tanzania cultural tourism

Cultural Tourism

Tanzania’s people are among the most welcoming and approachable on earth with diverse and unique cultures ready to be shared with visitors. It is a rewarding experience to leave your 4X4 vehicle behind and walk through scenic local resident villages with greatest Cultural landscapes in Africa. On the lash tropical slopes of Mt Meru, and Mt Kilimanjaro Waarusha, Wameru or Wachagga guides will proudly describe their carefully cultivated ‘ shambas ’ with coffee, bananas, fruits, vegetables and dairy cow farming while the World famous Maasai will share with you their age-old pastoralist heritage. Spend part of your time to meet friendly faces of Africa and learn about their ways of life

“Cultural Tourism is beneficial to everyone…. the tourists get unforgettable and unique experience while the local people generate income that improves their standard of living….”

Various local communities run their own cultural programmes and welcomes visitors to their homes, bringing income directly to local community while giving local people an opportunity to showcase their way of life to the outside world. This creates mutual understanding and friendships between tourists and local people, offering tourists from all over the world the possibility to experience Tanzania’s cultural diversity and providing local people in various rural areas the opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods

With local guides born and raised in the area, you can discover how many steps it takes to grow, pick, dry, roast, pound and brew fresh aromatic coffee. Participate in the process personally before enjoying the taste and taking home a very personal pocket of Tanzanian coffee! In the pastoral areas of the North and Lake Zone, follow the Sukuma, Iraqw, Barbaiq, and Maasai tracks to explore almost unforgotten traditions and a way of life that is closely linked to nature and wildlife.

Follow the famous drumbeats and let the Ndali and Matengo dancers of Southern Tanzania interpret the music and performances they inherited from their ancestors. Taste the local cuisine, with all the culinary variations of Ugali, Mlenda,Machalari, Makande, Matoke, tasty Pilau, Nyamachoma, and sample some of the finest local wines and beers. Spend your precious time with local Mamas and learn how to cook a wide range of African cuisines and making authentic handcrafts

Cultural tours can be half day excursions or customized to longer stays for a couple of days among local people in their home villages and towns. Depending on how much time you have and interest, you can choose to embark on boat ride down a river or raw on one of the many lakes while listening to hair-raising legendary tales. Paddle between mangroves. And sail with the fishermen to pristine sandy islands of Indian Ocean, Lake Nyasa and Lake Victoria. Meet the “Hadza” hunter-gather remaining communities in Lake Eyasi and Yaeda valleys or spend part of your holiday with friendly inhabitants of Tanzania’s “ Switzerland ” while hiking through the Usambara Mountains. Admire ancient irrigation systems- or today’s craftsmanship. Listen to a traditional healer’s diagnostic methods and obtain the correct remedial prescriptions

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The 13 best places to visit in Tanzania

Nov 22, 2023 • 9 min read

On the glorious beaches of Zanzibar in Tanzania, it’s fine if want to do nothing at all but chill © Matej Kastelic / Shutterstock

From witnessing wildebeests and zebras gallop across Serengeti National Park as part of the Great Migration to trekking volcanoes or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the best attractions in Tanzania are big, bold and beautiful.

It doesn't matter if you're camping and bird-watching or spotting the Big Five on safari, the best places to visit in Tanzania are extraordinary. While visitors are sure to encounter the famous Big Five on any safari, they should also keep their eyes peeled for rare or endangered species like the African wild dog, green sea turtle, Egyptian vulture and various antelope.

Outside of its extraordinary (OK, compulsory) natural attractions, Tanzania boasts cities and towns filled with history, architecture and superb cuisine. Populating every corner of the country are Tanzanian citizens, too including some 120 ethnic groups like the Hadza in the north , the Iraqw of the Great Rift Valley, the Pimbwe of western Tanzania, and the Maasai in the Serengeti. While they all have their own tongues, the Kiswahili language unifies these groups as Tanzanians.

With all that in mind, these are the best places to visit in Tanzania.

1. Serengeti National Park

The Maasai people who have lived here for thousands of years call  this park Siringet, which means “endless plains” in the Maa language. And indeed, anyone who visits Serengeti will see flat, verdant land studded with acacia trees extending dozens of miles into the distance. These plains host an intricate ecosystem offering some of the best variety of fauna and flora in Africa, including 450 species of bird and 35 types of mammal.

Each year between May to September, over two million wildebeest, antelope and zebra make their way from the Ndutu region in south of the park to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This thrilling spectacle is the largest terrestrial migration on the planet. 

2. Dar-es-Salaam

Dar (as its colloquially known) is Tanzania’s economic hub. Everything begins here, which means you’ll probably pass through for a night or two during your visit to the country. Dar’s energy is light but quick, and everyone is always on the move. Your first stop should be the colossal and bustling  Kariakoo Market , where you can get a bargain on absolutely anything you might need. As most visits involve walking the equivalent of several city blocks, a piece of freshly cut sugarcane might quench your thirst. At dawn, make your way to  Kivukoni fish market to watch anglers trade their day’s catch.

Come the hot afternoon, beaches just a short drive from the mainland beckon. Two uninhabited islands just off the coast,  Mbudya and Bongoyo  have lively beaches that are popular with the local residents. After dark, Dar’s nightlife is a great way to get into the rhythm of Tanzania. Try Samaki Samaki on Haile Selassie St or Karambezi Cafe on Toure Dr. 

While most only spend a short time in  Arusha  before setting out on the northern safari circuit, don’t be so quick to dismiss scruffy but appealing A-town. The Maasai Market is a lovely place to while away a few hours and get some cool and original gifts to take home. Known as the “Geneva of Africa,” the town has a pleasant climate and lush environment that make it a nice place to walk, perhaps on a coffee tour or a hike to the Chemka Hot Springs. A less crowded alternative to Kilamanjaro, often-overlooked Mt Meru towers over the town and offers breathtaking vistas from the summit, with far fewer people along the way.

Surrounded by the spectacular Usambara Mountains in the northeast , Lushoto is a small town with a regal history. This area was once the royal kingdom of the Wasambaa people, originally founded by King Mbega. Their roots are still strong here, with the descendants of the dynasty offering mountain hikes and visits to the plunging Kisasa waterfalls, plus community tours and stops in royal villages. 

A few hours from Lushoto, Jiwe la Mungu (also known as God’s Stone) offers fabulous views of the lush valleys that seem to fold into each other as if hiding secrets. There are no direct flights to the town, but buses and flights pass through Tanga, where you can find a taxi or private transfer onward. 

5. Tarangire National Park

Three hours drive from Arusha town is  Tarangire National Park . The south of the conservation area is home to a large population of elephants who make their way inland to Lake Manyara and Tarangire, both of which are in Ngorongoro’s rain shadow. This pattern illustrates an interesting element of Tanzania’s natural profile: the land has natural corridors that allow elephants and other animals to move undisturbed from park to park. 

Another notable attraction in the park are its massive baobab trees, which could be hundreds if not thousands of years old. Leopards, baboons and other mammals make great use of the branches of these iconic, majestic trees. 

6. Nyerere National Park (previously Selous National Park)

Set out from Dar-es-Salaam for the 5-hour drive to Nyerere National Park , Africa’s largest reserve. (The road is smooth until the last bumpy stretch; a 4WD vehicle is a must.) Within its almost 31,000 sq km (11,970 sq miles) roam huge herds of animals: the Big Five, but also certain antelope you rarely find in other parks on the continent. Look out for roan antelope, brindled gnu, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest and sable. 

Nyerere also has the world’s biggest concentration of the endangered African wild dogs, whose frenetic pace while hunting make for a thrilling game drive. Avid twitchers can also spend hours spotting birds among the trees and wilderness.  With its lush landscapes and the picturesque Rufiji River coursing into oxbow lakes, the park is a photographer’s dream. Note that most visitors choose to take a one-hour charter flight to the various airstrips in the park – another opportunity for standout photographs.

7. Lake Manyara National Park

Only 650 sq km (251 sq miles),  Lake Manyara National Park nonetheless makes a mark. It is in this park that among the buffalo, hippo, cheetah and giraffe you’ll come across an odd sight: tree-climbing lions. Avid bird-watchers can spot some 400 species, including the forest hornbill and pelican. On the highly alkaline Lake Natron, thousands of lesser flamingos sift through the pink waters for food. 

8. Zanzibar

The numerous beaches in the Zanzibar Archipelago are simply some of the most gorgeous in the world. Most travelers choose to lie out at  Nungwi Beach in the north of Unguja (also known as Zanzibar Island ). If crowds are not your thing, try Muyuni for dolphin spotting, Jambiani for kite surfing and parasailing, Paje for swimming, and Matemwe for diving or snorkeling. 

North of Unguja,  Pemba Island  is a land of thick forests and crystal-clear waters. While the weather can be iffy, Misali and Vumawimbi Beaches offer unique diving and snorkeling opportunities. 

9. Gombe Stream National Park

Just shy of the shores of Lake Tanganyika is  Gombe Stream National Park , made famous by Jane Goodall’s behavioral research of the resident chimpanzees. Conducted over four decades, her studies are thought to be the longest ever done on any one wild-animal population. Within the small (22 sq km/13.5 sq mile) confines of Gombe’s grasslands, woodlands and thick rainforest, you can spot red colobus, blue monkey, olive baboon and red-tailed monkeys in addition to chimps.

10. Stone Town

For over a thousand years, Stone Town (or Zanzibar Town) was a thriving entrepôt, drawing merchants from as far as Persia, China and Europe who traded guns, textiles, minerals and spices. Today, this history can be felt in atmospherically narrow cobbled streets filled with Arab-style buildings, while numerous mosques and the Islamic dress of locals testify to the influence of Islam on the island.

Zanzibar was also once a major slave trading center, with a large and infamously brutal market in Stone Town . It closed in 1873, but before that, the trade of enslaved men and women here was perhaps one of the most robust in the world.

The intricate cuisine fuses African, Indian, Arabic and French elements. One of the top things to do in Tanzania , the nightly market at Forodhani Gardens is one of the best places to try local foods. Each dish is enhanced with spices that are grown in the area to this day – and which once made Stone Town the world’s largest spice market. To get the best of your visit to Stone Town, hire a guide to walk you through the history, layer by layer. 

11. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Next door to the Serengeti National Park is the UNESCO-designated Ngorongoro Conservation Area , a true natural treasure thanks to its natural importance and beauty. Millions of years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions created a mammoth crater that is now home to the highest concentration of mammals in the world. (The ensuing ash created the Serengeti plains.) In a single Land Rover ride across the crater, it’s not uncommon to witness up to 30,000 animals of multiple species. Lions, hyenas, cape buffalo and big tuskers thrive in the swampy areas.

12. Mafia Island

Mafia Island is a region north of Zanzibar that’s not officially recognized as part of the territory – which is probably why so many people miss it. Because of the low tourism numbers, travelers who do visit call it Tanzania’s best-kept secret, maybe even more magical than Zanzibar: more powdery white sands, bluer skies, and more intriguing water. It’s also home to the biggest fish in the world: the whale shark, which you might see lumbering through the waters off Utende, Juani, Kitoni or Bweni Beaches. At Ndagoni Beach, you can also catch sight of hippos lazing about.

13. Lake Tanganyika

On the country’s western frontier, Lake Tanganyika is the largest freshwater lake and the second-deepest lake in the world, supporting a vast local fishing industry across Tanzania and into Zambia, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Aboard a dhow, expect a truly dreamy ride across its waters, as the sun sets over the horizon and the calm breezes carry you along. In the lakeside town of Kigoma, you can visit the fish market or get out for a day of scuba diving; we recommend checking into  Lake Tanganyika Hotel , right on the shore. And if you want to be surrounded by the vast lake, Lupita Island boasts luxury accommodations plus excursions to go snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, swimming or fishing.

