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Day trip

Mto wa Mbu Village Day Trip: Banana Farms, Canoeing & Biking

  • Full day (8–10 hours)
  • Mto wa Mbu Village, Lake Manyara
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Overview

Mto wa Mbu is more than a stopover on the safari circuit. It is one of Tanzania’s most culturally diverse villages, home to more than 120 tribes living together at the base of the Great Rift Valley. Just minutes from Lake Manyara National Park, this farming community offers a chance to experience rural Tanzanian life up close.

This full-day experience combines three of the village’s signature activities, banana farm visits, canoeing on Lake Manyara and a guided bike tour, in one well-paced itinerary.

  • Location: Mto wa Mbu Village, near Lake Manyara National Park
  • Distance from Arusha: about 120 to 130 km (2 to 2.5 hours by road)
  • Duration: full day (8 to 10 hours including transfers)
  • Best for: active travellers, culture enthusiasts and families

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Morning (about 07:00–07:30)

    Departure from Arusha

    Depart Arusha with your guide and drive through the highlands toward Mto wa Mbu, past rural villages and farmland, before descending toward the Rift Valley escarpment.

  2. About 09:30–10:30

    Banana plantation walk

    Begin with a guided walk through Mto wa Mbu’s banana plantations. More than 30 varieties of banana grow here, and your local guide explains how the plant is used for food, construction and craft. You may taste the red banana and, if you wish, sample traditional banana beer (mbege).

    The walk often includes rice paddies and ancient irrigation channels still used by local farmers.

  3. About 11:00–12:30

    Canoe safari on Lake Manyara

    Drive a short distance to the lake for a guided canoe safari. Lake Manyara is home to thousands of flamingos, pelicans and other waterbirds, and you may spot giraffes, elephants or buffalo grazing along the shore. The trip typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, with a guide and all safety equipment.

    Canoeing depends on water levels and may be substituted if conditions are unsuitable.

  4. About 13:00–14:00

    Lunch

    Enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch, often served in a local home or cooperative kitchen. Dishes may include ugali, pilau, fresh vegetables and banana stew.

  5. About 14:30–16:00

    Village bike tour

    Hop on a mountain bike for a guided ride through the village and farmland, past rice paddies, fruit orchards and local markets, with stops to meet villagers and enjoy views of Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley escarpment. The cycling is moderate, mostly flat or downhill, and suits most fitness levels.

  6. About 16:30–17:00

    Return to Arusha

    Drive back to Arusha, arriving in the early evening.

Inclusions and exclusions

Price includes

  • Round-trip transport from Arusha
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Banana plantation visit and tasting
  • Canoe safari on Lake Manyara (equipment and guide)
  • Mountain bike rental and helmet
  • Traditional Swahili lunch
  • Bottled water

What to bring

  • Comfortable clothes for cycling and walking
  • Closed shoes or sandals with straps
  • Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Cash for tips, drinks or craft purchases
  • Camera (a waterproof bag is recommended for canoeing)

Why choose this tour?

Mto wa Mbu shows a side of Tanzania that most safari itineraries miss: a living, working community where agriculture, culture and tourism meet. Banana farms, lake canoeing and village cycling give three perspectives on the same place, on foot, on water and on two wheels. It is active but not exhausting, and close enough to Arusha to fit into a single day.

Practical notes, tipping and booking terms

Tipping guidelines

It is habitual to tip your safari driver-guide. Tips are paid at the end of the safari and are given to your guide, below are just a guideline for tipping:-

  • We suggest $20.00 per person in the vehicle per day for driver-guide during safari days
  • $3.00 per group for porters/waitress upon checking in and when checking out.

General Terms and Conditions

Holiday Surcharge

A supplement of US $ 50.00 per person per day will apply to all bookings on the 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December and 1st January except Zanzibar accommodation

A supplement of US $ 45.00 per person per day will apply to all bookings between Easter Friday and Easter Monday (for all 4 days) as Easter holiday surcharge

Validity of Prices

Prices are valid for the periods shown but are subject to change without notice in the event of Government action, i.e. increase in hotel tax or VAT, or to increase if prices are significantly affected by other circumstances beyond our control. Prices are based on exchange rates prevailing at the time of publication and may alter should any major variation in exchange rates occur.

Payment

We do accept payment via bank transfer and credit cards. Please note that sender collects all charges. Kindly always send remittance of payments /payments proof including booking reference # after completion of transaction for our records. When paying through credit card surcharge of 5% will apply.

Prices Include

Prices quoted for safaris generally include transport as per the itinerary, airport transfers, game drives, flying doctor membership where appropriate and charged separate at price of $30.00 per person , full board accommodation, picnic/extra lunches where stated, scheduled charter flights where mentioned, Mineral water and park entrance fees.

Prices Exclude: Itinerary prices generally exclude international flights, visa costs, optional excursions, personal insurance (medical or other), drinks, tips, phone calls, laundry and any items of a personal nature.

Children Policy

Children between the age of 3 and 12years

  • Pays 60% of the adult rate if sharing a room with two adults
  • Pays 80% of the adult rate if sharing a room with another child
  • Pays 100% of the adult rates if sharing a room with one adult
  • No discount on Holiday and other supplements

Reservations, Payment and Deposits

When Destination Specialists accepts your booking, the date of the confirmation invoice activates the terms and conditions of the contract. Confirmation of services is subject to payment of a 50% of the total invoiced amount to secure space. The balance is to be paid not later than 60 days prior to commencement of the services. When bookings are made within 30 days prior to the departure date, full payment is required immediately on written confirmation.

Cancellation Policy

Should you wish to cancel your confirmed booking, you must advise the company in writing. Reservations that are cancelled, reduced in length of stay or reduced in numbers (hereinafter collectively called a CANCELLATION) are subject to Cancellation and No Show fees if cancelled within 44 days of the arrival date:

  • 150 days to 90 days prior to arrival: 25%
  • 89 days to 45 days prior to arrival: 50%
  • 44 days to 01 days prior to arrival: 100%

Full details are on our Booking Policy page.