateaux.
Food and daily life reflect both the highland climate and Tanzania’s broader culinary traditions. Tea, coffee, maize, beans, potatoes, bananas and locally grown vegetables are important agricultural products, while roadside eateries and town restaurants serve rice, grilled meat, stews, chapati and pilau. The Southern Highlands reward travellers who allow time for long road journeys, changing scenery and conversations in market towns rather than treating the area as a quick corridor between Tanzania and Zambia.

When is the best time to visit Southern Highlands?

Best: July–September · 22–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January25100
February25110
March25140
April25160
May24130
June2360
July (best)2250
August (best)2350
September (best)2460
October2590
November25100
December25110

Getting to and around Southern Highlands

How to get there

The main western gateway is Songwe Airport, in Songwe Region near Mbeya, with domestic connections that can vary by season and operating schedules. Mbeya and Iringa are also reached by long-distance bus and road from Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Zambia; the major trunk roads are scenic but journeys are lengthy. TAZARA rail services connect the Dar es Salaam–Mbeya corridor when operating, although schedules and service patterns should be confirmed locally. Travellers heading to Ruaha may approach through Iringa or other road gateways, while distant attractions in Njombe, Rukwa and the Lake Nyasa area usually require overland travel.

Transportation

Buses and shared vehicles link the principal towns, but public transport becomes less frequent and less predictable away from trunk roads. A private vehicle with a knowledgeable driver is useful for rural itineraries, archaeological sites, mountain areas and national parks; safari parks require a suitable vehicle and local arrangements. In towns, taxis and motorcycle taxis are common, while walking is practical for central districts but not between dispersed attractions. Allow generous time for road journeys, especially in the rainy season, and obtain local advice before travelling on minor roads or to high-altitude parks.

Top city travel guides in Southern Highlands

The cities of Southern Highlands, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Southern Highlands

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands offer a varied collection of attractions spread across a large and often mountainous area. Around Iringa, the Isimila archaeological site combines Stone Age heritage with striking eroded formations, while Kalenga and other Hehe-associated places introduce visitors to the region’s nineteenth-century history. Ruaha National Park is the major wildlife draw, covering broad, semi-arid country where riverine habitats support elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos and many bird species. Around Mbeya, volcanic landscapes, Lake Ngozi and the cooler Tukuyu highlands provide opportunities for scenic drives, walking and birdwatching. Kitulo National Park, on a high plateau between the Mbeya and Njombe areas, is particularly notable for montane grassland and seasonal flowers. The Lake Nyasa shore around Matema offers a very different environment, with warmer weather, lake scenery and fishing communities. Njombe’s tea country, forested hills and agricultural landscapes are best appreciated slowly, while the TAZARA corridor adds an important layer of railway and modern development history. Many sites are remote, so guided visits and advance transport planning are more useful than attempting to cover them as short detours.

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Best landmarks in Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands’ most recognisable landmarks range from geological formations to sites connected with resistance, transport and wildlife. The eroded stone pillars and gullies of Isimila near Iringa are both a natural spectacle and the setting for major prehistoric discoveries. Around Iringa, the elevated town and the rocky Gangilonga area evoke the strategic landscape associated with Hehe history, while Kalenga is closely linked with the legacy of Chief Mkwawa. Ruaha National Park’s broad river valleys, baobab-studded plains and the Great Ruaha River form a landmark landscape rather than a single monument. In the Mbeya area, the volcanic contours of the Mbeya Range and the deep waters of Lake Ngozi define the surrounding scenery. The high grasslands of Kitulo create a distinctive seasonal landscape between Mbeya and Njombe, and the TAZARA railway is an important modern landmark of engineering and regional connection. On the Lake Nyasa side, the meeting of steep highlands, forest and open water around Matema provides one of the region’s most contrasting geographical views.

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Explore Southern Highlands on the map

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Best restaurants in Southern Highlands

Dining in the Southern Highlands is shaped by highland agriculture, Tanzanian staples and the practical food culture of market towns. Mbeya, Iringa and Njombe have the broadest choice, from simple cafés and tea rooms to hotel restaurants and busy local eateries serving rice, beans, ugali, chapati, pilau, grilled meat and stewed vegetables. Potatoes, maize, bananas, peas and greens are especially common in cooler farming districts, while tea and coffee from the surrounding uplands are worth seeking out. Around Matema and other Lake Nyasa communities, freshwater fish may feature where locally available, although menus vary with season and supply. Roadside stops often provide filling meals and strong tea rather than elaborate dining, and rural inns may offer food with advance notice. Markets are useful for fruit, roasted maize, groundnuts and baked goods, while safari lodges around Ruaha generally provide planned meals suited to organised itineraries. Visitors should distinguish locally grown produce from dishes that belong to Tanzania’s wider national cuisine rather than assuming every regional staple originated in the highlands.

