The Southern Highlands of Tanzania

The Southern Highlands of Tanzania was our last #Africa14 overland adventure before crossing into Malawi. After leaving Kipepeo Beach Village on the South Coast of Dar Es Salaam we were back on the road for a two day journey to Malawi. The first day we traveled over 550 km, taking about 10-12 hours to get to our overnight stop at Kisolanza Farmhouse, near Iringa. Little did we know that our last stop in Tanzania would be so delightful.

Discovering Tanzania's Southern Highlands © Spaswinefood

Dar Es Salaam to Iringa, Southern Highlands of Tanzania
Dar Es Salaam is a very busy city with dense traffic; so we decided on a very early morning departure from the South Coast of Dar Es Salaam. After several hours on the road we stopped for a traditional Tanzanian breakfast at a road side restaurant.

Breakfast at Roadside Restaurant, Tanzania © Spaswinefood

Our lunch stop that day was at roadside stop. There was small herpetarium that housed a display of snakes.

Small Herpetarium enroute to Tanzania's Southern Highlands © Spaswinefood

This time, as with most of overland lunches, we helped to unloaded our overland truck and did the setup. While we did the setup our cook, Simon was busy preparing lunch.

Overland Truck at a Lunch Stop, Tanzania © Spaswinefood

Preparing Lunch, Tanzania © Spaswinefood

After lunch we continued our journey onto the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. As we journey into the highlands trees dotted the landscape, with mountains in the distance. We were continuing entertained by the ever changing views as we journeyed south.

Southern Highlands, Tanzania © Spaswinefood

Amazing Trees, Southern Highlands, Tanzania © Spaswinefood

Our drive to Iringa took us through the Mikumi National Park home to large herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and leopards. Mikumi National Park is Tanzania's third largest national park. We did not visit the park nor did we see wildlife that resides in Mikumi on our way through to the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.

After a very long drive we finally arrived, just before dark at the Kisolanza Farmhouse. The farmhouse is located 50 km. south of Iringa towards Mybeya, on the Cairo to Cape Tanzanian Highway. While at Kisolanza Farmhouse we stayed in the bungalows.  Late arrivals and early morning departures during the stopover did not make it appealing for us to put up a tent. There was also a light rain falling. The silver lining was that our last stop in Tanzania was a special treat. The Kisolanza Farmhouse was a touch of luxury at the end of a long day on the road.

Kisolanza Farmhouse Bungalow © Spaswinefood

After we settled into the cabin we went to the Mud Ruins Bar and Restaurant for dinner. The restaurant had great food and wines were also available for purchase.

Entrance to the Mud Ruins Restaurant, Kisolanza Farmhouse © Spaswinefood

That evening our overland group had dinner by candle light.

Dining at the Mud Ruins Restaurant © Spaswinefood

The restaurant offered a list of wines. We choose a bottle of Spanish wine from Solar Viejo, Rioja D.O.C., Cosecha 2012.

Solar Viejo, Rioja D.O.C., Cosecha 2012, Mud Ruins Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Others choose a South African wine African Passion, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2012.

African Passion, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2012,Mud Ruins Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Our first course was a cream of vegetable soup.

Soup, Mud Ruins Restaurant © Spaswinefood

The main course offerings included potatoes, vegetables, meat and a vegetarian meat loaf.

Vegetable Plates, Mud Ruins Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Dinner, Mud Ruins Restaurant © Spaswinefood

The two main course options included a meat dish and a vegetarian dish.

Meat Platter, Mud Ruins Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Veggie Loaf with Tomato Sauce, Mud Ruins Restaurant © Spaswinefood

For my vegetarian dinner I selected some tasty vegetables to go along with the veggie loaf.

Veggie Loaf , Tomato Sauce and Vegetables, Mud Ruins Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Dinner was very special treat after a very long day's drive. After dinner we checked to see what some of the other wine offerings were.

Wine Selection at Mud Ruins Bar © Spaswinefood

Wines, Mud Ruins Bar © Spaswinefood

The resort has a spa but unfortunately we did not have enough time to check it out. Spaswinefood was not surprised to discover that Old Farm House Kisolanza gets great reviews. For reviewers comments see Tripadvisor, TravBuddy and others.

Next morning early we were back on the road to Malawi. Our stay at the Old Farm House Kisolanza was the perfect ending to our overland journey through Tanzania. We invite you to join us in our travels in Africa and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

January 2014

Tanzania, Africa

© Spaswinefood

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Our Tanzanian overland travels included:
1. Serengeti and Ngorongoro
2. Mosquito Creek (Mto Wa Mbu)
3. Kilimanjaro to Dar Es Salaam and Beyond
4. Zanzibar 

(a) Dining out in Stone Town,

(b) Beach side dining on the North Coast, and

(c) Spa time.