I came to Tanzania to see animals, but I couldn’t miss an opportunity to meet the people that live side-by-side those elephants, lions and giraffes in this beautiful country. Mto wa Mbu AKA ‘Mosquito River’ was the perfect place to get a taste of Tanzanian culture.

Lying within the east African Valley, only 120km from rush City, Mto wa Mbu inhabits more than 18,000 thousands in which there are 120 tribes. Maasai being the original inhabitants of the area. It is among the most active Villages in northern Tanzania, and it ia perfect stop over for tourist on route to the Serengeti and Ngorngoro crater.

We started our visit with a tour of the local crops, learning about the ‘family’ areas of rice fields and banana fields. Bananas are the main export in the area and there are over thirty species of Banana in the village being introduced from various part of the country mainly Kagera and Mbeya region. We discovered the three types of bananas.

1. Eating Bananas
2. Cooking Bananas
3. Drinking Bananas

Yep, ‘drinking bananas’. Because although the people in Mto wa Mbu love your regular brew, banana beer is the drink of choice. We had the chance to taste this fruity bevy (along with the slightly classier banana wine).

We then headed on through narrow streets and backyards, admiring the handbills huts and local handicraft. The handmade wooden pieces and paintings were absolutely gorgeous and I could have easily filled my house with gorgeous colourful paintings of Maasai (I will probably have to buy a house first though).

We continued our stroll through the town, passing baboons and fruit trees, giggling children and smiling locals. Finally we reached the real tasting place of Mto wa Mbu Village. A small backyard had been turned into a mini outdoor restaurant where a group of local ladies had cooked up a Tanzanian storm. With many fine local dishes we enjoyed the true flavours of Tanzania, and I can assure you – This country is delectable.

If you are after a taste of Tanzanian Culture, do not miss a visit to Mto wa Mbu Village. This place is a boiling pot of cultures from every corner of the country and you will leave with a wonderful understanding of day to day Tanzanian life, the art of local production, and, of course, a full belly.