Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Train
Book tickets at least several days in advance at
Tazara train station
( 8am-noon &
2-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm Sat). See
Click here
for schedules and fares between Mbeya
and Dar es Salaam, and
Click here
for connections with Zambia.
GETTING AROUND
Taxis park at the bus station and near Market Sq. Fares from the bus station to central hotels
start at Tsh3000. The Tazara train station is 4km out of town on the Tanzania-Zambia high-
way (Tsh6000 in a taxi). Dalla-dallas from the road in front of New Millennium Hotel run
to the train station and to Mbalizi, but the ones to the train station often don't have room
for luggage.
Around Mbeya
LOLEZA & MBEYA PEAKS
Just north of Mbeya is
Loleza Peak
(2656m; also known as Mt Kaluwe), which can be
climbed as an easy half-day hike. There's an antenna at the top, so you can't go to the sum-
mit, but you can still get high enough for views. The walk begins on the road running north
from town past the hospital.
West of Loleza is
Mbeya Peak
(2820m), the highest point in the Mbeya range and an en-
joyable day hike. There are several possible routes. One goes from Mbalizi junction, 12km
west of town on the Tunduma road. Take a dalla-dalla to Mbalizi, get out at the sign for
Utengule Country Hotel, head right and follow the dirt road for 1km to a sign for St Mary's
Seminary. Turn right here and follow the road up past the seminary to Lunji Farm and then
on to the peak. With a vehicle, you can park at Lunji Farm and continue on foot. Allow five
hours for the return trip.
Both Loleza and Mbeya Peak should only be climbed accompanied by a guide, which
you can arrange at Gazelle Safaris in Mbeya.
