Homestays in Mto wa Mbu

Orsolya Slovakia

Words cannot describe how grateful I am for finding this location along my journey. I BOOKED FOR 2 NIGHTS BUT ENDED UP STAYING ALMOST A MONTH. The hostel is located on the edge of Manyara national park, basically the entry to the wilderness (how lucky can one be?!)🫶🏻🍀💚. When I got out of hectic Arusha, I was desperately seeking for a green and chill stay, far from bustling or too touristy places. I was welcomed by the lovely staff, Diana, Neema and Dattomax J. The moment I met them I realized the experience will be personal. I told them I wish for a local experience and visit particular tribes in the surrounding. Not only that I was given a great price (compared to the unreasonable prices some hostels give in Arusha), Dattomax has arranged my tours the nights before. Absolutely last minute requests from my side but all was realized absolutely professional. Through the staff I had the opportunity to learn a huge scope of information about the culture, more specifically: family manners & values, politics, farming, cooking and music. Throughout my stay I had over plenty different activities covered: PRIVATE TRIBE VISITS (hadzabe, datoga, masaii), GREEN PROJECTS (visit to different contemporary and traditional painters, school visits), SAFARIS (arranged for next day incl. Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro), FOOD AND FABRIC MARKETS (later visited a local tailor which was also a beautiful experience), WATERFALLS & SECRET VIEWPOINTS. And let's just include activites as Coca moto (setting fire in the garden of Ava), night outs and all the deep talks. The food catered was breakfast included: always fresh fruits, vegetables, local bites and Diana's infamous sweet pancakes. 🥞 ❤️ (lunch and dinner was also possible).The beds were super comfy, all equipped bathrooms with HOT SHOWERS ALL TIMES!! Which is super rare for hostels in Africa. My eternal gratitude for everything.