Mbeya

Southern highland city, gateway for Malawi and Zambia

Near the Zambian border deep in the southern highlands, the city of Mbeya is the major agricultural capital in the country’s south-west region. The Mbeya mountain range lies to the north, and the Poroto mountain range lies to the south-east.

Large coffee and tea plantations, banana farms, and fields of cocoa are all grown around the region and come to Mbeya for packaging and transport. Mbeya’s location also makes it an idea transit point by both road and rail between Tanzania and its neighbours Zambia and Malawi.

In addition to its agricultural prosperity, Mbeya’s mineral wealth has attracted investment and provides the country with a good source of wealth. The town was originally founded in the 1930’s, when gold was discovered and a ‘gold rush’ ensued. Unlike other 'gold rush towns'  the supply has not run out and Mbeya has continued to supply the country with a regular amount of gold.

The main attraction surrounding the town is the beautiful and unique scenery of the Poroto Mountains with its alpine setting as well as the heather and bracken clad hills which has earned Mbeya the nickname of the "Scotland of Africa". Just 65km southwest of Mbeya is the Mbozi meteorite, one of the largest meteorites in the world. 

With its cooler climate and surrounding forests, Mbeya offers some pleasant walks to Lake Ngozi, Rungwe Mountain, the natural bridge in Kiwira, the flower garden at Kitulo Plateau, the Songwe Bat Caves and the incredible Mbozi Meteorite site. You can also trek in the lesser known Poroto Mountains, go trout fishing or challenge yourself on a day hike to either the 2656m Loleza Peak or the 2820m Mbeya Peak.

Highlights of Mbeya