Iringa

When to Go

Transport

General Information

CRDB has a branch near the market which provides all the usual money changing services. It also has an ATM if you get desperate. Useful to note is that they are open until 1pm on a Saturday. There are also branches of NMB and NRB in Iringa

Health & Safety

Accommodation

Entertainment

General Shopping

Masai Market – Go and visit Sengai (the unofficial leader of the Iringa Masai) in the Masai market between the Posta and Sokoni. All manner of beaded things, katenge bags, herbal medicines, and second hand shoes available! You will also get souvenir traders bothering you outside of Hasty Tasty – They are selling cards, carved wood items, and “Musical” Instruments. One of them has a nasty habit of playing his terrible violin type device, I find shouting “Inatosha” (it is sufficient) stops him for a few minutes and eases the headache. I am currently in the process of applying for a PC05 grant from VSO to buy the thing from him so he can focus his attentions on finding himself a more productive role in society… development in action. Remember, they are used to American tourists in Iringa so you’ll have to bargain hard for the best price!

Neema Crafts is a fantastic project and a place you must visit if coming to Iringa. The workshop employs deaf and physically disabled people who produce Elephant Dung Paper products (Cards, Albums, etc), beautiful Beaded jewellery (Bracelets, Earrings, Flip Flops) some of which come from beads...more

General Sights

Gangilonga Rock (or talking stone). A walk up here is the perfect remedy for a hangover, but don’t forget the sun cream and water as it gets pretty hot up in the hills. It was here that Chief Mkwawa of the Hehe tribe got visions of the nasty German colonialists coming to get him and managed to escape only to later get captured and killed. It has a great view of town, and especially of my house which is directly below it (wave to my guard). It’s a bit of a climb so don’t go trying to conquer it in impractical clothing, and be careful – at night this area is where murderers and rapists go to hide from the police so don’t get any silly ideas of watching the sunset from the rock and climbing back down in the dark! Isimila Stone Age Site. About 15 kilometres from town towards Mafinga, easily accessible by daladala (if you have a death wish) or taxi. This is one of the most interesting stone age sites in East Africa and is well worth a visit, there is a café at the site so don’t worry if you forget...more

Activities

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