A farm lodge & campsite between Iringa and Ruaha
Half an hour from Iringa, on the road to Ruaha National Park, the day slows down. Wake to birdsong over the grasslands and let the unhurried rhythm of the farm settle in.
Stay with us
Simple rooms, a wide sky, and nowhere you need to be
Our rooms are simple and clean: a good bed under a mosquito net, a table, a chair, and a door that opens onto the veranda and the fields beyond. Nothing more is needed. In the evening the sky does the rest — out here, far from any town lights, the stars come all the way down to the horizon.
Overlanders are welcome on the campsite with their own tent or rooftop tent, the vehicle parked right beside them.
Space
Ten hectares of farmland in the Iringa countryside, with the mountains on the horizon and room to breathe.
Village life
Mangalali is a real Tanzanian village. Walk, greet, cook together — and see daily life as it is.
Purpose
Every stay helps people with autism and intellectual disabilities build skills, confidence and a place in their community.
From the land
Vegetables from our own garden, eggs from the farm, and drinking water from our own source.
Ruaha & Iringa
Slow down before — or after — the wilderness
We are on the road between Iringa and Ruaha National Park — and for travellers coming back from the park, the last calm stop before Iringa. Our partner Nolasco, a guide from this region with more than twenty years of experience, takes you into Ruaha for one or more nights inside the park, park fees included in the quote. Your spare luggage waits safely with us.
Closer to home: half a day by motorbike to the Iringa hot springs at God’s Bridge, where the river disappears beneath the rocks. Or simply stay on the farm — the garden, the animals, picnic spots under the trees and long walks through the fields.
Guests
What stays with our guests
Stayed in the double room
"Hermien and I stayed for a few days at Marks Farm & Lodge. It was lovely. We went to Gods Bridge and enjoyed the calm on the farm."
Stayed in the double room
"Had a nice time at Marks Farm & Lodge!"
Stayed in the double room
"On our way to Ruaha we didn't want to stay in the hustle and bustle of Iringa. So we moved on and stayed for one night at Marks Farm & Lodge. We had a nice stay! A beautiful surrounding."
Stayed in the double room
"Mark's farm & lodge is located at Mangalali village on the way to Ruaha National Park, is a really nice place to be there. They have beautiful rooms with affordable prices, playing ground for the kids, farm area, amazing camping site and amazing picnic area. They are the best in customer services. I really love their ideas of helping people with disability and giving them a chance to learn and do other activities as other people. I really appreciate it, keep it up. I recommend this eco_ lodge to every visitor/tourist/local in Iringa region. Thank you"
Every person is born with talent
Our purpose
In the Iringa region, people with intellectual disabilities and autism are often invisible. Mark’s Farm exists to change that — not with charity, but with opportunity. More than forty participants have worked alongside our team: growing food, caring for the animals, welcoming guests, and building skills that give them standing in their own community.
The rhythm of the farm gives structure and calm. It is honest work, and it changes lives.
That same rhythm is yours to share. Sleep here, eat here, sit on the veranda and watch the evening come in — and you are part of it. Every guest helps fund the training, the daily work and the care.
You will find us in Mangalali, half an hour from Iringa.
The name
Named after Mark
Mark is a happy man. He likes to sing and works during the week on the care farm in the east of the Netherlands. He has classic autism and an estimated IQ of 33. Mark certainly has his limitations, but also has opportunities. In the Netherlands there is space for his opportunities, in Africa it should be more challenging.
About us
A working farm, a lodge, and a place to belong
With MARK’s Farm & Lodge we want to fulfil an exemplary role in Tanzanian society. We show that people with disabilities have options. Something that is not taken for granted.
At MARK’s Farm we offer daytime activities and guidance for our target group: people with autism and/or an intellectual disability.
As a guest you can stay at MARK’s Farm & Lodge. We have a few simple rooms and a campsite.
You can also come by for the day. We have a playground for children, a terrace, and various activities around the farmland.