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Best bars in Southern Highlands

Evening life in the Southern Highlands is concentrated in Mbeya, Iringa and Njombe rather than dispersed through the rural districts. Town centres offer traditional pubs, hotel bars, simple restaurants and venues where football, conversation and local music shape the evening. Mbeya generally has the broadest urban choice, while Iringa’s student and administrative population supports a mixture of casual bars, live music and late venues; Njombe is quieter and more oriented towards restaurants, pubs and social gatherings. In smaller communities, evening entertainment usually ends earlier and may centre on a local bar or guesthouse rather than a formal nightclub. Safari lodges near Ruaha provide a subdued atmosphere focused on dinner, campfire settings and wildlife interpretation, not nightlife. Check local advice about transport after dark, as taxis and public services are less dependable outside town centres, and do not assume that venues maintain fixed hours or operate throughout the year.

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Best nightclubs in Southern Highlands

Evening life in the Southern Highlands is concentrated in Mbeya, Iringa and Njombe rather than dispersed through the rural districts. Town centres offer traditional pubs, hotel bars, simple restaurants and venues where football, conversation and local music shape the evening. Mbeya generally has the broadest urban choice, while Iringa’s student and administrative population supports a mixture of casual bars, live music and late venues; Njombe is quieter and more oriented towards restaurants, pubs and social gatherings. In smaller communities, evening entertainment usually ends earlier and may centre on a local bar or guesthouse rather than a formal nightclub. Safari lodges near Ruaha provide a subdued atmosphere focused on dinner, campfire settings and wildlife interpretation, not nightlife. Check local advice about transport after dark, as taxis and public services are less dependable outside town centres, and do not assume that venues maintain fixed hours or operate throughout the year.

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Best shops in Southern Highlands

Shopping in the Southern Highlands is principally local and practical, with the strongest choice in Mbeya, Iringa and Njombe. Central markets sell fruit, vegetables, grains, spices, clothing and household goods, while smaller stalls and roadside vendors offer roasted maize, groundnuts, bananas and other seasonal produce. Visitors can look for locally grown tea and coffee, although packaging and quality vary, and should buy from reputable shops or cooperatives when provenance matters. Iringa is known for craft activity and may offer woven goods, carved items and other locally made souvenirs alongside everyday market shopping. Mbeya works well for assembling supplies before travelling into rural districts or parks, while Njombe’s shops reflect the surrounding farming economy more than a specialist tourist retail scene. Bargaining may be customary in open markets but is less appropriate in fixed-price shops. Carry cash for smaller purchases, inspect fragile crafts before buying and avoid purchasing archaeological objects, wildlife products or items whose export may be restricted.

