South Pare Mountains

South Pare Mountains: Africa Natural Tours

AFRICA NATURAL TOURS (The best tour company in Tanzania)

Specialized in: Mountain climbing, Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism and Beach holidays

Contact +255 653 679 958 OR +255 692 436 113

Email-info@africanaturaltours.com

Walk along steep slopes, through dense tropical forests and the villages of Pare in the Mbaga Hills deep within the Southern Pare Mountains, about 150 km from Moshi.

A tour of Southern Pare Mountains includes:

* A trip to the hilltop Ranzi Dam and Tona grounds to get glimpses of German history, and unique flora and fauna

* A climb to the different mountain peaks, where you get excellent views of Mkomazi National Park, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Shengena Peak and Taita hills of Kenya

* A view of Shengena Peak, the highest point of the Eastern Arc Mountains

* Insight into Pare culture

Half-day walking tours

Mghimbi Caves and Malamen Rock

Visit the Mghimbi Caves, which in 1860 were used as hiding places during slave raids. Proceed to Malameni Rock where until 1930, thousands of children were sacrificed to the gods to appease the evil spirits. 

Mpepera View Point

From this viewpoint, see Mt. Kilimanjaro and the expanse of the Mkomazi Game Reserve. A cross on the hilltop symbolizes a peaceful union between the Protestants and Roman Catholics of the area.

One-day tours

Tona Moorland – Ranzi Dam

From Tona Lodge, walk though lush rainforests to view Malameni Rock and proceed to Tona Moorland. Behind the moorland are ruins from the period of German missionary influence in Mbaga Hills. Go on to Ranzi Dam, where you can picnic beside a natural spring.

Heiganda Duma viewpoint

Visit Mbakweni village, home to traditional healers and breweries. Go on to Mlamba Natural Caves and Chabaru, a traditional village, before you begin your ascent to Heiganda Duma viewpoint.

Ikongwe village tour

From Tona Lodge, walk along mountain terrace and waterfalls. The area abounds in tropical fruits. On the way back, stop by Mpepera viewpoint.

Red Reservoir tour

This is an excellent picnic and bird viewing spot high in the mountains near the Tona Moorlands.

Three-day hike - Shengena Forest

Day 1: Leave Tona Lodge early morning and walk through the green countryside to Chome Village. Stay with a local family, sample the local food and enjoy the rich Pare culture.

Day 2: Continue your ascent to the edge of Shengena Forest where you can camp under the stars.

Day 3: Rise at 4 a.m. and hike up Shengena Peak to watch a stunning sunrise. The beautiful Pare mountains can be explored by driving around in a 4x4. Visit the villages, the farmers, and listen to the legends of the Pare people.

Getting there

Mbaga hills are about 150 km from Moshi. Buses are available from Dar es Salaam up to Same. At the bus stand, direction can be obtained about public transport to reach Mbaga Hills. (Income from tourist visits will be used to subsidize energy-saving stoves and for education scholarships to the local vocation training centre.)

      For more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com