Southern Highlands
Mlima wa Kusini
Plan your trip to Southern Highlands
Southern Highlands is Tanzania's coolest region—literally—offering dramatic mountain scenery, tea plantations, and a refreshing escape from the coastal heat. Centered around the bustling city of Mbeya, this area combines natural beauty with authentic highland culture, making it an underrated gem for travelers seeking something beyond the typical safari circuit.
Getting there & around
Fly into Mbeya International Airport (AER) from Dar es Salaam or other major cities, or take the overnight train from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya. Once there, hire a car with a driver for day trips to nearby attractions, or use local buses and minivans (dala-dalas) for budget travel. Roads are generally in decent condition, though some mountain routes require careful driving.
How long to stay
Plan 3–5 days in Southern Highlands to explore Mbeya's surroundings, visit tea estates, and experience the highlands without feeling rushed. Longer stays allow you to venture into smaller towns and trek nearby mountain areas.
When to go
Visit May to September for the best weather—dry, cool, and clear skies ideal for hiking and sightseeing. October to April brings rain and cloud cover, though the landscape stays lush and fewer tourists visit.
Suggested itinerary
- Arrive in Mbeya — Fly into Mbeya International Airport and settle into the city center. Explore local markets, colonial-era architecture, and get acclimated to the highland altitude and cooler temperatures.
- Tea Plantations & Countryside — Visit working tea estates in the surrounding highlands to learn about cultivation and processing. Stop at viewpoints overlooking rolling green hills and visit nearby villages for authentic highland experiences.
- Mountain Hikes & Natural Sites — Hike in the highlands around Mbeya, exploring natural springs, waterfalls, and scenic ridges. Return to Mbeya for an evening exploring local restaurants and markets.
Frequently asked questions
Is Southern Highlands worth visiting?
Yes, if you want to escape Tanzania's heat and experience authentic highland culture away from typical tourist routes. It's particularly rewarding for hikers, nature lovers, and those interested in tea production.
How many days do you need in Southern Highlands?
Three to four days is ideal to explore Mbeya, nearby tea plantations, and highland trails without feeling rushed. Five days allows for deeper exploration of smaller towns and longer hikes.
What is the best month to visit Southern Highlands?
June, July, and August offer the clearest skies, coolest temperatures, and best hiking conditions. May and September are also excellent with slightly warmer weather and fewer crowds.
Do I need a car to visit Southern Highlands?
A hired car with driver is strongly recommended for day trips and exploring remote areas safely and comfortably. Local minibuses (dala-dalas) connect major towns but are less convenient for multi-stop itineraries.
What is there to do in Mbeya?
Visit tea plantations, explore highland markets and colonial buildings, hike nearby trails, visit local villages, and enjoy fresh highland cuisine. The region is better for outdoor activities and cultural experiences than urban sightseeing.
History
The Southern Highlands region of Tanzania has long been home to various Bantu-speaking peoples, including the Hehe, Bena, and Sangu communities who developed sophisticated chiefdoms and pastoral traditions. During the late 19th century, the region was significantly shaped by the rise of Chief Mkwawa and the Hehe Kingdom, which resisted German colonial expansion with remarkable military prowess until Mkwawa's death in 1898. The colonial period brought administrative reorganization and the introduction of coffee and tea plantations, which transformed the local economy and landscape. Following independence in 1961, the Southern Highlands became an important agricultural zone for Tanzania, with its cooler highland climate proving ideal for cash crop production.
Culture
The Southern Highlands are characterized by a strong pastoral and agricultural heritage, with communities maintaining deep connections to cattle herding, farming, and traditional age-grade systems that structure social organization. The region's distinct identity is reinforced by its cooler climate, terraced hillsides, and vibrant markets where local crafts, produce, and traditional textiles reflect generations of cultural continuity. Music, dance, and storytelling remain central to community life, with ceremonies and celebrations marking important agricultural seasons and life transitions.
Language
Swahili is widely spoken throughout the Southern Highlands as the national language, though local Bantu languages such as Hehe and Bena remain important in daily life and cultural contexts. Useful phrases include 'Habari yako?' (How are you?) and 'Asante sana' (Thank you very much), which are appreciated when interacting with local communities.
Best time to visit
Visit May to September for pleasant weather and clear skies.
Places to visit
- Rungwe Tea Estates — Sprawling tea plantations covering the fertile volcanic slopes of Mount Rungwe in the Southern Highlands, where visitor…
- Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) — East Africa's southernmost great lake stretching along the Tanzania-Malawi border with pristine beaches, exceptional fr…
- Mount Rungwe — A dramatic volcanic mountain reaching 2,961 meters that dominates the Southern Highlands landscape and offers challengi…
- Kyela — A charming lakeside town on the shores of Lake Nyasa serving as a gateway to the lake and the southern highlands with a…
- Tukuyu — A picturesque highland town nestled among tea plantations and coffee farms at 1,900 meters elevation, offering cool mou…
- Mbozi — A remote highland town in the heart of Tanzania's agricultural heartland, surrounded by coffee and banana plantations w…
- Lake Rukwa — A remote and rarely visited alkaline lake in the western Southern Highlands offering exceptional wildlife viewing inclu…
- Ufipa Plateau — A scenic highland plateau in the western Southern Highlands characterized by rolling grasslands, scattered forests, and…
Where to eat
- The Craftsmen Restaurant (Contemporary African, Iringa). Order: Iringa beef stew with highland vegetables.
- Mikumi Wildlife Lodge Restaurant (International, Mikumi). Order: Grilled impala chops with mint chimichurri.
- Neema Cafe (Tanzanian Street Food, Mbeya City Centre). Order: Mandazi with bean soup.
- The Warehouse Restaurant & Bar (Pan-African Fusion, Iringa City Centre). Order: Njano (cassava and pumpkin leaves) with ugali.
- Kibaha Restaurant (Tanzanian Traditional, Mbeya). Order: Nyama choma with coconut rice.
- Matangi Restaurant (Tanzanian, Iringa). Order: Kapenta with sadza and relish.
- Mbeya Coffee House (Cafe Culture, Mbeya). Order: Single-origin Mbeya pour-over coffee with fresh scone.
- Ruaha River Lodge Restaurant (International, Iringa). Order: Kudu steak with wild mushroom sauce.
- Dar Pande Restaurant (Indian, Mbeya City Centre). Order: Butter chicken with naan.
- Isimila Stone Settlement Cafe (Tanzanian Light Fare, Iringa). Order: Grilled chicken with fried cassava.
- The Peak Restaurant (International, Mbeya Highlands). Order: Pan-seared tilapia with local vegetables.
- Mama Joyce's Kitchen (Tanzanian Home Cooking, Iringa). Order: Beef and groundnut stew with maize bread.
- Udzungwa Forest Lodge Restaurant (International, Udzungwa). Order: Forest greens salad with grilled forest fish.
- Iringa Town Grill House (Grilled Meats, Iringa City Centre). Order: Mixed meat platter with pap and grilled tomatoes.