Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ending road') is maintained by the park and is generally in marginally better condition. The
closest petrol is in Iringa.
IRINGA TO MAKAMBAKO
From Iringa, the Tanzam highway continues southwest, past dense stands of
pine, before reaching the junction town of Makambako.
About 50km southwest of Iringa and just off the highway is
Kisolanza - The
Old Farm House
( 0754-306144;
www.kisolanza.com
; camping with hot
showers US$5, tw stables/chalets US$35/40, d/f cottages US$70/90, d/q luxury
cottage with half board US$170/250, 'sheep's pen' US$60-90; ) , a gracious
1930s farm homestead fringed by stands of pine and rolling hill country. It
comes highly recommended both for its accommodation and for its cuisine.
There are two camping grounds, one for overlanders and one for private
vehicles, plus twin-bedded rooms with common bathroom in the nearby
'stables'; wooden two-person chalets; campsite cottages with a double bed be-
low and a sleeper loft above and with bathroom; and, two 'luxury' cottages sur-
rounded by gardens. All are spotless, impeccably furnished and excellent value.
There's a bar and a shop selling home-grown vegetables and other produce. For
more of a farm experience, there's also the 'Sheep's Pen', a two-bedroom self-
catering cottage right in the middle of the sheep and cattle farm, with a fire
place and sitting room. Buses will drop you at the Kisolanza turn-off, from
where it's about a 1.5km walk in to the lodge. Advance bookings are advisable
for accommodation, but there's always room for campers.
Continuing southwestward, about 45km further on at Mafinga is the turn-off
to reach the forested highlands around
Mufindi
, which are laced with small
streams and known for their tea estates and trout fishing.
Mufindi Highlands
Lodge
( 0784-237422;
www.tanzaniasafaris.inf
o
; s/d full board US$210/300;
) , set amid the hills and tea plantations around Mufindi, is another recom-
mended place for those seeking cool highland air and a chance to recharge. The
cosy wooden cabins have sunset views and the family-style cuisine, prepared
with farm produce, is delicious. Surrounding are landscaped gardens, expansive
grounds with walking trails and small lakes for fishing, plus cycling and horse
riding. The lodge is about 45km south of Mafinga. Pick-ups from Mafinga can
be arranged.
