Singida Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, local culture, and practical tips for your trip to Singida, Tanzania. Plan your next adventure with our comprehensive Singida travel guide.


Introduction to Singida

Located in the heart of Tanzania, Singida is a hidden gem with fascinating landscapes, rich culture, and warm locals. Spanning across a vast area of 49,341 km², Singida is known for its rolling hills, open plains, and stunning scenery. With a population of around 1.4 million people, it is a melting pot of different cultures, including Sukuma, Chaga, and Nyaturu. In this detailed travel guide, we’ll take you through the best of Singida and help you plan an exciting and unforgettable trip.

List of Places to Visit in Singida

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Singida’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted and can be experienced through the numerous museums and historical sites scattered throughout the region. Some of the top cultural attractions include:

  • Mandubi Falls: A stunning waterfall renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance. According to local folklore, the Sukuma tribe used to perform rituals near the falls, and it’s believed to be a sacred place.

  • Mugumu Hill: This historical site is home to ancient rock art believed to date back to the Stone Age. It’s also an excellent spot for panoramic views of the surrounding hills and plains.

  • Shambala Cave: Located in the Kiziguro Village, the Shambala cave is adorned with rock art and sculptures, depicting the spiritual beliefs and practices of the local inhabitants.

Natural Attractions of Singida: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Singida offers exciting opportunities for outdoor adventures and breathtaking views. Here are some of the top natural attractions to add to your itinerary.

  • Lake Kindai: This peaceful lake is ideal for bird watching, picnics, and swimming. It’s tucked away in a secluded forest reserve, and the clear water offers a refreshing break from the heat.

  • Ikungi Game Reserve: If you love wildlife, visit Ikungi Game Reserve for a chance to spot lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and more. The reserve is also rich in birdlife and is an excellent spot for game drives.

  • Kolo Rock Paintings: This site is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features rock paintings and engravings said to be over 2,000 years old. The art depicts different aspects of daily life and spiritual beliefs of the ancestors of the Sandawe people, who still reside in the area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Singida

Singida’s rolling hills, dramatic landscapes, and rural countryside make it an excellent destination for hiking and biking. Some of the popular trails include:

  • Mt. Kwaraa Hike: This challenging hike will take you to the top of Mt. Kwaraa, offering magnificent views of the surrounding hills and plains. It’s an excellent spot for sunrise and sunset, and you can hire a local guide to lead the way.

  • Bike Tour to Manyara: Take a biking tour through the vast plains of Manyara, an area known for its traditional villages and scenic countryside. You’ll enjoy fresh air, stunning views, and the chance to immerse yourself in local culture.

  • Lake Eyasi Hike: This hike is ideal for birdwatchers, as you’ll see hundreds of bird species along the way. The trail leads to Lake Eyasi, where you’ll witness stunning sunsets over the water.

Best Things to Do in Singida: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the top things to do in Singida, ranging from adventurous to cultural experiences.

  • Hot Air Balloon Safari: Enjoy an unforgettable hot air balloon safari over the vast plains of Singida. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the incredible landscapes and wildlife.

  • Rock Art Exploration: Embark on a thrilling rock art exploration of the Kolo Rock Paintings. You’ll learn about the culture and spirituality of the Sandawe people, who still preserve their ancient art forms.

  • Sukuma Dancing and Music: Singida is renowned for its vibrant music and dance culture. You can explore it by attending a traditional Sukuma dance performance, complete with drumming and song.

Week-Long Itinerary for Singida

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Singida, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Mandubi Falls and hike up to the top of the hills for a panoramic view of the area.
Day 2 Take a hot air balloon safari over the vast plains of Singida.
Day 3 Explore the Ikungi Game Reserve and watch for wildlife, birds, and stunning natural landscapes.
Day 4 Embark on a rock art exploration of the Kolo Rock Paintings and learn about the culture and spirituality of the local Sandawe people.
Day 5 Take a bike tour to Manyara and explore rural villages, meet the locals and learn about their traditions.
Day 6 Visit the Shambala Cave, where you’ll see rock art and sculptures depicting the local’s spiritual beliefs and practices
Day 7 Relax by Lake Kindai, go for a swim, a picnic, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before departing.

Food and Drink Scene of Singida

Expect to find delicious traditional Tanzanian cuisine in Singida, with a local touch. Below are some must-try dishes and beverages to try during your stay.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kitimoto: A popular Tanzanian local dish made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and plantains. It’s typically served with rice and is a favorite among locals.

  • Wali wa Nazi: This coconut-flavored rice dish is an excellent accompaniment for most Tanzanian dishes.

  • Mshikaki: Grilled beef kebab that’s seasoned with a blend of spices for a flavorful taste.

Local Beverages

  • Coconut milk: This is a local drink in Singida, typically made from fresh coconuts. It’s refreshing and sweet, making it an ideal drink for a hot day.

  • Mbege: A traditional Tanzanian beer made from bananas and sorghum. It’s a refreshing drink with a slightly tangy taste.

