5 Days 4 Nights Ngozi Crater Lake and Kiwira Natural Bridge

Discover Ngozi Crater Lake and Kiwira Natural Bridge: The Ngozi Crater Lake is located in the east of Mporoto Ridge Forest Reserve. This forest reserve covers an area of approximately 9332 hectares, situated at coordinates 8’58-9’05 and 33’26-33’36’E, with altitudes ranging from 1750-2620 meters. The crater is about 15 km southeast of Mbeya city. Accessible by a dirt road in the dry season, reaching the lake can be challenging during the wet season. The lake is reached via a one-hour hike through the forest.

Stunning Lake in a Caldera: Ngozi Crater Lake, a stunning body of water located in a caldera, measures 2.5 km in length and 1.6 km in width. Dating back to the Neogene period, the lake’s slightly brackish water contains some fish and reaches depths of up to 75 meters.

Spiritual Significance: The lake holds spiritual significance for the local inhabitants. The slopes of the crater wall are adorned with Upper Montane Forest, grassland, and bamboo.

Kiwira Natural Bridge: Another highlight of this hiking tour is the Kiwira Natural Bridge, nicknamed the “Bridge of God” (Daraja la Mungu) in Swahili. This natural wonder was formed by the forces of a fast-flowing river that carved a hole through a hard surface, creating a rocky span that resembles a single-lane bridge. This impressive formation can support over a hundred tons of weight. Locals attribute its miraculous existence to providence and attach traditional beliefs to it.

Kijungu Waterfalls: Just ten meters from the Kiwira Natural Bridge, you will find the beautiful Kijungu Waterfalls, adding to the natural splendor of the area.

Inclusions:

Guided hikes and tours
Park entry fees
Professional guide services
Transportation to and from Mbeya
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Exclusions:

Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.)
Travel insurance
Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Beverages not included in the meal plan

Key Points:

Location: Ngozi Crater Lake and Kiwira Natural Bridge, Tanzania
Coordinates: 8’58-9’05 and 33’26-33’36’E
Altitude: 1750-2620 meters
Distance from Mbeya: Approximately 15 km southeast
Activities: Hiking, exploring natural bridges and waterfalls, enjoying Upper Montane Forest and grassland scenery

This itinerary offers an unforgettable experience in exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Ngozi Crater Lake and Kiwira Natural Bridge. Ideal for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking spiritual and natural beauty, this adventure promises a unique and memorable journey.

Day 1

Fly From Dar To Mbeya

8:00 am – Fly from Dar to Mbeya. Pick up from Songwe airport and transfer to Utengule Coffee Lodge located on the outskirts of Mbeya in Mbalizi town, near coffee plantations

1:00 pm – Lunch

2:00 pm – Relax and enjoy your day with panoramic views of the coffee plantation area. Day at leisure

7:30 pm – Dinner and overnight at Utengule Coffee Lodge

Day 2

Utengule Coffee Lodge

7:00 am – Breakfast

8:00 am – Go explore Kiwira natural bridge nicknamed the Bridge of God which is just outside of Tukuyu town, South of Mbeya. This is a natural lava bridge across a river big enough to have six persons standing on it. The river was named “Kibila”, “Kibira” and “Kiwira”. Today it is called Kiwira, situated near the southern border to Malawi. Then you shall see Kijungu Waterfalls. Kijungu Falls is an attractive natural wonder where the entire river flows into a pot-like hollow before flowing down the rocks and taking its natural course. Locals believe that at Kijungu Falls and the Natural Bridge, there is a dragon that keeps guard of treasures hidden in the river bed therefore they usually mysteriously make someone fall into the river as a sacrifice. Kijungu acquired its name due to the pot-like shape of the base where the water falls making a whirlpool and taking a course that takes seven days for the water to return to a nearby spot and continue with its journey downstream.

7:30 pm – Dinner and overnight at Utengule Coffee Lodge

Day 3

Ngozi Crater Lake

7:00 am – Breakfast 8:00 am – Depart for a full-day hiking tour of Ngozi Crater Lake. This is a site of outstanding natural beauty and a superb hiking location. A green shimmering lake walled by the collapsed caldera of the extinct Ngozi Volcano. You shall have your bush lunch along the scenery adventurous hiking trail. 7:30 pm – Dinner and overnight at Utengule Coffee Lodge

Day 4

Utengule Coffee Lodge

7:00 am – Breakfast 8:00 am – Go for a coffee tour around nearby coffee plantations and learn how the plant is harvested and all the procedures leading to a finished product ready for consumption 7:30 pm – Dinner and overnight at Utengule Coffee Lodge

Day 5

Flight Back To Dar

7:00 am – Breakfast 8:00 am – Transfer to Songwe airport to catch your flight back to Dar

Tour Inclusions:

Accommodation at Udzungwa Falls Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Guided hikes and park entry fees
Transportation to and from Dar es Salaam
Professional guide services
Transfer to Songwe Airport

Tour Exclusions:

Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.)
Travel Insurance
Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Beverages not included in the meal plan
Flight from Songwe to Dar es Salaam

Key Points:

Location: Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania.

Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights.

Accommodation: Udzungwa Falls Lodge.

Highlights: Sanje Waterfalls, unique plant species, endemic primates, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Activities: Hiking, wildlife spotting, bird watching, swimming, bush lunch, and optional cultural visits.

This itinerary offers an unforgettable experience in one of Tanzania’s most unique and biodiverse parks. Whether you’re an avid hiker, nature enthusiast, or wildlife lover, Udzungwa Mountains National Park promises an adventure like no other.