Kilombero Valley

If you are looking to discover the real Tanzania and create genuine connections with its people, join us as we journey into the heart of the country on the TAZARA Railway. We will travel to the fertile Kilombero Valley where small villages rely on maize and rice farming. We will spend five days within the valley, helping out the local school and learning to tend to crop production and livestock. In our free time, we will hike the surrounding mountains, play football, and hang out at local restaurants.

Tour Itinerary

Tanzania by Train

We will depart from Dar es Salaam and settle in for the long trip ahead. The train, which travels on specific days of the week only, is relatively comfortable but frequently delayed. The train is a great place to meet new people and passes through the middle of the Selous Game Reserve where animals can be spotted. We will be travelling in first class (4-berth sleepers), but for added privacy and comfort you can consider booking out the entire cabin.

Accommodations

We will be staying at a local guest house and you will be eating your meals there, small restaurants, or with local families. We welcome you to join in the meal preparation and cooking so you can learn about how traditional meals are prepared.

School

Close to our guesthouse is a local elementary school that we will visit to learn about the curriculum and teaching approaches. We will spend time talking to the teachers and students to learn about their day to experiences. If you wish, we would love to have you teach a class about your own life at home and share any unique knowledge.

Farming

The villages are surrounded by productive farmland that will likely be full of crops depending on the time of the year. We will visit farms that are trying to diversify their crops with fruit, peppers and other products. An extra hand is always appreciated and the team will be happy to put you to work repairing rice paddy walls, transplanting seedlings, or harvesting – depending on the season you visit.

Exploring

Kilombero Valley is lined by a mountain ridge covered in a tropical forest. After a hike, we will head to a local outdoor bar to cool off with a drink and meal. A football / soccer ball is always handy for organizing an impromptu match. We also recommend attending a church service, regardless of your religious status, due to the significance it plays in local culture and to hear the incredible singing.

Trip Cost - $690

As part of our planning process, we help customize the sample trip itinerary to suit your respective interests and needs.

Mkalimu's trip cost estimates are inclusive of accommodation, transportation, entrance fees, and guiding services. They do not include food costs and gratuities. We price our trips based on the use of public transport or private taxis, and modest but well-maintained hotels with AC rooms and mosquito nets. We are more than happy to quote prices on request for trip options that involve higher end accommodation and private vehicles.