This article was first published Jun 28, 2022 and updated Nov 22, 2023.

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Cultural Tourism in Tanzania

Cultural Tourism in Tanzania ( Tanzania cultural tours)  includes safaris into the country by travelers who are interested in the cultural heritage and history of the different tribes in Tanzania. Tanzania is a home of more than 120 ethnic groups, finds itself having the crucial potentiality of organizing and conducting cultural tourism. Due to its peaceful, humble, harmonious and self-esteemed people, it’s easier to collaborate with local residents to form different cultural tourism enterprises (cultural tourism programs) without conflict among people.

Tanzania is blessed by having many tourist attractions that make it be among the best countries in the world which receive many tourists. It also makes Tanzania the best place in the world to conduct tourism activities . Some of these are game drives/game viewing , beach tourism, agro-tourism birding safaris , and many others.

Above all is that the local communities are the ones which gain more from cultural tourism because the livelihood is improved in many ways in terms of community infrastructure, employment, health facilities and much more.

Evolution of Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism in Tanzania started in 1994 as the request from youth Maasai who wanted to operate tourism activities in their village. The idea was fantastic since it aimed to start the program from scratch, hence beneficiaries are people from the community around.

Cultural Tourism Programs

In Tanzania, we have more than 40 Cultural Tourism Programmes which generally have almost the same objectives such as ensuring gender empowerment, to eliminate poverty and bring a sense of ownership of tourism to the local people.

These cultural tourism programmes support community at large because in areas where these programmes take place there is some improvement of local people livelihood either individually or in a collective manner, by getting income via tourism activities taking place in the particular community. Cultural tourism enterprises that operate in different circuits of tourism in Tanzania are Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Tourism Enterprise, Chilunga Cultural Tourism Programme, Bujora Cultural Tourism, Uyole Cultural Tourism Programme and Matunda Cultural Tourism Programme.

Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tourism Programme

Mto Wa Mbu cultural tourism started in 1996 under the great support from Dutch people who provided financial and technical support. They ran the programme for about five years later on they left the programme to local people who were local guides in the enterprise and to date the programme is having more than forty(40)  local guides.

Mto Wa Mbu is the village located in Monduli district that found at Arusha city, takes about 3 hours to reach the village by public buses and only two hours when using private cars. Mto Wa Mbu is closest to Lake Manyara National Park and the main road to Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro conservation area. Also, the village has well-designed trails for bike tours and cultural walks.

   Activities and tours offered 

• Hiking tours 

It is offered at Balaa hill which is the top of the rift valley escarpment where tourist will experience both flora and fauna that cover the escarpment. The most famous is the baobab tree that has more than 2000 years.

• Maasai boma tours

The tour takes 3-4 hours where visitors will learn more about Maasai culture including their age, set organization, taboos, what they prefer to eat and how they interact with other tribes. Tourists will also meet with tribesmen and families in the different bomas to have a meal with Maasai people .

• Village walking tour

Tourists have a chance to walk around the village to see various attractions present within the village where daily activities of residents of Mto Wa Mbu do including business. Mostly the tour is half day tour of 2-4 hours where the lifestyle of more than 120 ethnic groups will be elaborated. There will also be a good time for visitors to taste a recipe of locally made banana beer and industrially processed banana wine.

These tours involve visiting banana plantations whereby visitors will have a chance to learn more about 30 varieties of banana from how to grow until how to harvest with only simple procedures that farmers do manually with no machines. Also, visitors will visit rice plantations where irrigation system plays a big role in ensuring that there is no season of rice in the village where farmers grow rice twice per year.

• Biking Tour to Lake Manyara

It takes 2-5 hours to do this tour where visitors will have a chance to see one of the lakes that are found at the left valley. You will see some species of birds like varieties of storks, kingfishers, flamingos and so much more. The will be different mammals will be on a close range, including hippos, wild beast, buffalo and so many other animals in the Serengeti .

• Lunch at Mama’s 

Take your 1-2 hours to visit and support women who have been empowered by the C.T.P (Cultural Tourism Programmes) where it will be the best moment to taste purely prepared African dishes that represent more than 120 cultural cuisines.

• Miwaleni waterfall tour

This is a biking tour which takes 3-5 hours, to reach Miwaleni where visitors will have a chance to see a variety of flora which is abundantly distributed. Also, there will be a good time for visitors to experience good climatic condition and swim beneath the falls.

Chilunga cultural tourism 

This is the cultural tourism found in Morogoro (a region that is 195km from Dar es Salaam city). The enterprise offers different tours and activities that make visitors experience the culture of indigenous people found at mount Uluguru which are Walugulu and Wakagulu.  

Tours and activities offered

• Morning side tour

Visitors will get a chance to visit old German settlement built in 1911 at 1500m of mount Uluguru. Also, the place is good for a view point where the Morogoro region will be overseen on top. On the way back there will be a good time to see different vegetations.

• Bird watching.

Being ecological hotspot, Uluguru mountain comprises different species of birds that can be seen at large from the elevation of 450 to 2000m above sea level. Some species are endemic where visitors will have a new experience like bird watching safaris .

• Lupanga tour

Will be a good chance to reach at the peak of mount Uluguru while climbing to the top visitors will see varieties of plants and animals found at Lupanga peak. Also, a lot of insects and monkeys of different species will be part of things that make tour unforgettable.

• Madola tour

It is a very unique tour where visitors will meet a traditional healer who treats people using special medicinal plants by traditional ways of healing

Bujora cultural tourism

This is the cultural tourism program located in Mwanza City. The cultural program is aiming at letting people learn Sukuma culture which is one of the biggest tribes in Tanzania. It offers different tours to visitors where visitors will visit different cultural attractions like Bujora church, Sukuma royal pavilion, Sukuma traditional homestead, Sukuma archives, and medicine’s man.

Impacts of tourism to local communities

Local communities have benefited a lot from cultural tours organized in their areas. There are two ways that local people benefit from cultural tours that take place within the community, these ways referred to as benefit sharing mechanism by which contribution can either benefit one individually or collectively.

• Directly (individual) benefit sharing mechanisms

In this mechanism, community member(s) get benefits from cultural tours by selling their stuff to tourists and thus they generate their daily income directly. Examples of people who generate benefits directly are people who do business in curio shops, women who cook food for tourists, Makonde wood carvings-based people, painters, street vendors, and local market dealers.

Also, people who benefit directly from cultural tourism program by being hired as local guides because, in the guideline for establishing and operating cultural tourism enterprises, people who are recommended as a guide are those with knowledge about the community hence the beneficiaries are local people who know the better geography and history of the place.

On the other hand, side, local people get to benefit directly by serving accommodation services to visitors who may have booked over-night tours to experience the real life of Tanzanian, especially those who live in rural areas. These are some direct benefits sharing mechanism.

• Indirectly (collectively) benefit sharing mechanisms

These include all benefits that the communities gain in a collective manner that means all the benefits gained at large and every member of the community gains regardless of either talent, knowledge of doing something in the community, as far as they are community members enjoy the significance of tourism activities in their community.

Supporting health centers, improving infrastructures in the community, aiding orphanage centers, building some school infrastructures and volunteering in different community projects, are some of collective benefits communities gain from tourism activities.

Community participation and involvement in operating cultural tourism programs

In operating cultural tours, there must be community involvement in each and every stage of planning, running and organizing. Therefore without consulting indigenous people in the community high resistance from the community will be expected. When the community is well involved it will be easy for the enterprise to operate and finally, local people will cooperate actively by allowing tourists to take some pictures even to allow their properties like cattle and farms to be used as attractions.

Also, involvement can be by making preparedness to the community via community capacity building where local people will be taught how to do things that can be served to tourists so that community members can sustain their life via tourism. Teaching a foreign language also will build the capacity for the community to receive and serve visitors in their community.

Therefore, cultural tourism is of most important to Tanzania as it raises the community lifestyle especially the Maasai culture and the Mto Wa Mbu program.

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Top Tanzania Cultural Attractions to visit

Top Tanzania Cultural Attractions to visit  : Despite being the best safari destination in Africa , particularly for wildlife safaris in the renowned Serengeti National Park , where the great wildebeest migration takes place; the Ngorongoro Crater, where the African Big Five live; and the best hiking safari in Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is also one of the best cultural safari destinations in Africa , with a diversified culture that can be seen in more than 120 tribes that live there and a history that dates back centuries. One of the local attractions listed below can be visited as part of a day excursion for cultural tourism in Tanzania.

• NORTHERN TANZANIA

ILKIDING: You will witness the Waarusha culture, the oldest irrigation system in Africa, the Maasai Boma, and traditional meals. You will also enter the home of the indigenous healer, who will respond to your inquiries about the past. You can view little wooden stools, jewelry, knives, and traditional attire from the craftsmen group.

ILKUROT: It is situated along Nairobi Road, 20 km west of the city of Arusha. You will enjoy Ngorora Hill trekking here. Then, you will visit a Maasai Boma to learn about Maasai culture in general, see a Maasai dancing troupe, and explore a Maasai market.

LONGIDO: You may learn about and even practice the Maasai way of life at Namanga in Longido, which is close to the Kenyan border. There, you can also ride a camel and tame animals. You should never miss an opportunity to observe animals and birds when visiting Longido.

SAPUK: On a cultural trip to Sapuk, you will see a spectacular waterfall, a lovely forest catchment, and a perspective of the city of Arusha from a holly tree. The more time you spend on the tour, the more you will enjoy it and learn.

ENGARUKA: One of Tanzania’s most significant historic sites is located on the road leading to Oldonyo Lengai and Lake Natron, 63 km north of Mto wa Mbu . An agricultural community of several thousand people created a brilliant irrigation and cultivation system around 500 years ago. For unknown reasons, the farmers departed Engaruka around 1700. Unanswered questions include who lived in Engaruka, how they came to develop such an inventive farming system, and with whom they eventually parted ways ca be answered during your visit to this place.

BUSHMEN: The two well-known and renowned indigenous Bushmen tribes of Tanzania are the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes . They reside in the forest close to Lake Eyasi. They hunt animals, harvest fruits, and live in caves or forests much like early humans did. You can view them if you travel here for cultural tourism. The area is being explored on foot through natural terrain. The tour lasts two to three nights, and there are five campgrounds that can accommodate travelers.

MTO WA MBU: is located near the Lake Manyara National Park. The only place in Africa where four languages—the Nilotic, Cushites, Bantu, and Hamites—come together is in Mto Wa Mbu, a region of Tanzania with the most diversity in anthropology. There will be a Maasai boma visit, dancing, market shopping, school visits, and community projects,Top Tanzania Cultural Attractions to visit

Visiting a Maasai village to receive a true sense of the most intricate cultural experience in Africa is a gift you won’t be able to forget for the rest of your life. View Lake Manyara National Park while hiking along the rift valley wall.

MONDULI JUU : Located 50 kilometers to the northwest of Arusha, on the route to Lake Manyara, the Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area . You will go hiking and trekking in the Monduli Mountains and see Maasai women making jewelry and other handicrafts.

NORTH PARES: Half-day and full-day hikes across the moors and forests are available, but multi-day itineraries can also be planned. Some of the highlights include clan forests and moorlands, ancient sites of ceremony and magic, irrigation and drainage systems, traditional healers and potters, historical sites and relics, breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, plains, and regions such as South Pares, Usambara, and Mkomazi National Park .

MARANGU / MAMBA : Mountain climbers are recommended to pay a visit to the late Yohano Lauwo’s house and memorial, a Marangu native who joined Dr. Hans Meyer on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in 1889.

A traditional Chagga home with a straw roof can be visited in order to gain more knowledge about the Chagga way of life. You can go to the Chief Mangi neighborhood, where the Northern region’s first court and elementary school are still in operation. You will be able to drive by the locations of former clan warfare where the Chagga sheltered from Maasai soldiers in huge caves.

KISANGARA: It is situated 62 kilometers to the southeast of Moshi under Mount Kilimanjaro’s shadow. The Plains Pare Tours Visit the natives’ economic and cultural enterprises over the course of half or an entire day, including a carpentry shop, a brick factory, a sisal plantation, a local brewery, the Lembeni Herbal Hospital, and forest hiking in the Kindoroko Mountains.

• EASTERN TANZANIA

SAADANI VILLAGE: Cultural tourism is a significant attraction in Saadani Village, which is located within the park. You will learn about Saadani’s past in this conversation. Additionally, you will get a chance to sample today’s fresh catch from the Indian Ocean.

WEST USAMBARA: It is in Tanzania’s northeast, between Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean. Visit breathtaking vantage points on a mountain, stroll through deep forests and along swift-moving rivers, and stop by construction sites, a traditional pottery town, and a profusion of gorgeous butterflies.

GEZAULOLE: Gezaulole is south of Dar es Salaam, on the seashore, a 30-minute drive from the Kigamboni ferry dock. You will get a taste of village life and take pleasure in the calm beaches, bird viewing, and local crafts, Top Tanzania Cultural Attractions to visit

PANGANI: Pangani is located in Tanzania’s far northeast on the Indian Ocean coast, about 50 kilometers south of Tanga. Visit a former slave labor camp and slave market, tour the sizable coconut plantations, and go fishing with local fishermen while on the Pangani town trip.

The conclusion: There is no other destination in Africa to visit other than Tanzania if you’re searching for the ultimate cultural safari experience . Tanzania is the ideal place for cultural tours. For your once-in-a-lifetime cultural safari tour of Tanzania, you can choose what you want and email it to Focus East Africa Tours. From there, we’ll provide you with the itinerary and a quote for the package’s cost.

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Tanzania Culture & Languages

The complexity that lies behind the languages and cultures in Tanzania is impressive. The official language is Swahili; with English used in conjunction. There are said to be 121 indigenous languages and 8 non-indigenous established languages in Tanzania. 44 languages are believed to be endangered whilst 2 have already been lost. Discover more about the complexity of Tanzania’s culture and languages and more in the following sections.

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TANZANIA'S LANGUAGES

When Tanzania gained independence in 1961, one of its foundational principles was that there should never be one dominant ethnic group. Consequently, the language Swahili or Kiswahili (the local term) is used successfully as a tool to unite the 129 ethnic groups. Today, Tanzania is still one of the only sub-Saharan countries to use an indigenous language throughout its early education system.

The historical trade between the Arabs and the Bantu tribes along the East African coast led to the formation of Swahili, which predominantly is the merger of several Bantu languages and Arabic. Interestingly, it was originally written in Arabic, and subsequently, the Islamic religion spread along the coast as it was learnt and adopted by coastal people. Later, the alphabet was changed to Latin while the Germans were in East Africa.

Language use in daily life

Swahili is Tanzania’s official language, and English is used alongside it. Most people speak two languages – their own tribal language and Swahili. Many Tanzanians speak English as their third language. So, when travelling to Tanzania, you can expect to hear Swahili and English spoken throughout your journey. By preparing yourself with some basic Swahili words, Tanzanians will love to interact with you.

Tanzania Greetings

Greetings are an important part of Tanzanian culture, and asking how someone and their family are is important. If you shake hands, it may last longer than you expect. This is a normal gesture in Tanzania.

Tanzanians treat the elderly with the greatest respect. To greet an elderly person, you could consider saying, ‘shikamoo’, to which the response will be ‘marahaba’.

Tanzania Religions

Christianity, with approximately 63% of the population, is the most practiced religion in Tanzania. 34% are practising Muslims with only 1.2% following traditional religions and remaining 1.8% are non-believers.

Tanzania Dress

If you are wondering how to dress in Tanzania you will discover that many Tanzanians have a conservative style. Traditionally women only wear long skirts with knees and shoulders covered. In places like Zanzibar, there is a strict dress code where you should cover knees, shoulders and arms in public places. At the coast you will discover the use of the colourful kikoi (a sarong for men) and kanga (a sarong for women).

CULTURAL GROUPS IN TANZANIA

Out of the plethora of tribal groups in Tanzania, one of the most iconic is the Maasai of northern Tanzania. Despite using mobile phones and other perks of modern life, the Maasai have held firmly onto their traditions. As the seasons changed the nomadic pastoralists, the Maasai, would traditionally move their cattle great distances in search of new grazing.

Once established in a new area, they would construct a manyatta – several small huts (made from dung and soil) surrounded by a protective ring of thorn-tree branches to keep predators, like lions, away from their cattle. This practice allowed the grazed land that they left behind to rest and regenerate.

Cattle, believed to be sent down from heaven for safekeeping by their god Enkai, are a central part of their way of life and economy. Cattle provide them with all their basic needs, but more profound than that, the Maasai see them as a status of wealth. The greater the number of cattle, the greater the wealth.

Their language, the Maa, is spoken by 800,000 Maasai.  It is said to be derived from the Eastern Nilotic language, and can be heard from Tanzania to northern Kenya.

Life of the Maasai today

Unfortunately, the Maasai way of life is under threat. Competition for land forces the Maasai to stay in one spot, leading to overgrazing and land degradation, damaging wildlife habitat. However, hope for their way of life is being demonstrated at the Enonkishu Conservancy, where several Maasai herds have been combined, and grazing is planned to mimic large migratory herds of wildebeest. Consequently, grasslands are recovering to benefit both the Maasai and the wildlife.

The Hadzabe

The Hadzabe or Hadza are a tiny tribe of hunter-gatherers based around Lake Eyasi, 75 kilometres south of Ngorongoro Crater. Descendants of the original hunter-gatherers’, their way of life has existed for hundreds of years.

They live in small groups of twenty with no hierarchy and share everything equally. They hunt with bow and arrow and forage for berries, tubers and honey from aggressive African bees. For shelter, they build small grass domes, and they only move camp in search of better hunting grounds if a conflict occurs or if there is an illness or death in the group.

Their language, known as Hadzabe, is integral to their culture. Despite only a small population of Hadzabe remaining, their language is not regarded as at risk.  When the Hadzabe talk, it sounds like chatter, clicks and pops. Interestingly, they use a series of stories to pass down their long history to the next generation.

Today, their population hovers around 1200 people; however, according to statistics, only 400 live traditional, hunter-gatherer lives. Diminishing habitats to hunt in, impact from tourism and pastoralists seeking out new grazing areas are impacting their way of life. As a result, they move to cities and nearby villages. That is why witnessing their culture while it is still alive is so important.

These are just two of the many different cultural groups in Tanzania.

NATIONAL CUISINE

Curious about the food and drink in Tanzania? When you travel to Tanzania you will not be disappointed. You will discover a large breadth of cuisines that use some of the best produce on the planet.

Traditional Tanzania cuisine

Carbohydrates are a fundamental part of traditional dishes in Tanzania. Ugali , water and maize meal, is cooked and stirred slowly to form a consistency a little like mashed potatoes. Traditionally a daily meal, you break Ugali into small balls by hand; then you form an indent with your thumb and use it to scoop up Sukuma-wiki (delicious wilted collard greens and spices such as cumin and coriander) and nyama choma (nyama/meat cooked over an open fire).

Tanzanians eat Ugali or rice along with a variety of stew-like dishes, such as Mkuzi wa Samaki (samaki/fish stew) or Mkuzi wa kuku (kuku/chicken stew). Both are made with a mix of vegetables, spices and coconut milk. Mchemsho , is a boiled dish with a mixture of meat and vegetables (the Swahili verb to boil is: kuchemsha), which creates a simple, but delicious dish.

Two other carbohydrates used regularly in Tanzanian cooking include rice, often cooked in coconut milk to produce Wali wa nazi , and plantain, cooked a number of different ways and is generally referred to as Ndizi .

Look out for delicious deep-fried Mandazi . This is a very popular snack, you make it from wheat flour, eggs, fresh milk, sugar, and bicarbonate soda.

Fusion food

Thanks to the large population of Indians and due to the long and rich history of Arabs in East Africa you can find an amazing fusion of spices, cultures and great products. Seek out dishes like Kuku Paka a coconut-based-curry. Or Mchuzi Biringani , deep-fried egg-plant mixed with other vegetables – a simple yet delicious dish. If travelling to Zanzibar try a murtabak or Zanzibar pizza. It is a type of flat bread with spiced-meat, vegetables and cheese on top.

The food in Tanzania will not disappoint. It is home to delicious tropical fruit and produce. Thanks to 129 ethnic groups, the diversity in the way Tanzanians prepare food creates some very delicious meals.

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Cultural Tours in Tanzania

Cultural tours in Tanzania take you to discover the countries diverse heritage. There are 120 tribes in Tanzania and because of that, Tanzania’s culture is just as varied as the wildlife in the country. The fact that these tribes have learnt to live in harmony (at least when you compare with what is happening in some of the neighboring countries) is an achievement that is often understated. Each of the 120 tribes have their own traditional dances, music, rituals, social practices, art and traditional religious beliefs.

Cultural tours in Tanzania offer amazing opportunities to meet some of Africa’s most interesting indigenous tribes and historical sites. The cultural tours are often an additional activity to standard game drives, other wildlife experiences and experiencing the beautiful beaches of the Indian ocean. A remarkable development was the partnership between the government of Tanzania and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) to develop special villages where some of the local tribal groups can offer an authentic cultural experience. Visiting these villages provides tourists with opportunities to observe and experience how the local people live life in a rural setting. At the end of the day, the proceeds are used to develop the villages while also offering jobs to peasants. The village developments are in form of building schools, water holes, health centers and reforestation. We will now begin discussing the popular cultural attractions in Tanzania but before that, you might want to read about the major tourist attractions in Tanzania .

Cultural Attractions in Tanzania

The main activities while at the site include climbing the Balala Hill, visiting the local farms, going for a village walk and checking out the local development projects. For those who love art or wish to buy souvenir, this is one place you cannot afford to miss. By the end of your visit, you would have encountered the Chagga people, the Sandawe, the Rangi and the Mbugwe among others.

On a typical visit to one of the homesteads in the rural areas, you can take part in tending the garden, taking the cows for water/pasture, fetching water in the swamps and cooking their traditional dishes. Ugali is the staple food of the Sukuma and can be consumed with vegetables or chicken/beef on special occasions. Fermented milk and locally made beer is also a popular drink among the Sukuma.

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Tanzania Cultural Tourism Guide

• Post author By admin
• Post date January 12, 2017
• No Comments on Tanzania Cultural Tourism Guide

The Tanzania Tourist board has just published the 6th Edition of the Tanzania Cultural Tourism Guide.

This booklet will give you an insight into the daily lives of the 120 Tanzanian tribes; highlighting their diverse and rich cultural heritage. Through the Cultural Tourism Programme, visitors will get the opportunity to encounter authentic culture and get to experience the real daily lives of the Tanzanians.

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Tanzania cultural tourism | Be Part of The Experience

Experience the charm of the friendly Tanzanian people first-hand. There are several cultural heritage sites scattered throughout the country where you can spend from ½ day to a week with one of the 120 distinct ethnic groups making up the population. At the sites you will encounter natural beauty, including: rain forests, big waterfalls, magnificent views, lots of wild life, and, of course, the charming Tanzanians themselves! Your cultural tour will directly support the villages’ desire to become more self-sufficient, preserve their indigenous culture, and aid environmental conservation efforts.

Cultural Tourism Program Sites include :

Babati and Hanang, Engaruka, Ilkiding’a, Gezaulole, Kisangara, Longido, Machame, Mamba and Marangu, Mbeya, Mkuru, Mto wa Mbu, Mulala, Ng’Iresi, Northern Pare Mts,. Pangani, Southern Pare Mts., Western Usambara .

