Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tukuyu en route to Ipinda off this road is Masoko Crater Lake, into which fleeing Germans
allegedly dumped a small fortune of gold pieces and coins during WWI. The Lutheran Mis-
sion in Tukuyu just downhill from NBC bank can sometimes arrange transport between
Tukuyu and Matema from about US$70 per vehicle one way.
IKOMBE
The village of Ikombe is notable for its clay pots, which are made by the local Kisi
women and sold at markets in Mbeya and elsewhere in the region. It's just southeast of
Matema along the lakeshore and reached via dugout canoe (1½ hours), or walking (about
45 minutes). There are no tourist facilities.
LIULI
Liuli is the site of an old and still-active Anglican mission and the small St Anne's mission
hospital, the major health facility on the eastern lake shore. It's also notable for a (with
some imagination) sphinxlike rock lying just offshore, which earned the settlement the
name of Sphinxhafen during the German era. There's no accommodation.
MBAMBA BAY
The relaxing outpost of Mbamba Bay is the southernmost Tanzanian port on Lake Nyasa.
With its low-key ambience and attractive beach fringed by palm, banana and mango trees,
it makes a good spot to spend a few days waiting for the ferry or as a change of pace if
you've been travelling inland around Songea or Tunduma.
Sleeping & Eating
Both of the following places can help organise boat hire for exploring the nearby shoreline.
St Benadetta Guest House
GUESTHOUSE $
(
www.chipolestagnes.org/mbambabay.htm
;
r Tsh12,000) This church-run place situated
near the water is the top of the lot in Mbamba Bay, with simple, clean rooms and meals.
Neema Lodge
GUESTHOUSE $
(Mama Simba's; r without bathroom Tsh7000) Decent value, with basic but adequate
rooms, meals and a pleasant waterside setting. To get here, turn left just before the bridge
as you enter town.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
There's one direct vehicle daily from Songea (
Click here
). Otherwise you will need to
change vehicles at Mbinga.
