Overview
Mbozi Meteorite or “Kimondo cha Mbozi” in Swahili is World fourth largest, lies on the southwestern slope of Marengi Hill, in Songwe Region, 70 kilometers west of Mbeya, off the road to Tunduma is estimated weigh is about 25 metric tons and around 3m long and 1m tall, and its the most popular tourist attraction found in Songwe region.
Scientists are unsure when it hit the earth, but it is assumed to have been many thousands of years ago, since there are no traces of the crater that it must have made when it fell, nor any local legends regarding its origins.
Although the site was only discovered by outsiders in 1930, it had been known to locals for centuries, but not reported because of various associated taboos. Like most meteorites, the one at Mbozi is composed primarily of iron (90%), with about 8% nickel and traces of phosphorous and other elements. It was declared a protected monument by the government in 1967 and is now under the jurisdiction of the Department of Antiquities.
The meteorite’s dark colour is due to its high iron content, while its burnished look comes from the melting and other heating that occurred as the meteorite hurtled through the atmosphere towards earth.
A visit to the Meteorite Site is always fascinating especially if you are in a group and you travel using public transport as a means of getting a better taste of the countryside and face some adventures. This enables the group to also interact with the locals who are ever ready to share views with visitors.
Highlights
25 Metric Tons
World's fourth-largest intact meteorite on display in situ.
Protected Monument
National heritage site since 1967 under Department of Antiquities.
Songwe Region
70 km west of Mbeya on the road to Tunduma.
Geological Wonder
90% iron composition – a rare natural spectacle.
