#1. Mbeya
The thriving town of Mbeya sprawls at about 1700m in the shadow of Loleza Peak (2656m), in a gap between the verdant Mbeya Range to the north and the Poroto Mountains to the southeast.
It was founded in 1927 as a supply centre for the gold rush at Lupa, to the north, but today owes its existence to its position on the Tazara railway line and the Tanzam Hwy, and its status as a major trade and transit junction between Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi.
The surrounding area is lush, mountainous and scenic. It’s also a major farming region for coffee, tea, bananas and cocoa. While central Mbeya is on the scruffy side (especially around the bus station), the cool climate, jacaranda trees and views of the hills compensate, and there are many nearby excursions.