Tanzania cultural tourism

Babati & hanang.

Babati district is located along the Arusha-Dodoma road in the Rift Valley, South of Lake Manyara Park and West of Tarangire. In both Babati and the nearby Hanang distric. The people follow their tribal culture and traditions closely and visitors can mix freely with them to observe their lifestyle. The area has a rich birdlife with over 400 species.

The highlights of a tour to the area are:

– An exclusive Mount Hanang Climb

– A fishing adventure with local canoes on Lake Babati while viewing hippos

– A chance to participate in local beer brewing

– A visit to development projects like cattle and goat dairy farming, piped water project, bio-gas energy project

– Cycling expedition through remote areas

The tours are available for half day, full day, and two/three/four days:

Longido – Arusha Region

The tour to the extensive plains around Longido Mountains, 80 km north of Arusha, features an insight into the traditions of Maasai culture. The lush area is home to rare birds and mammals

The tour includes:

– A nature trail to spot birds

– A climb to the impressive Longido Mountain through a dense natural forest

– Walking safari through the Maasai plains an over the slopes of Longido mountain

– A visit to a traditional Maasai Village – A tour of historical sites dating back to British colonial times

Moshi-Materuni Cultural Tourism

‘A village nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro waiting you to explore’

Materuni is one of the few villages of wonder in Northern Tanzania sitting at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The village is blessed with full of all the beauty worth much visiting for holiday, week-end outing or vacation. While in the village, scenic view of Moshi Town and Mount Kilimanjaro is astonishing. This green village with fresh air from green vegetations welcomes visitors to explore the beauty of the land and cultural heritage of the Chagga people.

The following tours are on offered;

– Mnambe waterfall tour

– Local Market Tour

– Local brew

– Chagga traditional Dance

– Coffee & banana farm tour

– Volunteering opportunity

Arusha-Ng’iresi

Ng’iresi is situated 7 km out of Arusha, on the slopes of Mt. Meru. It is inhabited by farmers of the Waarusha tribe.

The villages of Ng’iresia and Olgilai have the following on offer for visitors:

– A guided tour to farms on the lush slopes of Mt. Meru

– A visit to several development projects in the village

-soil conservation, irrigation, crossbreeding, bio-gas

– A climb to Kivesi Hill, an old volcano with a natural forest on the top

– A glimpse of the Wa-arusha culture

– A walk to Songoto and Navuru waterfalls

– A delicious lunch and dinner prepared by the Juhudi Women’s Group Different tours have been organized.

Oldonyo Sambu

Oldonyo Sambu is located 36 km north-west of Arusha on the highway to Nairobi. The centre of operations is Oldonyo Sambu Market (also known as Maiko Market)

The programme includes the following:

– Short hikes up the hills to view the beautiful Maasai land and to get a glimpse of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, Longido and Kitumbeine

– Visits to traditional Maasai bomas, markets and watering dams

– Visit to a traditional healer and the centre of Maasai women specializing in making ornaments

– Horse, camel and donkey rides across Maasai country

Monduli Juu

Monduli Juu, situated 50 kms northwest of Arusha, is a cluster of four small villages – Emairete, Enguiki, Eluwai and Mfereji.

The following is on offer to visitors:

– A picturesque journey through the evergreen rain forest

– A medicinal tour of plants and herbs, which includes a visit to a traditional Maasai herbs doctor

– A visit to Naramatu

– a small factory where Maasai women make ethnic jewellery

– A chance to have a ‘nyama choma’ or roast meat meal with the Maasai.

– Panoramic view of the Rift Valley, Oldonyo Lengai and Lake Natron

– An insight into the culture of the Maasai and Waarusha

For more information about cultural tourism programs please contact us.

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Tanzania Cultural Tourism

TANZANIA CULTURAL TOURISM

Tanzania Cultural Tourism : Welcome Tanzania home of more than 120 tribes each practices their own culture, Tanzania people are most welcoming and approachable on the earth, their unique culture and ways of life at all it’s a rewarding experience to create a remarkable mark to visitors thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism. Walking around local people’s in Tanzania you will be able to interact with the natives of the area to share their culture like participating in local dances, testing local food, buying and enjoying some of their commodities and other more. Here are popular cultural tourism destinations you should never miss when you’re on Tanzania tours .

• Arusha region ( 19 cultural tourism programmes)
• Kilimanjaro region( 9 cultural tourism programmes)
• Dodoma region (1 cultural tourism programmes)
• Manyara region (2 cultural tourism programmes)
• Lindi region (1 cultural tourism programmes)
• Mara region (5 cultural tourism programmes)
• Mbeya region (2 cultural tourism programmes)
• Morogoro region ( 1 cultural tourism programmes)
• Tanga region ( 3 cultural tourism programmes)

DODOMA REGION CULTURAL TOURISM PROGRAMME

Kondoa Irangi Cultural Tourism

It is also called the “land of Kolo Rock Paints”. A world-class historical heritage site, this ancient rock art dates back an astonishing time span of millions of years ago. Their quantity and quality are brilliant. During the visit, guests will be able to experience the traditions and customs of the local community around the area. The following are the things to do when you’re at Kondoa Irangi Cultural Tourism.

• Kolo rock and other ancient rock sites
• Walking tour of Kolo Village
• Kondoa town tour
• Cycling tour
• Touring while staying Ø Semi-Bushmen tour of Sandawe  Traditional honey harvesting:
• Visiting medical personnel
• Tour of traditional healing, Sambwa hill trekking tour.

MOROGORO REGION CULTURAL TOURISM PROGRAMS

Chilunga Cultural Tourism.

This is the only cultural tour found in the Morogoro region. It is located in Morogoro, 195 west of Dar es Salaam. Outstanding beautiful mountains such as Uluguru, natural forest and endemic bird species can be seen when you’re in the Morogoro region. The following are things to do when you’re at Chilunga Cultural Tourism.

• Morning side tour
• Madola tour
• Traditional Nugutu tour
• Kinole village tour
• Lupanga tour
• Bunduki tour
• Lukwangulu Plateau tour.
• Maasai village tour
• Kibwe waterfalls
• Kigurunyembe tour

CULTURAL TOURISM LINDI REGION

Kilwa Cultural Tour

It is one of the exciting cultural tourism destinations in Tanzania , known and famous for its remarkable history. Kilwa kisiwani and Songo mnara ruins are UNESCO‘s World Heritage Sites and were once the East Africa trading city port linking Mwanamutupa kingdom, Zimbabwe with the Middle East, Persia, Indonesia, and China. All of these can be witnessed at Kilwa today thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism. The following are activities offered during a visit to Kilwa Cultural Tour.

• Kilwa historical tour.
• Traditional fishing experiences
• Hippo pool tour
• Enjoying the cool breeze of the Indian Ocean when walking around the ruins of former settlements
• Bird watching and canoeing safari
• Mangroves forest tour
• Beaches experience
• Tour of a Salt Farm

TANGA REGION CULTURAL TOURISM

Usambara Cultural Tourism.

Is well known for its cool climate, magnificent viewing points, and fertile slopes. The area is full of historical buildings because it was mostly favored by Germany and the English due to its pleasant climate during periods of colonialism. It is located in the northern-eastern part of Tanzania.

Usambara Cultural Tourism offers different activities to visitors.

These include

• A visit to panoramic view points from the mountainside
• A visit to several development projects in the district. soil conservation, irrigation, cross-breeding, afforestation, and health care
• A climb to Kwa Mongo, the mountain home to beautiful butterflies,
• Walks through dense forest, natural forest and along small rivers that race downhill
• Aglimpse of the history and daily life of the Wasambara farmers v A visit to a traditional pottery village

Cultural Tourism on the Pangani Coast

The town has a long history. It’s also called the “Home of Swahili Culture.” It has Arabic, Germany, Asia, and British Colonial rule influence. Here you will enjoy a coastline with amazing clean beaches where endangered green turtles breed, historical sites, coral reefs, an old port and a great density of tropical marine dwellers. Pangani offers the following activities:

• The historical town tour involves visiting historical buildings in Pangani Town, the Slave Market, Old Ports and Slave Routes.
• River cruising on the Pangani
• A boat trip to Maziwe Marine Park Island to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, and watch dolphins.
• On the Swahili Village tour, get an insight into the Swahili culture and participate in different activities with local community members.

Lutindi Cultural and Eco Tourism  

Lutindi is home to the Mental Hospital, which was the first In the East Africa region, discover the Usambara, Lutindi, and other old missionary sites that offer a real African cultural experience. Within Lutindi, various activities can be done by visiting guests.

• Tea farm tours
• A guiding tour through the hospital v An Insight into Wasambara Culture:
• Hiking to Masusu view points
• Walking in a natural forest
• An eco-tourism experience
• Birds, butterflies, and herbal tours

MBEYA REGION CULTURAL TOURISM

Rungwe Cultural Tourism.

It’s one of the loveliest areas of the country, so it’s not a place to miss when you’re in Tanzania. Volcanic mountains have crater lakes, green hills, and lash valleys with hurling rivers. Rungwe offers the following

• Hiking to Mount Rungwe, Tanzania’s most active and highest volcanic mountain.
• Climbing to Ngozi Crater Lake through dense bamboo forest and tropical vegetation
• Excursion to the Bridge of God (Daraja la Mungu), a thrilling and wonderful millionyear-old rock formation of a natural bridge crossing the river.
• A trip to Lake Nyasa involves relaxing on the shore of the third largest lake in Tanzania.
• Walking to Rungwe Tea Tours

Mbeya Cultural Tourism:

It’s a landscape it is characterized by a relief form created by the volcanic effects of the African rift Valley. It lies about 872 km southwest of Dar es Salaam. It includes various activities, such as

• A visit to the Ngozi Crater Lake
• A view into the traditional culture of the people of Mbeya
• Hiking over various mountain peaks in the areas overlooking the East African Rift Valley
• Visit to the Mbozi Meteorite Stone and the Natural Bridge at Kiwira

CULTURAL TOURISM IN THE MARA REGION

Serengeti Cultural Tourism:

It is located 45km west of the Ikoma gate of Serengeti National Park . Visitors get exposed to the Kurya community so as to witness and experience their culture and ways of life. The area around is occupied with wild animals, and another part is a section of the Serengeti wildebeest migration route, so at the proper time of visit, you will be able to witness wildebeest migrating. What to do when you’re at Serengeti Cultural Tourism

• Wakurya Bomas Visit v Mugumu town tour:
• A visit to the Serengeti Cultural Centre
• Camping at Serengeti Cultural Centre
• Traditional dancing of your choice from the seven most famous tribal dances in the world
• Visit a traditional healer to learn how people have been treated since memorial times.
• Visit community development projects, local schools, and health centres found in the area. See how people are struggling to overcome their biggest human enemies: Poverty, Illiteracy, and Disease
• Farm tour: see how people practice different forms of agriculture
• A stay with the Wakurya family to enjoy traditional food and their unique lifestyle.

Ikoma Cultural Tourism.

Ikoma Cultural Tourism exposes visitors to the Ikoma community to enjoy the lifestyle of the people there. Ikoma Cultural Tourism is located on the western side of Serengeti National Park. Within Ikoma Cultural Tourism, visitors will be able to enjoy the following tourism activities:

• Waikoma Bomas Tour
• Visit to the Ikoma Cultural Centre
• The traditional dance of the Ikoma tribe
• Stay with the Waikoma family to enjoy traditional food and explore their lifestyle.
• Participate in traditional events and ceremonies.
• Visit community development projects, local schools, and health centres found in the areas. See how people are struggling to overcome the big human enemy of disease.
• On a farm tour, whereby you will see people practicing different forms of agriculture, Butiama Museum and Cultural Tours

Butiama is the birthplace and burial location of the “Father of the Nation”, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the founding president of Tanzania who began his political career in the early 1950s, led Tanzanians to independence in 1961, and remained in politics until his voluntary retirement in 1985. It’s located on the north-western side of Serengeti National Park. Butiama Museum and cultural tour offers the following cultural tourism activities:

• Trekking up the Chamuriyo hill, you’ll visit German soldiers’ hiding caves, graveyards and get a panoramic view of Lake Victoria, the Serengeti plains and surrounding human settlements.
• A visit to the Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere museum
• Visit community development projects, local schools, and health centers found in the area.
• Cotton Farm Tour: Discover how cotton farming is done.
• A home stay with the Wazanaki family to enjoy traditional food and their unique lifestyle.
• It’s a great way to learn about the culture of the people.

Robanda Cultural Tourism

It’s known as the home of the Ikoma tribe. It was established with the vision of improving the livelihood of the Robanda village community and enhancing Western Serengeti environmental conservation through tourism. Robanda Cultural Tours offers the following cultural activities to visitors:

• A guided village walk
• A village biking tour
• A trek to Ragana hill is rich in Ikoma people’s pre-colonial history.
• A trekking tour to Gesigeta hill, used by soldiers in pre-historic times as a view point
• A visit to the Ikoma tribe’s oldest traditional fort
• A visit to the caves used as hides during the First World War,
• A visit to Ikoma fort, used in colonial times by the Germans,
• An opportunity to learn about Waikoma relics, stories, old tools, and weapons.
• Listen to hair-raising stories about their culture.
• Get an entertainment of Waikoma’s most popular traditional dance. You will learn how to dance and be part of the dancing team.

Mara Art Centre and Cultural Tourism

It is located near the Serengeti Ikoma gate on the western side of the park. It’s the home of the Waikizu tribe, on which visitors will be exposed to these people so as to experience their lifestyle. It’s also a beautiful landscape with hills, mountains, and valleys filled with water where canoeing can perfectly bring you closer to aquatic creatures thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism. The following are the cultural tourism activities offered when you visit Mara Art Center and Cultural Tourism.

• A visit to King Homestead/Royal Tour
• A visit to the Ikizu caves
• A visit to the Mara Art and Handcraft making group
• Traditional Wazanaki dancing of your choice
• Visit a traditional healer famous for treating various diseases, especially infertility. v Visit an ancestor’s foot print discovered in the middle of a large rock.
• Visit the “O” Mong’we worshiping tree and learn how locals used to conduct their worship.
• Trek up Chamiriho hill to see German soldiers’ hiding caves and graveyards, as well as a panoramic view of Lake Victoria, the Serengeti plains, and surrounding human settlements.
• Safaris on canoes in two of the area’s dams
• Sport fishing is available in either of the two dams.
• Visit community development projects, local schools, and health centers found in the area. See how people are struggling to overcome their biggest human enemies: Poverty, Illiteracy, and Disease
• A stay with the Wazanaki family to enjoy traditional food and their unique lifestyle

CULTURAL TOURISM IN THE MANYARA REGION

Mirerani, Tanzanite Cultural Tourism

The small town of Mirerani, surrounded by outstandingly beautiful hills, is the only place where Tanzanite mining takes place worldwide. This makes it a destination of its own unique type, where authentic Maasai culture mixes well with the Tanzanite mining business. What to do in Mirerani

Tanzanite Cultural Tourism

• A Tanzanite mining experience tour
• A visit to the Tanzanite local market, dominated by Maasai,
• A Maasai cultural village tour
• A walking safari in wildlife-rich areas
• A visit to Chemka hot springs
• A visit to the orphanage center
• Volunteering in schools, orphanages, and health care projects

Babati and Hanang Cultural Tourism

It is located south of Lake Manyara and west of Tarangire National Park . It gives visitors a chance to mix themselves with the local people around there and enjoy their lifestyle. But also for bird lovers, the area is rich in bird species, and this gives you a chance to experience different bird species. Within Babati and Hanang Cultural Tourism , visitors can enjoy the following :

• An exclusive Mount Hanang climb
• A fishing adventure with local canoes on Lake Babati while viewing hippos v A chance to participate in local beer brewing.
• A visit to development projects like cattle and goat dairy farming v Cycling expedition through remote areas

CULTURAL TOURISM IN THE KILIMANJARO REGION

Rau Eco-and Cultural Tourism

Spotted only 3 km south-east of Moshi Town, you will get a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature in the Rau forest, supporting the life of biodiversity including both flora and fauna. The beekeeping project and cultural heritage in Mandaku Mnono Village is a beautiful tour for visitors. The following cultural tourism activities can be done when you’re at Rau, Cultural Tourism

• Rau’s nature forest walks
• The Village cultural walk v Bird watching v Market tour.
• Rice farming tour.
• Biking tour
• Tree planting projects (giving back to nature)
• Local food preparation and tasting

Rundugai Cultural Tourism.

“The land of an astonished hot spring”. It is located 38 km from Moshi Town on the foothills of Kilimanjaro where you can view both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru at one point. Different ethnic groups available in the area give you a chance to experience cultural wealth, including traditional dances and local foods. The village provides an exceptional experience of the cultural and natural beauty of the area thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism. The following cultural tourism activities are offered at Rundugai:

• Chemka Hot Springs Tour
• Rundugai village stroll
• Trekking through natural caverns
• Local food preparation and taste
• Traditional dance
• Tour of Maasai bomas
• Cattle herding
• Camping and home stays

Nkweseko Cultural Tours  

Nkweseko Cultural Tourism is located on the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa. The area is quiet and full of fresh air where one can stay and enjoy the way of life of local people and natural beauty. Site seeing, traditional dish preparation and sampling, daily economic activities, and people’s history are just a few of the things that will leave an impression on your mind. Nkweseko Cultural Tours offers the following activities:

• A cultural village tour
• A visit to traditional underground caves, hiding places during civil wars,
• An experience of stinging and sting-less bee keeping
• A walking tour of the waterfalls
• An opportunity to learn Kiswahili
• An opportunity to stay with a Chagga family
• A learning venture to prepare various traditional dishes
• An opportunity to learn how a traditional banana bear is prepared
• A great traditional dance
• Schools visit

Machame Nkweshoo Cultural Tours:

It was established in June 2008 with the main purpose of conserving and preserving the

Kilimanjaro region by making it a green village through tourism. The people of MachameNkweshoo welcome you to explore the cultural and natural heritage of the Wachagga ethnic group that lives on the green slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. A beautiful landscape with great valleys, deep gorges, rivers, natural forest and local agricultural activities on small farms, all of which can be enjoyed when visiting Machame Nkweshoo Cultural Tours. It offers the following activities to visitors:

• Get an opportunity to learn how to prepare local dishes.
• A guided visit to Nkosalulu waterfalls and coffee farms,
• A visit to one of the oldest church buildings
• A visit to the caves used as hides during tribal wars,
• A view of the old coins
• An opportunity to learn about Chagga relics, stories, and old tools that have been used since ancient times.
• A visit to the local market
• Kilimanjaro trekking
• A walking tour through coffee and banana farmlands to the dense Kilimanjaro natural forests for acclimatization along fast-flowing streams before climbing the mountain.
• A home-stay experience before and after your wildlife safari or mountain climbing expedition.
• A visit to view points of Mt. Kilimanjaro
• A visit to the environmental conservation project-tree nursery
• A visit to several development projects in the area, such as coffee production, beekeeping, schools, health care, and a community library,

Machame Cultural Tours

Machame, to the north of the Arusha-Moshi road, is a mosaic of beautiful valleys, deep gorges, rivers, waterfalls, and farms, and is home to the Chagga people. Explore the lives of the people of Mt. Kilimanjaro. It offers the following cultural tourism activities to visitors:

• Hike through dense natural forests and farms for acclimatization along fast-flowing streams before climbing the mountain.
• A visit to several development projects in the area (coffee production, traditional irrigation, afforestation, crass-breeding, bee-keeping, schools, health care, food processing, etc.)

Kisangara Cultural Tourism

It’s situated 62 km south-east of Moshi in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Pare Mountains. The following are cultural tourism activities offered by Kisangara Cultural Tourism thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism.

• A visit to workshops involved in carpentry, brick-making, and brewing local beer.
• A visit to a sisal factory
• On the Spice tour, cooking traditional dishes, weaving household items and dancing with local women’s groups
• Mount Kindoroko is the destination of the hiking tour.
• A visit to the Lembeni Herbal Hospital
• Expeditions should end at the Nyumba ya Mungu dam.
• A trip to a farm where you can learn about and participate in various farming technologies. Half and full day tours can be organized to suit your interests and passions.

CULTURAL TOURISM IN THE ARUSHA REGION

Tengeru Cultural Tourism

Tengeru is located via Moshi, Dar es Salaam road, 13 km from Arusha town. The beautiful and amazing culture of the local community can be experienced by guests visiting Tengeru Cultural Tourism. It offers the following cultural tourism activities:

• A glimpse of Meru culture
• A visit to a local farm owned and managed by members of the Patandi Women’s Group
• A guided tour to the legendary Chief’s compound to see his handicrafts and artifacts, followed by a hiking tour up Mt. Meru
• A visit to families with disabled children in the village to exchange ideas on family planning and HIV/AIDS
• An introduction to the Village Environmental Conservation Initiative (VECI)
• Attending the church service on Sunday
• A taste of locally prepared coffee and learning about the bio-gas plant

Osotwa Cultural Tourism Initiatives

Osotwa Cultural Tourism Initiatives is part of Osotwa Mount Meru Community-Based Conservation with the local community to improve the environment around Mount Meru through advocacy, tree planting education, and mobilization of community groups, women, and young people thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism. It offers the following cultural activities:

• Walking tour: Experience the local environment and culture, plant and bird species, and local languages.
• Visit Maasai Cultural Bomas to learn about the construction of local mud huts, the

Maasai people’s literature and ritual ceremonies, agro-forestry activities, and folktales. v Traditional healer visit: Learn about Maasai herbal medicines.

• Sites of traditional rituals: Visit the magnificent sacred fig tree where the local Maasai have worshipped for over 300 years.
• Maasai livestock and a colorful market
• Visit and enjoy the many colors and products of the local market, and see livestock being traded by the hundreds of Maasai herders.
• The itinerary may vary depending on the visitor’s request for a half-day, full-day, or multiple-day option. (Market visits are only on Thursdays and Sundays

Karatu Iraqw Cultural Tourism

The group was established as Sandemu Iraqw Art and Culture Promoters in the year 2000 in Bashay village of Karatu district, Arusha region. This group has built a show centre to display the traditional culture of the Iraqw people. The Iraqw are the main ethnic group living in the Karatu and Mbulu districts. They also live in Babati and Hanang districts.

Their objective is to compile, for posterity, a record of the lifestyle, traditions, history, and culture of the Iraqw people and also to involve and benefit local people in cultural tourism, thereby disseminating information and knowledge of the ancient traditions to the world. Karatu, Iraqw Cultural tourism offers the following tourism activities to visitors:

• Walking tours in the villages, mountains, and bush are organized according to the interests of the visitors and vary from several hours to several days. (Walking tours can be extended to include the Hadzabe and Datoga in Lake Eyasi.)
• Visits to development projects, schools, dispensaries, hospitals, historical sites like German and British settlements, coffee plantations, and graves in Oldeani, on the rim of the Oldeani Mountain and Ngorongoro Crater.
• Traditional Iraqi meals include ugali (stiff porridge) with meat, vegetables, milk, fresh honey, kande (maize and beans) and more.
• Camping in a rural and natural traditional environment, or stays in traditional Iraqi houses
• Displays of traditional wares include weapons, garments, gourds, baskets, mats, day pots, and stone tools; some of the items are for sale and others are part of a permanent collection.

