Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Iringa, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Iringa, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Iringa is a city in the Iringa Region of Tanzania, geographically positioned at 7°46′ S 35°42′ E, around 260 km south of the national capital, Dodoma and 500 km southwest of the country’s largest city, Dar es Salaam. Iringa is the seat of the Iringa Region, located between the two major national parks of the country, Ruaha National Park to the west and Mikumi National Park to the east. Iringa is renowned as one of the important educational centres of the country with many reputed learning centres, including the Mkwawa University College of Education, Iringa University College and Tosamaganga High School. Iringa is also famous for the popular Neema Crafts Centre.

History of Iringa:

Iringa derives its name from the Hehe language term ‘lilinga’, which means ‘fort’. Iringa originated as a defense base in the beginning days of the German rule in Tanzania. Prior to the arrival of Germans, Iringa was settled by Hehe people, led by Chief Mkwawa, whose fortress still can be seen in Kalenga, a nearby village of Iringa.

Connectivity to Iringa:

There is an airport in Iringa, situate around 17 km away from the midpoint of the city. The airport is catered by Auric Air (with flights from Dar es Salaam, Mbeya) and Flightlink (Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mbeya). One way travel between Iringa and Dar es Salaam costs more than two hundred US dollars.

Iringa can also be accessed from Dar es Salaam by bus service, offered by JM Luxury and Sumry Bus.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Iringa:

Iringa is culturally distinct city, home to two famous typical cultural centres Matumaini Women’s Centre and Neema Crafts, where traditional items like bags, bracelets, earrings, flip flops, aprons and toys can be purchased at affordable prices. Neema Crafts centre also houses a restaurant with different delicious European and Tanzanian dishes.

What to do in Iringa?

Bird watching
Swimming
Game drives
Traditional shopping

What to see in Iringa?

Neema Crafts Centre:

The Neema Crafts Centre is an award winning organization and one of the highlights of Iringa. It aids tourists coming to the city in exploring the local culture, historical sites and national parks. Handicrafts products produced there are unique, colorful, affordable and worth a purchase.

Isimila Stone Age site:

The Isimila Stone Age Site is a popular archeological site, situated around 20 km southwest of the city of Iringa, where visitors can find stone tools dating from 70,000 years ago. This site can be explored best through a guided tour.

Kalenga:

Kalenga is one of the villages belonging to the Iringa Rural district, situated around 15 km away from Iringa. The village is mainly noted for fortress belonged to the Hehe tribal leader Chief Mkwavinyika Munyigumba Mwamuyinga or Chief Mkwawa.

Gangilonga Rock:

The Gangilonga Rock is a natural rock formation and great view point, situated on the outskirts of Iringa city. Visiting it in group is suggested as it is not a safe place, otherwise visitors can consider a guided tour for safe exploration.

Matumaini Women’s Centre:

Situated in the district of Saba Saba, the Matumaini Women’s Centre is an organization supporting young unmarried womens to strengthen their lives by providing education and training on different subjects. It is a distinct place, shouldn’t be missed.

List of other places of interest in Iringa include:

Kombangulu
Mkwawa Golf Course
Iringa Swahili School
Iringa University College
Mkwawa University College of Education
Iringa Cemetery
The old Boma
The Mikumi National Parks
Ruaha National Park
Mnazi Bay Marine
Selous Game Reserve

Ideal time to visit Iringa:

The best time to explore the beauty of the historic and natural sites of Iringa is from June to August.

Where to stay in Iringa?

Iringa houses many well facilitated hotels that are spread up all around the city and on the outskirts, with a blend of modernized and traditional amenities exclusively prepared for visitors. Some such nice hotels in Iringa include: