1. Overview & Location

Mbulu District is one of six districts in the Manyara Region of Tanzania. It is bordered by Arusha Region and Lake Eyasi to the north, Babati Rural District to the east, Hanang District to the south, and Singida Region to the west.

The district headquarters is in Mbulu town (also known as Imboru). It sits at an elevation of about 1,800–1,900 meters above sea level, giving it a cool highland climate.

2. Population & Demographics

As of the 2022 census, Mbulu District had a population of around 238,000 people.

The main ethnic group is the Iraqw, a Cushitic-speaking community.

Other groups include the Wahatzabeti (in Yaeda Chini) and the Datooga in certain rural wards.

3. Area & Climate

The district covers approximately 2,950–3,800 square kilometers, depending on boundary definitions.

The terrain includes highlands, valleys, and plateaus.

Climate: temperate highland with dry winters and bimodal rainfall (short rains in Nov–Dec, long rains from March–May).

Rainfall ranges from less than 400 mm in some areas to over 1,200 mm in wetter zones.

Temperatures average between 15–24 °C.

4. Administration & Governance

Mbulu District is divided into two constituencies: Mbulu Mjini (urban) and Mbulu Vijijini (rural). These are further subdivided into wards and villages.

Some of the wards include: Ayamaami, Ayamohe, Bargish, Bashay, Daudi, Dongobesh, Endamilay, Haydom, Imboru, Kainam, Maghang, Marang, Masqaroda, Murray, Tlawi, Tumati, Yaeda Ampa, and Yaeda Chini.

The District Council is led by a Chairman and an Executive Director, working alongside ward governments and village committees.

5. Services & Infrastructure

Health

Two hospitals: one government-run in Mbulu Town and Haydom Hospital run by the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Several health centres, dispensaries, and mobile clinics support rural healthcare.

Education

Over 120 primary schools with thousands of pupils.

Around two dozen secondary schools, most community-based, plus a few faith-based.

Water & Sanitation

Roughly half of households have access to clean water.

Infrastructure includes boreholes, shallow wells, piped schemes, rainwater tanks, and improved springs.

Transport

The district has no national highways; most roads are feeder or regional roads, many in poor condition during the rainy season.

Agriculture & Economy

Agriculture employs the majority of the population.

Key crops include maize, beans, millet, wheat, potatoes, sweet potatoes, groundnuts, and coffee.

Livestock rearing is also significant.

Agro-processing industries are minimal, with most produce sold raw.

6. Natural & Tourism Features

Parts of Lake Manyara National Park fall within the district.

Scenic highlands, mountains, and plateaus make the area attractive.

Hot springs and archaeological sites also add to its tourism potential.