Deep South -> Mtwara, Mikandani and Mkonde

Mtwara, Mikandani and Mkonde

Mtwara is a southern regions of Tanzania bordering Mozamobique. It has been left largely undeveloped for some time. Mtwara has many resources but lacks economic infrastructures for example roads and energy providers. Mtwara is currently waking up to the enormous development possibilities and is likely to change a lot in the next few years. The Dar-Kibiti-Kilwa-Lindi-Mtwara road will eventually be all metaled road (only 60km south of the Rufiji River needs finishing) and the Mkapa bridge over the Rufiji River has been completed. The Mnazi Bay gas project will provide reliable and affordable electricity for powering commercial ventures in the region, at sometime in the future.

The boundary of Mtwara Region with Mozambique is marked by the Ruvuma River. To the west, the Mtwara Region is bordered by the Ruvuma Region, to the North, by the Lindi Region, and to the East by the Indian Ocean.

According to the 2002 Tanzania National Census, the population of the Mtwara Region was 1,128,523. There is a very welcoming feel to this region and it is a chance to see truly unspoilt Tanzania. The cuisine is mainly based around seafood with some Arabic influences.

Mtwara itself is a rarely visited southern part of the country. The region offers excellent beaches, some world class diving in Mnazi Bay Marine Park - possibly the best in Tanzania, the spectacular scenery of the Mkonde Plateau - home of the famous Mkonde wood carvers, Rondo Plateau, the old town of Mikandani and the Newala Game Reserve.

For more information on visiting Mtwara,Mkandani, Mnazi Bay, Rondo and Mkonde, please contact us.

Locations in Mtwara, Mikandani and Mkonde

Lindi     more info ->

Lindi is a seldom visited town half way between the historical coastal towns of Kilwa and Mtwara.

Mikindani     more info ->

Mikindani (or Mikandani) means 'young palm trees' in KiSwahili. Mikandani is an old historical Swahili town, with over 50 ruined building dating back to pre-colonial times. It lines the shores of Mikandani bay, a safe and secluded harbour to the north of Mtwara - the regional capital.

Mkonde Plateau     more info ->

The Makonde plateau is home to the famous wood carvers whose crafts can be found in all of the tourist, souvenir and ornamental shops throughout Tanzania.

Mtwara     more info ->

Mtwara is the capital of the southern coastal region of the same name. It is an excellent location for unspoilt beaches, diving, Mkonde and Rubondo plateau excursions and is definitely "off the beaten track"

Rubondo Plateau     more info ->

The Rubondo plateau is a large flat plateau similar to the famous Mkonde plateau, but on the northern side of the Lukiledi valley.