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Southern Highlands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Tanzanian shilling, abbreviated TZS. Cards may be accepted by larger hotels, established tour operators and some urban businesses, but cash remains important in market towns, rural areas, roadside stops and smaller accommodation. ATMs are concentrated in larger centres such as Mbeya and Iringa, so carry sufficient shillings before heading into remote districts or national parks. US dollars may be useful for some tourism payments, but visitors should confirm accepted notes and rates and use reputable exchange points rather than informal exchangers.
Safety
Use ordinary precautions with money, phones and luggage in bus stations, markets and crowded town areas, and avoid walking alone on unfamiliar roads after dark. Road safety deserves particular attention because long-distance buses, heavy vehicles, animals, pedestrians and changing surfaces share major routes. In parks and forested or mountainous areas, follow guides, respect wildlife distances and take weather seriously. High-altitude conditions can become cold and wet, while heavy rain may make rural roads difficult. Seek current advice locally before travelling near international borders or remote lake and wilderness areas.
Emergency Situations
Tanzania’s national emergency arrangements apply throughout the Southern Highlands; 112 is commonly used as a general emergency number, although mobile coverage may be limited outside towns. Ask accommodation staff or a tour operator for the nearest police post, health facility and reliable local transport provider before leaving for remote areas. National parks have their own ranger and tourism procedures, so report incidents to park staff rather than approaching wildlife or attempting unsupported rescue. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is prudent for remote safaris and mountain excursions.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly in villages, markets and religious settings, ask permission before photographing people and respect requests at memorials or culturally significant sites. Greet people politely, queue where a queue exists and agree fares before using taxis or motorcycle taxis. Do not remove archaeological material, enter restricted park areas or feed wildlife. Tipping is customary for guides, drivers and some hospitality staff when service has been satisfactory, but it should be voluntary. In rural communities, avoid treating homes, farms or ceremonies as tourist displays and take guidance from local hosts.
Local Tips
Mbeya, Iringa and Njombe each work better as separate bases than as interchangeable stops, with significant distances between them. Early starts are valuable for mountain viewpoints, wildlife drives and road journeys, while afternoons can bring cloud or rain at higher elevations. Ask for locally produced tea and coffee, and try seasonal fruit and vegetables in market towns. For Ruaha, arrange accommodation, park access and transport before arrival, particularly in peak travel periods. Keep a flexible itinerary: weather, road works and rural transport conditions can alter plans more readily than in Tanzania’s main urban corridors.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloMambo[Mahm-bo]
GoodbyeKwaheri[Kw-ah-heh-ree]
YesNdio[N-dee-oh]
NoHapana[Hah-pah-nah]
Please/You're welcomeTafadhali[Tah-fah-dah-lee]
Thank youAsante[Ah-sahn-teh]
Excuse me/SorrySamahani[Sah-mah-hah-nee]
How are you?Habari gani?[Hah-bah-ree gah-nee]
Fine. And you?Nzuri. Na wewe?[N-zoo-ree. Nah weh-weh]
Do you speak English?Unazungumza Kiingereza?[Oo-nah-zoo-ngum-zah Kee-in-geh-reh-zah]
I don't understandSielewi[See-eh-leh-wee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNingependa kuona menyu, tafadhali[Nin-geh-pen-dah koo-oh-nah men-yoo, tah-fah-dah-lee]
I don't eat meatSili nyama[See-lee nyah-mah]
Cheers!Afya![Ah-fyah]
I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali[Nin-geh-pen-dah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dah-lee]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Msaada![M-sah-dah]
Go away!Ondoka![On-doh-kah]
Call the Police!Piga simu polisi![Pee-gah see-moo poh-lee-see]
Call a doctor!Piga simu daktari![Pee-gah see-moo dahk-tah-ree]
I'm lostNimepotea[Nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
I'm illNina ugonjwa[Nee-nah oo-gon-jwah]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ningependa kununua...[Nin-geh-pen-dah koo-nu-noo-ah]
I'm just lookingNatazama tu[Nah-tah-zah-mah too]
How much is it?Ni shilingi ngapi?[Nee shee-lin-gee ngah-pee]
That's too expensiveHiyo ni gharama kubwa[Hee-yoh nee ghah-rah-mah koo-bwah]
Can you lower the price?Unaweza kupunguza bei?[Oo-nah-weh-zah koo-poon-gah-zee bay]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ni saa ngapi?[Nee sah ngah-pee]
It's one o'clockNi saa moja[Nee sah moh-jah]
Half past (10)Nusu (10)[Noo-soo (10)]
MorningAsubuhi[Ah-soo-boo-hee]
AfternoonMchana[M-chah-nah]
EveningJioni[Jee-oh-nee]
YesterdayJana[Jah-nah]
TodayLeo[Leh-oh]
TomorrowKesho[Keh-shoh]
1Moja[Moh-jah]
2Mbili[M-bee-lee]
3Tatu[Tah-too]
4Nne[N-neh]
5Tano[Tah-noh]
6Sita[See-tah]
7Saba[Sah-bah]
8Nane[Nah-neh]
9Tisa[Tee-sah]
10Kumi[Koo-mee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?[Ee-koh wah-pee]
What's the address?Anwani ni ipi?[An-wah-nee nee ee-pee]
Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionesha (katika ramani)?[Oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-neh-shah (kah-tee-kah rah-mah-nee)]
When's the next (bus)?Basi ijayo ni lini?[Bah-see ee-jah-yo nee lee-nee]
A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ....)[Tee-keh-tee (kwen-dah)]

History of Southern Highlands

Early Human Activity at Isimila

The Isimila archaeological site near Iringa is one of the Southern Highlands’ most important records of early human activity. Stone tools found in association with ancient sediments demonstrate that hominins occupied or used this landscape during the Pleistocene, while eroded pinnacles and gullies reveal how water and wind shaped the site over immense periods. Isimila is significant not simply as a scenic geological formation but as evidence of technological development and repeated activity in the interior of East Africa. Its collections and field research have helped place the Iringa area within the wider history of human evolution and prehistoric archaeology.

The Hehe State and Chief Mkwawa

During the nineteenth century, Hehe political power expanded across parts of the Iringa highlands under leaders including Chief Mkwawa. The Hehe state organised substantial military resistance to German attempts to impose colonial control in the 1890s. Fighting culminated in the German campaign against Kalenga and the wider Hehe resistance, with Mkwawa becoming a major figure in Tanzanian historical memory. Although the colonial conquest eventually succeeded, the story remains visible around Kalenga and Iringa through memorial sites, oral histories and the continuing importance of Hehe heritage.

German Rule and Colonial Transformation

German colonial rule altered administration, military organisation and transport across the Southern Highlands from the late nineteenth century until the First World War. Roads, mission stations and government posts connected selected upland settlements to the colonial economy, while taxation and forced labour brought severe disruption to local communities. The region’s location between the coast, the interior and Lake Nyasa gave it strategic significance. German authority was replaced by British administration after the war, but the boundaries, infrastructure and administrative centres created during this period continued to influence the region’s development.

Mission Stations, Agriculture and Highland Commerce

Christian missions, schools and trading networks expanded in the highlands during the late colonial period, contributing to new forms of education, religious life and commercial agriculture. Tea, coffee, pyrethrum, maize and other crops became increasingly important, alongside cattle keeping and local food production. Towns such as Iringa and Mbeya grew as administrative and market centres, while road and rail connections encouraged movement between rural districts. These changes did not erase established communities or traditions, but they reshaped land use, labour patterns and the relationship between highland settlements and the wider Tanzanian economy.

The TAZARA Railway

The Tanzania–Zambia Railway, commonly known as TAZARA, was constructed during the 1970s with Chinese assistance to link the port of Dar es Salaam with Zambia through the Tanzanian interior. Its route across the Southern Highlands, including the Mbeya area, brought major engineering works, employment and new settlements to a difficult mountainous landscape. The railway also carried political importance because it provided Zambia with an alternative route for trade that did not depend on routes through white-minority-ruled southern Africa. Its legacy remains part of the region’s transport history and modern economic geography.

Independence, Ujamaa and Rural Development

After Tanganyika gained independence in 1961 and later became Tanzania, the Southern Highlands were affected by national programmes intended to expand education, agricultural production and rural services. The ujamaa villagisation policies of the 1960s and 1970s reorganised settlement in many rural areas, with mixed results and considerable disruption in some communities. Government investment also supported roads, farms, schools and regional towns. Contemporary agriculture, settlement patterns and public institutions still reflect this period, even as private enterprise, tourism and changing transport links have altered the region’s economic direction.

Southern Highlands in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Southern Highlands, Tanzania

Discover the Southern Highlands of Tanzania with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more
  • Rich multimedia content including images and descriptions
  • Local tips and travel essentials
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More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your comprehensive, free travel guide to Southern Highlands, Tanzania, offering detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Download now to make the most of your trip!

  • Easy hotel, tour, ticket, and experience booking
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases
  • Global coverage of 7,000+ destinations

Welcome to the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, a region filled with lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and enriching experiences. With Evendo, your journey begins even before you set foot in this captivating destination. Our app offers detailed guides on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities in the Southern Highlands.

Explore famous landmarks such as the Kitulo National Park, often referred to as the Serengeti of Flowers, and the majestic Mufindi Highlands. Discover the historical charm of Mbeya and the breathtaking views from the Livingstone Mountains. For food enthusiasts, savor local delicacies at renowned restaurants like Mbeya Hotel Restaurant and the cozy Hill View Café.

Evendo is designed to be your all-in-one travel companion, providing rich information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location. Easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, eliminating the hassle of multiple searches and bookings.

Our app also features an in-depth history of the Southern Highlands, travel essentials, and curated local tips to ensure you experience the region like a local. Navigate effortlessly with our easy-to-use interface and the “Near me” feature, which highlights attractions and amenities around your current location. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

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