Looks like I'll have an overnight in Mbeya at the end of this year's hunt. Any recommendations for a hotel, dinner, etc.? I've heard fairly good things about the Hill View and Utengule Coffee Lodge -- but welcome any ideas.

i give up- where( in what country) is Mbeya??

Southwestern Tanzania.

I did medical mission work in Mbeya. They have a market there that the vendors produce absolutely BEAUTIFUL grass bowls, vases, and anything else you can weave out of grass.
Get yourself there. What really, really neat, lightweight stuff you can bring as gifts.

There is the Mount Livingston Hotel as an option to look at.

Mount Livingstone is ok. Stayed a few times. Wasn't overly patronised whilst I have been there.

Friend found us a good coffe shop at the service station on the main intersection leading into town from east.

Cheers, Chris

Thanks for the tips from all. I'm sensing Mbeya is a bit of a backwater, but that's ok. I just need clean sheets, a mosquito net, a shower (hot water not required that time of year), a cold Kili, food that won't give me dysentary and I'm good.

bcolyer,

Thanks for the advice on the baskets. I'll check it out for sure.

lavaca, the Mount Livingstone will be fine. Best hotel I found between there and Tan Swiss at Mikumi.

Not sure about hot water not required, it can get mughty cool in summer in places, I am principally thinking Njombe, but Mbeya can be cool.

Cheers, Chris

This will be mid-October. I'm expecting hot.