 Iringa
is the capital and administrative centre of Iringa region
in the Southern Highlands. It is 1,635 metres (5,365 feet)
above sea level, being perched on a plateau overlooking the
Little Ruaha River and the Tanzam highway, the main road linking
the biggest town in Tanzania,
Dar-es-Salaam
and Zambia. Iringa is the third largest town in Southern Tanzania,
after Morogoro and Mbeya, with a population of about 113,000.
The name Iringa is derived from the Hehe word lilinga, meaning
fort.
Iringa is an interesting, attractive town,
with a colourful and lively market, where locally produced
baskets and rugs can be purchased. The area around Iringa
is fertile and is an important agricultural region. The well
stocked fruit and vegetable market reflects this with a wide
range of well presented produce. The MR
Hotel is located right in the centre of the town,
next to the coach station, central mosque and markets.
The climate is agreeable, given the altitude.
In fact it can be quite cool in the evenings, especially in
June, July and August. Guests are advised to pack a pullover,
cardigan or sweatshirt.
The Germans, who were the colonial power
up to the end of the 1st World War realised the strategic
importance of the town and as a result there are a few old
colonial buildings.
The main ethnic group is the Hehe tribe,
so-called because of their battle cry, he-he. The Hehe, under
the leadership of Chief Mkwawa, put up stiff resistance to
the Germans in the late 19th century. The Germans suffered
a humiliating defeat when in August 1891 the Hehe, armed only
with spears and a few rifles, ambushed a German battalion.
Mkwawa built a fortress at Kalenga, about 13km (8 miles) from
Iringa, on the dirt road to Ruaha
National Park. The fortress was attacked and
taken by the Germans in October 1894. Chief Mkwawa escaped
and successfully engaged the German forces in guerrilla warfare
for a number of years. In July 1898 Mkwawa committed suicide,
rather than be captured by the Germans. Mkwawa’s skull
was sent to Germany, but was returned in 1955 and can be viewed,
alongside other artefacts, at the small museum at Kalenga.
Mkwawa regularly visited the Gangilonga Rock
(‘talking stone’ in Hehe) in Iringa to meditate
and meet with senior Hehe tribesmen. Today the rock provides
excellent views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
Iringa is an ideal place to spend 2 or 3
days, especially if you want to experience the real Tanzania.
There is also the opportunity to stay with a Tanzanian family
at the De de Guest
House. A number of visits close by can be undertaken
from Iringa, including the Isimila
Stone Age site, Tosamaganga
and Kalenga. Further afield, we can arrange a day’s
visit to the Mufindi tea plantation.
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