Cultural Tours with Dumbe Chand

Lake Eyasi is located in the Rift Valley, south of the Ngorongoro Highlands. This saline lake is home to various rare fish species, rare birds, and reptiles, to mention a few. It is beautifully fringed by the Great Rift walls to the west and the highlands to the north, offering a magnificent view. This great landscape is home to the last known Hunter-Gatherer community, the ‘Hadzabe’, living by hunting, honey, and fruit gathering. Experience the life of a nomadic Datoga living closer to the Hadzabe thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism. The following activities are offered to visitors:

• Fishing with local fishermen in Lake Eyasi
• Canoeing safari in Lake Eyasi; Bushmen (Hadzabe) Trekking: Day trips to Hadzabe hiding caves:
• Participate in collecting fruits, wild honey gathering, and try your skills at using the Hadzabe bow and arrow. Try your luck on a hunt.
• A visit to Bushmen caves on rocks with paints Drive to the Datoga neighborhood for a cultural tour.
• Make a tour to a boma where you will meet a family and listen to stories about their way of life.
• Visit Datoga Traditional Healer and discover traditional herbs that cure various diseases.
• Visit Datoga Bomas to get a feel for Datoga culture.
• Visit Blacksmith to experience ancient blacksmith skills.

Oldonyo Sambu Culture Tourism.

Oldonyo Sambu is 36 km northwest of Arusha on the highway to Nairobi. The center of activity it offers the following cultural tourism activities:

• The beautiful Maasai land and visit Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Longido, and Kitumbine.
• Visits to traditional Masaai-boma, markets, and drinking water sources
• Visits to traditional healers and jewelry making centers for Maasai v Horseback, camel and donkey rides in the Maasai region

Ng’iresi Cultural Tourism

Ng’iresi is 7 km from Arusha on the slopes of Mount Meru. It is inhabited by farmers from the Wa Arusha tribe. In the village of Ng’iresi, visitors are invited to :

• A trip to a farm on the lush slopes of Mount Meru.
• Visits to several development projects in the village include oil conservation, irrigation, hybridization, and biogas.
• Climb Kivesi Hill, an old volcano with a natural forest at the summit.
• Understanding Wa-Arusha culture
• Waterfall Walk to Songoto and Navuru.
• Delicious lunch and dinner prepared by the women’s group Juhudi.

Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Tourism  

Mto wa Mbu is located at the foot of the Rift Valley on the way from Arusha to the national park in northern Tanzania. Situated along the road to Ngorongoro and Serengeti, it is an ideal getaway for most safari travelers thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism. The following cultural tourism activities are offered by Mto wa Mbu:

• Stroll through farms in a green oasis at the foot of the Rift.
• Climb up the hill of Balaa for a full view of the city.
• Familiarity with the cultures of the various tribes living in the v Drive to Lake Miwaleni and waterfalls.
• Participate in development projects to improve agriculture and initiate income-generating activities for
• A description of the irrigation system

Monduli Juu Cultural Tourism.

Located 50 km northwest of Arusha, Monduli Juu is a group of four small towns: Emairete, Enguiki, Eluwai, and Mfereji. Visitors are provided with the following cultural activities:

• Scenic tour through evergreens
• Botanical and herbal healing tours with visits to traditional Maasai herbalists
• Visit Naramatu, a small factory where Maasai women make ethnic
• opportunity to try “nyama choma,” or grilled meat with Maasai
• Panoramic views of the Rift Valley, Oldonyo Lengai and Lake Natron v Familiar with the culture of the Maasai and wa-Arusha peoples.

Mkuru Cultural Tourism  

The area is dominated by the Maasai and traditional Bomas. People are scattered throughout, and you can see the Maasai way of life. The area around the camp is teeming with birds and small mammals, as well as zebras and giraffes from the northern plains, which is also an elephant corridor thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism. The following are offered when you’re at Mkuru Cultural Tourism.

v Safari at the Baboon Cave

Climb to Ol Doinyo Landaree.

Traditional therapist visits.

Walk to the archaeological site of Mguru.

Matunda Cultural Tourism  

The Matunda Cultural Tourism and Safari Organization and the people of Ndombo-MfulonyNkoarisambu welcome you to the green slopes of Mt. Meru to witness the beautiful landscape, birdlife, and the rich Meru culture. Matunda Cultural Tourism offers the following activities to visitors:

• comprehension of Meru culture v Visit three nearby waterfalls.
• Opportunities to learn about traditional uses of local v Taste of locally roasted coffee.
• Visits to nearby historical and archaeological sites
• Views of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
• Walk through the rainforest of Mount Meru to see local plants and breathtaking birds. v A traditional lunch accompanied by local dancers v Walk through small plots of coffee and bananas.
• Visit local breweries to sample mbege or banana beers.

Longido Cultural Tourism  

A tour of the vast plains around the Longido Mountains, 80 kilometers north of Arusha, provides insight into the traditions of the Maasai culture thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism. The lush area is home to rare birds and mammals. The tour to Longido includes:

• Nature trails for bird watching
• Climb the impressive Mount Longido through lush natural surroundings. v Safari walking on the slopes of the Maasai Plain and Mount Longido v Visit a traditional Maasai village.
• Journeys to historical sites dating back to British colonial

Ilkurot Cultural Tourism.

Ilkurot is about 20 km west of the city of Arusha. It offers the following to visitors:

Visit Maasai Bomas to see traditional Maasai houses and ways of life.

Visit the sacred Maasai tree, where the Maasai offer sacrifices as part of their rituals.

Traditional Maasai cuisine made by Maasai

Delicacies include nyama choma, or grilled meats, green vegetables, herbal tea, coffee, fresh milk, cassava, sweet potatoes, bread, eggs, and fruits.

• Hire a camel or donkey to see animals like giraffes, zebras, rabbits, hyenas, Thomson’s gazelles, wild eagles, birds,
• See Maasai dances, artisan groups and their handicrafts, traditional healers and v Visit Kilimamoto Crater, Ngorora Hill, waterfalls, valleys and Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Knowledge of Swahili and Maasai
• Conversations with community members
• Visit a group of female Maasai craftsmen who are engaged in the manufacture of jewelry from beads and natural

    Ilkiding’a Culture Tourism  

It is one of the cultural tourism programs located in the Arusha region. It offers the following tourism activities to visitors:

• Visit a local traditional house and learn how extended families live together.
• You can either dance or invite others to dance.
• Walk through open fields and coffee plantations where villagers grow potatoes, cabbage, corn, beans, and other cash crops.
• Visit a traditional therapist who is ready to answer all your questions and provide advice if
• Visit an elementary school, where tourism funds are used for development to rebuild the
• Walk the narrow paths, cross gorges, climb small hills and enjoy spectacular views overlooking the city of

Ganako Cultural Tourism:

Ganako Karatu is located on the road from Arusha to the National Park of Northern Tanzania, on the lower slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands just outside Ngorongoro and Serengeti, and is an important holiday destination for most safari travelers thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism. A visit to Ganako Karatu includes:

• Walk through the highland forests of Ngorongoro.

Visit a coffee plantation to enjoy the pure taste of African coffee.

Familiar with the culture of the Iraqi tribes in the villages around Karatu.

Visit the colorful Iraqi markets on the 7th of every month.

Visits to historical and ceremonial sites (German colonial settlements)

• Participate in community development projects to improve living conditions by generating income and preserving the environment.
• Lunch with traditional Tanzanian food and locally processed drinks
• Meet Hadzabe Bushman, who is thought to have lived in the area for nearly 10,000 years, at Lake Eyasi.
• Stay with your Iraqi family and enjoy the food and unique culture thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism.

Engaruka Cultural Tourism:

Located 63 kilometers north of Mto wa Mbu, Engaruka is on the way to Oldonyo Lengai and Lake Natron, at the foot of the Rift Valley cliffs. Residents of Engaruka offer visitors the following attractions:

• Guided tours of one of Africa’s oldest irrigation systems v Visit the Maasai Beef Market and Maasai Bomas.
• Safari hikes in incredibly beautiful places.

Engaresero Cultural Tourism.

The village of Engaresero is located on the south side of the famous Lake Natron. Lake Natron is a salt lake located in northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya and in the eastern part of the cliffs of the Rift Valley in East Africa. The lake is part of an internationally important wetland in the Ramsar region on the banks of Lake Natron. It is a major breeding ground for small flamingos worldwide thus Tanzania Cultural Tourism. Its beauty with thousands of flamingo flocks is awesome. To the south, it is bordered by the majestic and beautiful scenery of the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Engaresero is also rich in Maasai cultural heritage. The Maasai community of Engaresero continues to practice the old pastoral methods of raising livestock and moving them in harmony with natural patterns. The following tours are organized by the Engaresero community.

• Village tour
• Go to the hot springs.
• Cycling tour to Orpul Caves.
• Landing Footprints
• Visit the Rift Valley Cliffs, Embalulu Crater, and Leparakash Plains.
• Hike to Oldonyo Lengai.

Maasai ethnic plant and herb tour

Ee-Yeiyo Cultural Tourism  

Ee-Yeiyo Cultural Tourism is located 25 km northeast of the city of Arusha, off the Arusha-Moshi Road on Momella Road, next to Arusha National Park . With breathtaking views of Mount Meru, home to the Wameru tribe who live around the revered mountain range , The following is provided by Ee-Yeiyo Cultural Tourism.

• A guided tour of Ee-Yeiyo,
• Visit the traditional meeting point (Nringaringa) waterfall and tour the surrounding
• Participate in the preparation of local cuisine and
• Participate in handicraft making with a group of cultural women.

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL TOURS

New Cultural tours are a popular product in Tanzania that is mostly sold as an add-on to enrich main safari tour programs. Most cultural tour sites in mainland Tanzania were developed by the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) in conjunction with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV), starting with selected villages around Arusha in northern Tanzania and spreading out into other areas. These are traditionally existing villages which have been made accessible to visitors who may have a glimpse of the authentic lifestyle of the more than 120 tribes in rural Tanzania.

Most visitors to Africa, especially first timers, find the continent and its people enchantingly different and a special experience. We at Leopard Tours appreciate this fact and endeavour to include visits to the local communities to give our guests the opportunity to see first hand the way of life in a typical African village.

Besides enriching itineraries and adding quality to the tours offered in Tanzania, the cultural tours are generating direct income to the local communities that are being visited, contributing to their development. Thus by visiting the cultural sites the guests would be giving support to community health, water supply, primary education and many other social and economic projects carried out at village level as well as reforestation and protection of environment.

Some of the popular cultural centres which may be tailored into visitor itineraries include:

• Mto wa Mbu, a multicultural village-cum-town near Lake Manyara National Park
• Maasai Boma and villages in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Lake Eyasi: land of the Hadzabe and Datoga
• Arusha – Ng’ireshi village of Waarusha tribe, relatives of the Maasai, 7km from Arusha town
• Arusha – Mulala village of Waarusha and Wameru tribes, 30kms from Arusha town

Manyara – Mto wa Mbu, meet an array of tribes living together in a small area

Following the setting up of irrigation systems in the early 1950s, the area rapidly developed into a small town attracting a new wave of tribes from all over the country, each with its own cultural background. Nowhere else in Tanzania have so many different tribes settled in such a small area.

Choose from a walk through the farms and green oasis on the foot of the Rift Valley; a climb to Balala Hill; a view into the culture of the many tribes living in the area; a trip to Miwaleni Lake and waterfall where there is an abundance of papyrus; visits to development projects that aim to improve agriculture and start income-generating activities for local farmers.

The Mto wa Mbu tour is a village walk, designed to provide guests with an experience of the rich cultural heritage in Tanzania, albeit in a short time of half a day or one full day. The varied produces, handicrafts and activities that can be seen on the market place and in the village farms and lifestyle is an illustration of this cultural diversity.

