TZ Winter Amp Day 5
Day 5: Wed Jan 8
Drive from Dodoma to Mbeya with a stop for lunch in Iringa
By Chuck Baker
Another day in Tanzanian paradise. We woke up for the last time at the Dodoma vineyards, greeted by the cool morning breeze drifting in from the north. The aroma of fresh cooking wafted through the air, courtesy of the dedicated chefs who seemed to work around the clock, ensuring our meals were always perfect. After savoring another hearty breakfast from their scratch kitchen, we bid farewell to our gracious hosts and set off on the long, 12-hour journey to Mbeya. 
The route was both an adventure and a visual feast. Our journey took us through towns like Mtera, Mafinga, and Iringa—places teeming with character and charm. One of our event leaders had lived in Iringa for several years, which added a layer of connection as we passed through. The scenery was breathtaking as we steadily climbed in altitude. To our right stretched the game reserve ranges of Kizigo, Ruaha, and Usangu, while the majestic Udzungwa Mountains National Park rose to our left. Tanzania’s landscapes are nothing short of extraordinary, each mile revealing a new chapter of its natural beauty. Right - Scenic countryside just outside Dodoma: expansive farmland, scattered homesteads, and a backdrop of rolling mountains signal the start of our journey toward Mbeya.
Dodoma’s dry savanna, nestled in a hot valley, slowly transformed as we ascended into the subtropical highlands of Iringa and Mbeya. The contrast was striking—much like driving from the Great Plains into the Appalachian Mountains or Pacific Northwest back home. The flat, arid plains gave way to rolling hills, lush forests, and fertile farmland. The agricultural shift was evident too, as expansive fields of staple crops in Dodoma transitioned to the intensive cultivation of coffee, tea, and bananas in the highlands. It reminded me of the Texas Hill Country, with its oak-dotted landscapes and rolling terrain, though Mbeya’s elevation and lush greenery set it apart.
We stopped in Iringa for a much-needed break. While we would return later in the week, this first visit gave us a chance to explore the city. We dined at a cozy café by Neema Crafts, nestled among a block bustling with local artisans, safari businesses, and small shops. The streets were alive with activity, and we spent hours browsing vendors’ stalls, trying on handcrafted goods, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Iringa’s charm was undeniable—a blend of bustling commerce and laid-back mountain town energy. Left - Relaxing at the café above Neema Crafts in Iringa, enjoying a peaceful view of the street below, framed by the vibrant sky and rusted rooftops.
Left - Enjoying the adventure from the back of a Land Cruiser during our journey, taking in the rugged terrain and the lively Tanzania roads while making the best of the tight quarters.
As the afternoon waned, we climbed back into our vehicles for the final six-hour leg to Mbeya. The road wound through ever-changing terrain, from Iringa’s high, vegetative hills to the wide valley that lies before Mbeya. Navigating the two-lane highway added excitement, with our skilled driver Isaac deftly passing slow-moving trucks in a never-ending convoy.
Night fell as we neared Mbeya, giving me a glimpse of life in Tanzania’s rural areas. Families gathered around small fires, preparing meals, and sharing quiet moments. There was a palpable sense of peace, an unhurried rhythm of life that I couldn’t help but admire. Finally, cresting the last hill, Mbeya sprawled before us—a city cradled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains. Exhausted but exhilarated, I was ready to collapse into my bed at the Hillview Hotel, a fittingly tranquil end to a day filled with discovery and beauty.