Iringa and Kisolanza

Iringa
(A Diocese of Ruaha project, on the road to Dodoma right behind the clock tower; e-mail: neemacrafts@hotmail.com)

A good place to chill out with delicous tomatoe soup or savoury chocolate cake is Neema's Craft Coffee Shop in Iringa. Some of the young people serving you are deaf, and you will be challenged in making yourself despite this handicap understandable! The adjacent shop sells beautiful hand made paper, beading work, waving cloths of which you can watch how it is done;

Ruaha River Campsite
(Tel. Mobile 0755 03 30 24; e-mail: riversidecampsitetz@hotmail.com; http://www.riversidecampsite-tanzania.com/)

Located 14km before Iringa when arriving from Morogoro, the place is run by a British couple. A number of various styled cottages and tents are spread along Little Ruaha River. Food is excellent, and there is a nice trail along the river leading through coffee plantations and to impressive water falls. Otherwise the cottages seemed a bit damp to us and the Rhodesian Richback dog of the owners did not welcome our Castor! They also offer Swahili lessons and courses for resident students which are said to be very good;

Kisolanza Farm

(e-mail: kisolanza@bushlink.co.tz; http://www.kisolanza.com/; Tel. Mobile 0754 30 61 44; Cottage with half board about 50US$ per person)

51km South West of Iringa on the main road to Mbeya is Kisolanza farm located. Next to an extensive farm with flower prodcution and fish ponds, an ever growing guesthouse business is developing within the farm grounds. There are bandas as well as a well equipped camp site awailable, but the highlight of a stay in Kisolanza farm is the kerozen lamp dinner in a semi ruined mud house, next to the warmth of traditional heating pots. A Maasai drummer calls for the meal, and food is excellent. One of the most special and unique dinners we ever had in Tanzania. Breakfast within the flowering farm garden are another great treat, and before you leave make sure you stock on fresh farm products in Kisolanza's famous shop. The farm grounds are also great for long walks.