Visitors may see Chagga people from the slopes of the Kilimanjaro brew their famous banana beer, mbege , and learn why out of more than 30 varieties of bananas cultivated here only two species are suitable for producing the drink; meet a farmer from Kigoma extract palm oil from palm trees that he brought from the shores of Lake Tanganyika; appreciate the Sandawe with their fascinating click language, similar to the Khoisan of the Kalahari Desert, making bows & arrows for hunting; interact with the Rangi from Kondoa using the papyrus from the lakes and rivers for weaving beautiful mats and baskets.

Visit the Mbugwe people from Manyara Region who will show you how they grind different grains to obtain flour using a traditional millstone; join the local people of Mto wa Mbu and learn how they construct mud huts, typical housing for most tribes around the area. You will be shown how to mix mud, rice husks and cow dung to obtain the right mud stuff for strong walls, and how local people roof their huts using dry banana barks and leaves.

Learn about traditional iron smelting technology, one of the oldest in Africa. The local people will show you how to make different tools like spears, knives, arrows. Learn from the local women how pots and dishes are made from clay soil and baked to make them hard. On the surrounding plains and woodlands to the north, east and south live native Maasai families in their traditional bomas (homesteads) while the warriors wander with their cattle looking for pastures and water.

Mto wa Mbu village walk is one of the best selling cultural tours with Leopard Tours. For flawless organisation it is best if the tour is reserved in advance together with the main program.

Visits to Maasai Bomas / villages in Ngorongoro

Tanzania has over 120 tribes each with its own culture. The Maasai in northern Tanzania are among the most popular ethnic groups in the area, a proud people fervently attached to their cultural values. Ngorongoro is the home of the pastoral Maasai, who have been allowed to live in the conservation area, a pioneering experiment in multi-purpose land use where people, their livestock and wildlife coexist and share the same protected habitat. The Maasai move widely with their herds of cattle, sheep, goats and donkeys in search of pasture and water. In recent years the Maasai have been encouraged to work on the land to supplement their traditional staple food of milk and meat.

While in Ngorongoro most of the guests on safari love to include a visit to a Maasai Boma (homestead). The Seneto Maasai Boma on the western slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands about two hundred metres off the main road to Serengeti is one of the most famous cultural visitor points for guests. Another popular Maasai village is Irkeepus which is located in the Ngorongoro Highlands and a visit can be combined with a trek of Olmoti or Empakaai Crater.

Visitors will be shown around the Maasai Boma, and are welcome to explore the huts where Maasai families live and learn a few things about their way of living. The huts, normally built by women, are made of wood, mud and cow dung.

The visit lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and at the end the villagers will show off and try to sell their colourful beadwork and other handcrafted wares. If time allows the Maasai warriors would challenge men to engage in a spear throwing match or perform a tribal dance, and ladies may choose to participate in beadwork. This is intended to expose visitors to the Maasai culture though briefly and enrich them with some authentic African experiences.

Lake Eyasi – the Hadzabe and Datoga

This is a hot, dry land, around which live the Hadzabe people, often associated with the Khoisan languages in Southern Africa because of their click language. The Hadzabe are believed to have lived here for nearly 10,000 years and continue to follow hunting-and-gathering traditions. Also in the area are the Iraqw (Mbulu), a people of Cushitic origin who arrived about 2000 years ago, as well as the Datoga also Cushitic, the Maasai and various Bantu groups including the Nyakyusa, Nyamwezi, Chaga and Meru. The area is Tanzania’s main onion-growing centre, and there are impressive irrigation systems along the Chemchem River drawing its water from natural springs.

The Hadzabe, a hunter-gatherer tribe, live close to the shores of Lake Eyasi, as do the Nilotic-speaking Datoga tribe who are pastoralists. Visits to these tribes are possible on half day or full day excursions which would include a visit to their homesteads, learning about their way of life, medicinal plants, and even animal tracking with bows and arrows with the Hadzabe hunters.

The Hadzabe – what you can learn from the Hadzabe

• Different kinds of materials being used to make arrows – arrow sticks, the preparation of poison and the point of poison in the arrow
• Processing poison from the poison tree
• Fruit, root tubers and honey collection
• Shallow wells prepared by women for water collection from the ground for home use
• Traditional dancing
• Barbeque preparation of fresh meat for the lucky days of  hunting, normally about 2 -3 days of big kills per week but small kills are regular and common
• How to make fire the traditional way, in the ancient hand-drill method using palms of the hands and two pieces of sticks / wood
• Training and exercise in arrow shooting and targeting
• Preparation of huts for the women (being made of branches of trees)
• Studying the availability of animals for hunting and timing too, as hunting is normally done early morning, and at night for the baboons and traps – common animals are monkeys, baboons, dikdik, kudu, impala, guinea fowls
• Life in the caves in the rainy season, and under trees in the dry season
• The monogamy practice for the marriage
• Training of youngsters in hunting & targeting

The Datoga – what you can learn from the Datoga

• General life style of the Datoga
• How mud & cow dung huts are being prepared by women
• Preparation of the boma ( the cattle fence)
• Learning the way men and women dress
• Learning the art of women like jewellery making – e.g. necklaces, bracelets, beads, skin skirts etc
• Learn about black smiths, weapons & weapon making
• Cow milking and preparation of local butter
• Learn the history of polygamy in the Datoga tribe
• Flour making by women using grinding stones
• Preparation of “gissuda” – a local beer – for ceremonies, weddings, prayers to gods & ancestors. The type of honey used is absolutely natural and women are not allowed to drink this local beer made out of honey & some natural tubers.

Learn the history of underground springs in Lake Eyasi, these springs have the extension of about 1km forming Chemchem River which sustain all irrigation in the basin

The tribes who farm the Lake Eyasi basin include the native Iraqw, the  Nyakyusa, Nyamwezi, Chagga, Meru mostly living around the main settlement in the area .Crops being grown around Lake Eyasi include maize, cassava, bananas, potatoes, beans, and onions which is the chief commercial produce found in irrigated farms…

Arusha – Ng’iresi village of Waarusha tribe

Ngi’iresi Village is located about 07 kilometres from Arusha town on the lower slopes of Mount Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania (4566m). The inhabitants of the village are farmers of the Wa-Arusha tribe. The Wa-Arusha are relatives of the Maasai, but have gradually shifted from pastoralism to mixed farming with agriculture being the main activity. There is the opportunity to gain an insight into the culture of the

Wa-arusha tribe: listen to age-old stories, visit traditional houses, ( optional – indulge in a delicious lunch and / or dinner prepared by the Juhudi Women’s Group).

One can take a half day or full day guided tour to this village on the foothills of Mount Meru, visiting some farms and several development projects in the village including soil conservation, irrigation, cross breeding, bio-gas production; coffee and tea can be served at Mzee Loti’s farm. Walk to the nearby “bomas”, to see the various styles of traditional Maasai and Wa-Arusha houses. Climb Lekimana hill, from where you can have a beautiful view of Arusha town and the surrounding Maasai plains, on a clear day Kilimanjaro is visible from here. The tour can include a climb to Kivesi Hill, an old volcano with a natural forest at the summit.

Arusha – Mulala village of Wameru and Waarusha

Mulala village is a typical rural setting on the southern lower slopes of Mount Meru, located about 30kms from Arusha town off the Moshi / Arusha highway near Usa River.

Mulala Cultural Tourism Program is run by the Agape Women’s Group who offer a tour of traditional activities of about 1-2 hours where one can visit farms and learn about farming methods and various economic activities they have started including cheese-making, bread-making, preparing flower seeds, chilli growing and sewing.

Another tour is the Marisha River Tour (2 hours) where a local guide will show you common medicinal plants used by the villagers, then take you on to the Ziwa la Mzungu (White Man’s Lake) where a big colony of fruit bats thrives; or perhaps take the Lemeka Hill Tour (2 hours) where you can walk through the coffee and banana plantations and head up Lemeka Hill for breathtaking views of both Mounts Kilimanjaro and Meru and of the Maasai Plains and on the way back a visit to the traditional village healer.  There is also a place for overnight camping and simple traditional meals for those wishing to spend a night. The Mulala Cultural Tourism Programme is the only one completely launched, developed and implemented by women as a means to self-sufficiency.

Tanzania also boasts of a number of world-famous historical and pre-historic sites some dating as far back as 2 million years ago:

• Oldupai Gorge – popularly known as The Cradle of Humankind home of the Nutcracker Man (Zinjanhtropus) capable of making simple stone tools believed to have lived nearly 2 million years ago
• Kondoa Rock Paintings of Kolo – amazing art dating more than 5000 years, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Kilwa – the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara depicting early Swahili civilization on East African coast, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Zanzibar – the Stone Town of Zanzibar steeped in history, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Bagamoyo – Kaole Ruins, the embarkation port for slaves, 75km from Dar es Salaam

OLDUPAI GORGE

The Olduvai Gorge, popularly referred to as “The Cradle of Humankind”, is the site where in 1959 Dr. Louis Leakey discovered the skull of Zinjanthropus or “Nutcracker Man” believed to have lived 1.75 million years ago. Later reclassified as Australopithecus boisei, this creature had a massive skull though small brained (500 cc) with huge teeth. Several months later Dr. Leakey found another fossil hominid in the same layer of excavation, called Homo habilis or “handy man”, smaller than the “Nutcracker Man” but with a larger brain (600 cc) and capable of making simple stone tools.

KONDOA ROCK PAINTINGS OF KOLO

This is a world class historical heritage site of ancient rock art, remarkable not just for their quantity but also quality. Human figures and animals (elephant, eland and giraffe) usually painted in dark red, and a few abstract designs, can be seen on the face of the rocks and caves. According to researchers these are the earlier rock paintings dated 5,000 to 10,000 years and are attributed to hunter-gatherer Bushmen, a click language tribe, who are said to be ancestors of the Sandawe tribe currently inhabiting the western part of Kondoa District. The languages of the Sandawe in Kondoa and the Hadzabe in Lake Eyasi though not ethnically related are connected to the Khosian languages spoken in the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa that have click consonants. It is not surprising that similar rock paintings can also be viewed in some parts of southern Africa inhabited by the Bushmen.

More recent paintings whitish in colour can also be seen, dating probably 500 years ago, which are said to have been made by the Bantu speaking Warangi, the predominant agriculturist tribe in Kondoa District.

The site visit was prompted by increasing interest in the ancient rock art from potential visitors to Tanzania and the need to enrich the visitor itinerary in the northern Tanzania safari land. The Kolo Rock Paintings are located along the Maasai Escarpment bordering the Great Rift Valley hardly 160 kilometres from Tarangire National Park. The rock paintings can be visited in a day trip from the park or Maramboi and Lake Burungi areas in Tarangire, leaving in the morning with picnic lunch for a 2 to 3-hour tour of the sites at Kolo and neighbouring Pahi mountains and returning to Tarangire late in the afternoon. For those interested in spending more time to explore the intriguing prehistoric paintings scattered around the area, visitors can be accommodated in Kondoa town where basic but clean guest accommodation is available.

The Kolo Rock Paintings are a protected area and one of Tanzania’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. There are many sites of rock paintings scattered around the Kondoa district, but the paintings at Kolo and Pahi area are the most documented and visited.

Some 75 kilometres to the north of Dar es Salaam lies Bagamoyo, once one of the most important trading centres on the East African Coast and a famous embarkation port for slaves from the hinterland. When the German colonialists came to East Africa they made Bagamoyo their first German East Africa capital between 1886 and 1891.

