Iringa in May

Views of Iringa town

I love the end of the rainy season with the lush landscape giving a burst of green color to the area. During peak rainy season it's difficult to move about with either the threat of rain or big pools of water rendering areas impassable. But towards the end of the rainy season there is a bit of a sweet spot. 

We had an interesting week where we moved around the region. It was cool to see the difference in the landscapes from the town to slightly drier areas in the north and slightly wetter areas in the south. We even got to see a storm in the distance which leads to one of my favorite landscapes in Tanzania; the soft light bringing out the hues of the greens. 

Random landscape in Idodi Rural 

Our favorite pool

Landscape close to Ruaha National Park

Locally made bicycle

 

There is a lot of innovation here in Tanzania and I was super impressed by this homemade bicycle. At first glance it looks like an average bicycle but on closer look it's difficult to tell if the bike has any original parts or if it's truly a composite of parts. I asked the owner and he said he welded the frame and had the original crankshaft and gears. He said the fork and the handlebars are actually different parts and then he made a custom rack for carrying goods. I respected his single speed gears and for sure his innovation and resourcefulness, although the bicycle is a little heavy, he'll probably get another 20 years out of this thing!