Stand on the top of Gangilonga Rock and the whole of Iringa opens below you: the town spread along its hilltop, ridges and valleys running north, and the Little Ruaha River away to the south. It is a short walk out past the well-off suburb where NGO and government workers live, and the rock itself is covered in graffiti left by local youth.
Iringa suits travellers who want cool highland air, a stone age site within reach of town, and crafts rather than crowds. The months of June, July and August can see temperatures near freezing, so pack accordingly. This guide covers the sights and experiences the sources describe, in the order worth doing them.
Top things to do in Iringa
1. Isimila Stone Age Site
About 15 km from town towards Mafinga, this is one of the most interesting stone age sites in East Africa. It holds one of the largest collections of Acheulean tools in the world, including hand axes, cleavers and scrapers, and the geological formations are worth the trip on their own: 30 foot sandstone pillars shaped over thousands of years by river and wind erosion. Fossils of prehistoric mammals have also been found in the rocks.
It is easily accessible by daladala or taxi, so you do not need to arrange a vehicle. Combine it with a stop in town on your return, since it sits on the Mafinga road rather than in the centre.
2. Neema Crafts Centre
The centre is a great place to visit, with a cafe serving great cake and fresh ground coffee. A tour of the workshops shows the different crafts being made, including paper from elephant dung.
Pair the tour with the cafe rather than treating them as separate stops, and go when you have time to sit rather than rush through.
3. Gangilonga Rock
This large rock gives you great views over Iringa. To get to it you walk out past Lulu's, the bakery and Ruaha Club, through the well-off suburb where the rich NGO and government workers' houses are.
The rock is covered in graffiti from local youth. Reports have indicated that criminals may lurk here, so take the usual care and avoid going alone or after dark.
4. Chief Mkwawa's skull at Kalenga
At Kalenga you can go and see Chief Mkwawa's skull, which was returned by the Germans after many decades. Kalenga was the site of the fortress and headquarters of Chief Mkwawa, in the nearby village known as Alt Iringa.
It is a short trip out of town rather than a walk, so plan it as a half-day rather than squeezing it between other stops.
5. Iringa Swahili School
Take Swahili courses with Iringa Swahili School. Classes are at Rivervalley Campsite, formerly Riverside Campsite. The school is used by many NGOs, humanitarian and missionary organizations and is considered one of the best Swahili courses in Tanzania.
Because it is used by organisations rather than casual drop-ins, arrange your course before you arrive rather than turning up expecting a class.
6. Mkwawa Golf Course
Brown greens, and more caddies offering unwanted advice and mirth than you can shake a stick at. Watch out for the donkey- and goat-based green keeping team.
Come for the comedy of the round rather than the quality of the turf, and bring a sense of humour about the livestock.
7. Amani Orphanage, Mbigili
The Amani Orphanage in Mbigili is run by a German-Tanzanian NGO and offers a guesthouse in traditional style with two double rooms for a small donation. It is around 25 km from Iringa, in Mbigili, 2 km from the Dar es Salaam Highway. The food there is good and the children are happy to see new playmates.
It is an ideal base for hikes through the surrounding area or for visits to Ruaha National Park, and the helpful staff can organise trips. Book through ingolenz@gmx.net or the Facebook page Amani Orphans Home Mbigili.
8. Ruaha National Park
Iringa hosts one of Africa's largest national parks, Ruaha National Park. From the Amani Orphanage at Mbigili it is 100 km away, and the staff there can organise trips.
Treat it as a full day or more rather than an afternoon add-on, and arrange the trip through your accommodation.
9. Iringa's woven baskets
Iringa is known for its woven baskets, made from local reeds. The baskets are used across Tanzania and exported internationally.
Look for them alongside a visit to Neema Crafts Centre, where you can see crafts being made rather than only finished goods.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Gangilonga Rock for the views over town, walking out past Lulu's, the bakery and Ruaha Club. Keep the visit short and go with company, given the reports of criminals in the area.
Afternoon: Head to Isimila Stone Age Site, about 15 km towards Mafinga, by daladala or taxi. Give the Acheulean tools and the sandstone pillars proper time before returning to town.
Evening: Finish at Neema Crafts Centre for cake and fresh ground coffee in the cafe, after a look at the workshops and the paper made from elephant dung.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Iringa?
Iringa has a wet season from December to April and a nearly rainless period from June to September. Be aware that June, July and August can see low temperatures near freezing.
How do I get to the Isimila Stone Age Site?
It lies about 15 km from town towards Mafinga and is easily accessible by daladala or taxi.
Can I visit Ruaha National Park from Iringa?
Yes. Iringa hosts one of Africa's largest national parks, and from the Amani Orphanage in Mbigili it is 100 km away, with trips organisable by the staff there.
Where can I see Chief Mkwawa's skull?
At Kalenga, where the skull returned by the Germans after many decades can be seen. Kalenga was the site of Chief Mkwawa's fortress and headquarters.
Decide your dates around the dry months, book your Swahili course or your guesthouse in advance, and start planning your trip to Iringa.