It is bordered to the north by the Lindi Region, to the east by the Indian Ocean and to the south and west by the Mtwara District.

The district covers an area of 170 km2 (66 sq mi),[1] and has an average elevation of 106 m (348 ft) from sea level to 130 m (430 ft) on the first edge of the Makonde Plateau at the site of the new airport.The district is home to the following islands; Mongo Island and Mwanahawaja Island both in the Mnazi-bay Ruvuma Marine Park[2]: 1 [3][4] [needs update] The Mtwara Urban District is administratively its divided into 2 divisions - Mtwara Urban and Mikindani Division - and has 15 wards, 185 neighborhoods, 6 villages and 27 hamlets.

Mtwara division is primarily the city and is urban while Mikindani is a small historic colonial town.

[7]: 13–14 The current mayor is Shadida Ally Ndile, and cirrent city director is Emmanuel H.

[10] The entire district has cell coverage and access to landlines, postage, internet, and over the air media of radio and television.