  • Tangawizi: A ginger-based drink that’s deliciously spicy and refreshing.

Where to Stay in Singida: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are various accommodation options in Singida, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury lodges. Here are some top recommendations:

  • Singida Lutheran Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel that’s centrally located and features spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.

  • Nangwa Hotel: A mid-range hotel that offers comfortable and clean rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.

  • Hapimag Resort: A luxury resort that’s perfect for families and couples looking for a tranquil and relaxing vacation.

What to Buy in Singida: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to take home some souvenirs from Singida, here are some recommended items:

  • Kanga: This is a beautiful and colorful cotton cloth that’s popular in Tanzania. It’s versatile and can be used as a wrap, a scarf, a tablecloth, and more.

  • Beaded Jewelry: Beaded jewelry is a popular craft in Singida, and you’ll find beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more.

  • Carvings: Singida is renowned for its woodcarvings, and you’ll find intricate designs of animals, people, and traditional tools.

Local Culture and Customs of Singida

Singida is a melting pot of cultures, with different tribes coexisting harmoniously. It’s important to respect the customs and traditions of the locals, including how they dress, their religious practices, and their values. Singida is predominantly Muslim, and it’s advised to dress modestly when visiting religious sites, covering your legs, and shoulders.

Best Time to Visit Singida

The best time to visit Singida is during the dry season, between June and October. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, and there are fewer mosquitoes, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Between November and April, Singida experiences heavy rainfall, which may limit some activities and make it difficult to traverse the terrain.

Do’s and Don’ts of Singida

Do:

  • Respect the Local Customs: As mentioned earlier, respect the culture and traditions of the locals.

  • Carry Cash: Few places accept credit cards, and it’s essential to have cash on hand, especially in rural areas.

  • Dress Modestly: If you’re visiting religious sites, dress modestly with your shoulders and legs covered.

Don’t:

  • Drink Tap Water: Tap water in Tanzania isn’t safe to drink, and you should only consume bottled water.

  • Touch Wild Animals: During game drives, it’s essential to remember that wild animals are dangerous and capable of attacking. Do not try to touch or feed them.

  • Be Littering: Tanzania’s government has been encouraging people to keep their country clean, and littering is viewed as a severe offense.

Safety and Health

Safety in Singida

Singida is a relatively safe place to visit, but it’s still essential to take precautions, such as:

  • Avoid Walking Alone at Night: While Singida is generally safe, avoid walking alone at night, especially in rural areas.

  • Take Registered Taxis: When traveling long distances, take registered taxis or buses, and avoid hitchhiking.

  • Avoid Large Crowds: Terrorism is rare but possible, so avoid large gatherings, demonstrations, and tourist hotspots.

Health in Singida

Before visiting Singida, make sure to get the necessary vaccinations, including yellow fever, polio, and hepatitis A and B. Tanzania also has a high prevalence of malaria, so it’s essential to take prophylaxis medication, sleep under a mosquito net, and use insect repellent.

Getting to Singida: Transportation Options and Logistics

The easiest way to reach Singida is by air or road. There are no direct international flights to Singida, so most visitors arrive via Kilimanjaro International airport, which offers regular domestic flights. From there, you can either take a bus or hire a car to get to Singida.

Airports Near Singida

The closest airport to Singida is Singida Airport, which offers scheduled flights to Dar es Salaam and other domestic destinations.

Bus Stations Near Singida

Singida Bus Stand is the main bus station in Singida, and it offers several routes to Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha, and other destinations. There are also buses and shuttles from other cities that stop at Singida on their way to different locations.

Other Options

If you’re up for an adventure, you can take a train or a ferry to reach Singida. However, these options are not commonly used by tourists, and they may not be the most convenient or practical.

How to Get Around in Singida

Public transport in Singida is limited, so it’s essential to have a private vehicle or hire a taxi or driver. Buses and minibusses are available for short distances, but they may not be reliable or frequent. For hiking or biking, you can rent equipment or hire a guide to lead the way.

Where to Go Next from Singida: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Singida is a gateway to many other exciting destinations in Tanzania, such as:

  • Tarangire National Park: One of the popular national parks in Tanzania, renowned for its large concentration of elephants and other wildlife.

  • Lake Manyara National Park: A stunning park with diverse landscapes, including forests, waterfalls, and the famous flamingo-filled Lake Manyara.

  • Serengeti National Park: The most famous national park in Tanzania and perhaps the world, the Serengeti is known for its annual wildebeest migration, lions, and other big cats.

  • Ngorongoro Crater: A vast and breathtaking natural wonder, the Ngorongoro Crater is a massive caldera that’s home to thousands of animals and birds - a not to be missed sight.

Conclusion

With its stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and exciting attractions, Singida offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, Singida has something for everyone. Use this guide to plan your trip and explore the hidden gems of Central Tanzania.

Distance from Singida Town to other cities in Tanzania. Distance from Singida Town to other cities in Tanzania. Main street in Singida town Main street in Singida town Lake Singida Lake Singida