CULTURAL TOURISM

In Tanzania, a land of superb landscapes and spectacular wildlife, another attraction stands equally tall the people. Tanzania’s people are among the most welcoming and approachable on earth, with a range of fascinating cultures ready to share with visitors to almost any part of the country. From the WaChagga of the slopes of Kilimanjaro to the now world-famous Maasai, a cultural excursion or a longer stay among local people is likely to become one of the most rewarding experiences of any holiday in Tanzania. In addition, many local areas run their own cultural programmes for visitors, bringing income directly to the community and giving the people the chance to show their lifestyle to the outside world on their own terms. Primary schools can be developed through a tour of the fascinating slopes of Mount Meru, a health clinic is improved through a guided tour of the luscious green Usumbara Mountains, or a kindergarten funded by a stroll through the tropical vegetation of the Rift Valley. 

            Cultural tourism programmes are beneficial to everyone – the tourist get a unique, un forgettable experience, the local people generate income and improve their standard of living, and both parties gain a valuable understanding of another culture which will last long after they visitors have returned home. Most cultural tourism programmes are located near the main thoroughfares of the principal tourist destinations, making a cultural addition to a safari easily arranged. Guides are local people born and raised in the area, well trained in their jobs and proficient in English.

Some of Tanzania’s best-known cultural tourism destinations include:

            Kilimanjaro – why not combine a hike up the world’s most impressive mountain with a visit to its people, the historically progressive WaChagga? See traditional and modern Chagga art, culture and homes.

            Maasailand – see how the Maasai, among the last of the world’s pastoral peoples, are adapting to the 21^st century – in their own way and in their own time. Visit Engaruka, the lost city in the shadow of the Great Rift Wall, where Maasai mix irrigation farming and traditional herding. 

            Meru-Only minutes in any direction from bustling Arusha are spots that look and feel as they did decades ago. But everywhere, too is transition as the Waarusha and Wameru peoples adapt tradition to progress and science. Visitors can meet a traditional healer, learn about animal husbandry and agriculture, or buy carvings and foodstuffs from local handicraft co-operatives or women’s businesses.

             The Usambaras – Africa’s Switzerland, a hiker’s paradise, with dozens of varied treks from half a day to a week. The stunning mountainous district of Lushoto was home to one of Tanzania’s great historical kingdoms.

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Longido

Half to two day tours, where you visit traditional Maasai Kraals, bird watch, modern cattle market every Wednesday and climb Mt. Longido (2,690ft.) with vast vistas up to 200km of Northern Tanzania´s mountains, plains and the Great Rift Valley. These are the major attractions.

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Mamba/Marangu

Half and full day tours on the slopes of the Kilimanjaro, waterfalls, the first coffee tree of Tanzania, “the bolt-hole” caves used during the Maasai wars of yore, traditional and modern chagga art, culture and homes. Visit to a blacksmith to see his ancient craft and buy the famous chagga and wooden dinning ware.

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Pangani

The Pangani coast has a rich history of early exploration, trades which include slavery, hunting and ivory, religions, colonization, war and independence. The original slave prison was built by forced labour in 1895 to 1898 and is indeed a must. There you will experience the rich coastal culture.

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Mulala

A number of short tours, which includes women´s businesses (cheese making, baking, farming, retailing), biogas energy, local landmarks with spectacular views of both Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

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Ngiresi

Half day tour to traditional farmhouses, see traditional and mechanical agriculture and husbandry, biogas energy, visits to traditional healer, beautiful views of the countryside and Mt. Meru.

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Mto wa Mbu

Join the hustle and bustle where the action on the main street is non stop and score of ethnic groups (more than 120) follow their traditional occupations and customs. The half day tour focuses on agriculture and other development projects, traditional homes and customs. Lake Manyara National Park is the town´s next door neighbour.

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Engaruka

Half to two day tours, where people flourished before 1700, then vanished, leaving behind advanced stone built irrigation/canal system, seeing traditional and modern farming, viewing beautiful panoramas a top Great Rift Wall, Oldonyo Lengai, is the Maasai´s Mountain of God and is Tanzania´s only active volcano. There is a cattle market on every Thursday.

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Ilkidingá

Full day tour to see the traditional Waarusha round houses, introduction to life in the extended Family, visit traditional healer, craftsmen group carving stools, making jewellery, knives and traditional clothing. You also get to see the lovely views of the Maasia steppe and Mt. Meru.

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Mkuru

Camel and camping safari from a few hours to a two to four days. You will visit the camel camp at the foot of Mt. Meru, bird watching in the plains around Mkuru, climb up the Ol Doinyo Landaree, a pyramid shaped mountain.

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Lake Eyasi

The largest soda lake in Tanzania, with diverse cultures settled around the area. Explore the real bushmen, the hadzabe and the datoga tribe.

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