Happy TravellerWelcome to Songea, the capital of Ruvuma Region in southwestern Tanzania. This vibrant city is located along the A19 road and has a population of approximately 203,309. It is also the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Songea. But Songea is more than just a city, it is a place with a rich history and a bright future.
== History ==
Songea was named after a great Ngoni warrior who was hanged in 1906 during the time of German repression of the Maji Maji rebellion. Songea had been spared the death sentence because he had surrendered, but he demanded to be hanged along with the other Ngoni leaders. The Germans complied. After the Second World War, the area was marked for rapid agricultural development linked to the ultimately disastrous groundnut scheme. During the liberation war with Mozambique, the Songea area was a restricted zone and occasionally suffered aerial attacks by Portuguese forces. Its remoteness made it vulnerable to ivory poaching, and communications remained unreliable until 1985 when a new British-funded road was opened linking it northwards to the road and rail hub of Makambako. Songea became a municipality in 2006.
== Education ==
Songea is home to many educational institutions, including Matogoro Teachers Colleges, Peramiho School of Nursing, Kigonsera High School, Songea Boys Secondary School, Songea Girls Secondary School, Peramiho Girls School, and The St. Augustine University.
== Administration ==
Songea is coextensive with Songea Urban District and is divided into wards. It is managed by the Songea Municipal Council.
== Tourism ==
Songea is a city that is poised to experience significant economic growth in the near future as the Mtwara Corridor opens up in a few years. Projected to be the sixth fastest-growing city on the African continent between 2020 and 2025, with a 5.74% growth, Songea is a city on the rise. But it is also a city with much to offer tourists. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history by visiting the Maji Maji Memorial Museum, which commemorates the Maji Maji Rebellion. The museum features exhibits on the history of the rebellion and the people who fought in it. Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Africa. The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos. For those interested in culture, a visit to the Peramiho Mission is a must. The mission was founded in 1896 and is one of the oldest in Tanzania. Visitors can learn about the history of the mission and its impact on the local community.
Whether you are interested in history, culture, or wildlife, Songea has something for everyone. So why not plan your trip today and discover all that this vibrant city has to offer?