It is a place of considerable significance to world history, both as an entry point for Arab and European missionaries, explorers, and traders in East and Central Africa, and in the history of the infamous slave trade. Fortunately Bagamoyo is now being considered for inclusion into one of the World Heritage sites, to conserve and protect the fascinating Gothic and Afro-Arabic architecture in this coastal settlement steeped in history. Tourist attractions include among others:

• the Kaole ruins dating back to the 12th century thought to mark one of the earliest contacts of Islam with Africa;
• the Old Fort built in 1860 for holding slaves for shipment to Zanzibar;
• the first Roman Catholic Church in East Africa built around 1868 used as a base to run a camp of about 650 freed slaves;
• the German colonial administration headquarters, the Boma, in the first capital of German East Africa until 1885;
• the Mission Museum, depicting the history of Bagamoyo;
• the Livingstone Memorial Church.
• Bagamoyo white sand beaches are considered some of the finest on the whole of the East African coast.

Kilwa, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tanzania, comprising the historical islands of Kilwa Kisiwani & Songo Mnara or Kilwa Kivinje, is located on the southern coast of Tanzania about 6 hours drive from Dar es Salaam; there are scheduled flights by small aircraft connecting Kilwa with Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and the game parks.

Kilwa was the most powerful city state on the East African coast for three centuries from the 12 th century to the 15 th century, controlling trade from Sofala in Mozambique to Mombasa in Kenya, a stretch of about 1900 kilometres, plus the islands of Comoro. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kilwa was an important trading centre linking Asia across the Indian Ocean with the African hinterland where ivory and gold were exchanged with beads, cotton cloth, porcelain and jewellery. Traders from the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian Gulf settled in Kilwa as early as the ninth century, leaving lasting cultural imprints that can still be seen in the preserved ruins with their elaborate architecture and the Swahili civilization on the East African coast.

ZANZIBAR – THE STONE TOWN

To the shores of these islands came Summerians, Assyrians, Hindus, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Arabians, Chinese, Malaysians, and the Portuguese, all sailing in on Monsoon winds. From these shores the great European explorers Burton, Speke, Livingstone, Krapf, Rebman, and Grant set out on their voyages of discovery into the East and Central African hinterland.

The different peoples from all corners of the world that had visited and settled in Zanzibar over the centuries have left a lasting an imprint on the islands’ culture and architecture. Zanzibar is the birthplace of the fascinating “Swahili” culture with its elegant architecture full of balconies, courtyards, ornately hand-carved doors and mosques. The winding narrow streets, the House of Wonders, Tip Tip House (notorious slave merchant), and the Palace Museum are just some vivid reminders of the Islands’ long and colourful history. The Stone Town is travel into history, it is must tour for visitors to Zanzibar. Zanzibar Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cultural & Historical Tours

Manyara – Mto wa Mbu, meet an array of tribes living together in a small area

Oldupai Gorge

Kondoa Rock Paintings of Kolo

Zanzibar – The Stone Town

Cultural tours are a popular product in Tanzania that is mostly sold as an add-on to enrich main safari tour programs. Most cultural tour sites in mainland Tanzania were developed by the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) in conjunction with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV), starting with selected villages around Arusha in northern Tanzania and spreading out into other areas. These are traditionally existing villages which have been made accessible to visitors who may have a glimpse of the authentic lifestyle of the more than 120 tribes in rural Tanzania.

• Arusha – Ng’ireshi village of Waarusha tribe, relatives of the Maasai, 7km from Arusha town

About Tanzania Association of Sustainable Tourism

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About tasuct.

We are not for profit, a non government organization bringing together founders, coordinators and all major cultural tourism stakeholders to address challenges that face them and to tap all readily available opportunities that the latter can benefit and sustain cultural tourism for present and future generation while meeting visitors' satisfaction.

Vision Statement.

Mission statement.

• a. To bring together all registered Eco and Cultural Tourism Enterprises in Tanzania.
• b. To provide accurate information about Eco and Cultural Tourism Enterprises products and services to stakeholders and consumers.
• c. To build the capacity of all members, and strengthen their operations in Cultural tourism contexts.
• d. To raise funds from donors and other stakeholders to support Eco and CulturalTourism Enterprises in marketing, networking, and capacity building.
• e. To address all copyright and intellectual property rights of its members through proper legal frameworks in case of any violations.
• f. To raise Eco and Cultural Tourism Enterprise awareness on the conservation, preservation and restoration of environment and cultural resources sustainably.
• g. To be a bridge between cultural tourism enterprises and their host communities across Tanzania through sustainable cultural tourism practices.

Founding Members

Straton Ngoti

From Kiliman Cultural Tourism Enterprise - Kilimanjaro.

I serve as Chairperson and founding member of Tanzania Association of Sustainable Cultural Tourism (TASuCT).

In any community/ society one person can bring developments but it is not as easy as when he/she cooperates with other colleagues in bringing the Developments. Let’s make our Eco and Cultural Tourism Enterprises strong and sustainable by using this platform as we can share our ideas, share our challenges facing the Cultural Tourism sector then find a way of solving them.

“If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far, go together. African Proverb”.

Linus Lasway

Tourism expert, Cultural tourism consultant and environment conservation Leader.

I Am a Coordinator and founder of Mkuu Cultural Tourism - Mkuu, Rombo. I serve as Assistant Chairperson, also Co-founded of Rau Eco and Cultural Tourism and Rundugai Cultural Tourism. I like nature and conservation, cultural preservation, swimming and traveling. My favorite song is “Earth Song” by Michael Jackson. I grew up on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. I am working to establish a quasi museum in my village dedicated to collect and preserve all valuable cultural objects. I have been working with different cultural tourism programs and guiding tourists since 2012, and realize that Cultural tourism in Tanzania is a sleeping giant which if awaken can double boost Tanzania Tourism industry increase the number of tourist visiting the people and help to improve our economy especially the community, but not yet well develop and known, so it need collective collaborative among stakeholders and the government, for this reason i was convinced with other cultural tourism coordinators to establish the Association of Tanzania Sustainable Cultural Tourism.

Sairis Lucia Bugeraha

I am a founder and coordinator of Pugu Hills Eco Cultural Tourism - Dar es Salaam. I serve as an Executive Secretary and founding member of Tanzania Association for Sustainable Cultural Tourism, I do believe in a collective and responsible economy and this led me to start a Gender,Community and Environmental Sensitive Tourism Enterprise! I aspire to inspire young generations and women to take a lead in shaping the global to be a better place for present and future generations! I do believe we will use this platform to bring together responsible young men and women in cultural tourism to do their best in delivering their services, preserving both cultural and natural resources, to address their challenges and reap every opportunity that are associated with their industry that we may all be part and parcel for responsible cultural tourism practices nationwide and international wide .

Elizabeth Kitungano Philipo

My name is Elizabeth Kitungano Philipo.

I am a founder and coordinator of Kigoma Eco-cultural Tourism enterprise - Kigoma and founding member of Tanzania Association for Sustainable CUltural Tourism. I strongly believe that community Tourism at its very best breaks down barriers to engaging underserved communities in meaningful life changing ways. We also believe that the more we strengthen community tourism, economic opportunities are created, places are protected and cultures are celebrated through travel. Working under Tasuct association strengthens our unity as cultural Tourism enterprises and helps awaken our sleeping giant Cultural Tourism.

Otilia Kolimba

Born and raised in Tanzania. I am founder and coordinator of Pande Eco Cultural Tourism - Dar es Salaam, Am also a founding member of Tanzania Association of Sustainable cultural tourism. I am a self motivated lady, passionate about health,wellbeing and environment. My personality includes positivity and empathy. I am always super excited about the things I do. Traveling is my thing, I have always loved to explore different places.

The reason why I choose pande game reserve is that,its on of the beautiful place..that is found not very far from the city center,with more than 140 species found with the game reserve.But most importantly is at pande cultural tourism Enterprise we blend culture and nature together.One of our dreams is to see women in the community take part in different activities so our main aim is to empower them and see progress and positive impact in the society. I want to see Tanzanian youth participating in conservation and preservation of both natural and cultural resources available in Tanzanian through community/cultural tourism. I do believe through the association we will be able to connect ,come close together and take things into action.

Gabriel Mzei Orio

I am the founder and coordinator of the Old Moshi Cultural Tourism Enterprise - Moshi

Founding member of Tanzania Association for sustainable cultural tourism.

After my college of Tourism in guiding professional at Udzungwa Mountain College Trust in Moshi, I did my three months trainee at Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tourism Enterprise in 2010 later on worked till 2013. My passion to have an effective and responsible cultural tourism enterprise in future grew up. As I thought of my home land in Old Moshi village perched in the slopes of mount Kilimanjaro, the old administrative town of Moshi which was established by the Germans in the early 1870s located in Old Moshi which has natured a culture that goes over 200 years hacking back to colonial past.There are some of the incredible sights that help to re awaken visitors sense of adventures.

It\'s a green landscape that stretches over hills and down to the villages lying below the sprawling rural area. The villages and streams cut deeply into the dramatic landscape of Mambori waterfalls. The most iconic tree found just opposite the former German Old court building as testament to the German past administration in the then Tanganyika the incredible ruins of Germany military base, All this inspired me to start Old Moshi cultural tourism enterprise in 2016

Daniel Maembe

Co-founder of Rau Eco and Cultural Tourism-Moshi , Kilimanjaro.

I have passion for environmental conservation, and I believe that the resources can be used sustainably by involving the community directly to participate and generate solutions. I believe that anything can be achieved by harnessing the energy and vitality of the younger `I was born and grew up in Moshi and I have watched how the waste disposal system has changed and led people to dump garbage in the Rau Forest Reserve.

I am holding a bachelor degree of Community Development bias with Project Planning and Management from Tengeru Institute of Community Development. I was a member of MaliHai clubs Of Tanzania, that support Tanzanian Communities in awareness and participate actively in conserving earth’s biodiversity. Later with other colleagues we established the idea of an ecotourism project around the Rau Forest Reserve in Moshi town

I want to educate the community about the importance of keeping our environment healthy. My favorite quotes is from Jane Goodall, once said that,

‘’ Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference. Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved’’ .

Peter Zacharia Kissima

I am a Founder and Coordinator of Kiliman Cultural Tourism Enterprise , and live on the Base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Founding Member of Tanzania Association for Sustainable Cultural Tourism. Culture lover, and Community empowerment builder, believing in Community Based Tourism enables the Tourist to discover local habitats and celebrates Traditional Cultures, rituals and Wisdom. The Community will be aware of the commercial and Social value placed on their Natural and Cultural heritage through Tourism. Together Everyone Achieves More. Working under the Tanzania Association of Sustainable Cultural Tourism will strengthen our unity as cultural Tourism enterprises and help awaken the sleeping giant of cultural Tourism.

Ndumiaita Ndoss

I am a Co-founder and coordinator of Rundugai Cultural Tourism Enterprise , founding member of Tanzania association of sustainable cultural Tourism In 2021 together with my colleagues founding members from other seven Cultural Tourism Enterprises we came with an Idea of establishing Non government organization which will work effectively , sustainable and responsible on awaken the sleeping giant cultural tourism in Tanzania this idea results on establishment and registration of Tanzania Association of Sustainable Cultural Tourism in 2022.​

Personally my life is Cultural tourism and Cultural tourism is my life; I dedicated my Knowledge and Skills Acquired from College on Cultural Tourism Development .

I believe success is the result of hard working spirit and efforts on what you want to achieve. That’s why since 2012 I have been working hand in hand with my community at Rundugai to make sure that visitors are enjoying and learning about our cultural and natural beauties we have but local people are also benefiting from Tourism taking place around.

Hamis Yusuph

My name is Hamis Msuya. I am a Tourism and Cultural Heritage graduate who is passionate for environmental conservation, travel and tourism, cultural exchange and making positive changes to the community.

I grew up in Mwanga district in Kilimanjaro Region. Growingup, I witnessed severe environmental pollution in my homeplace, deforestation being the major one and I promised myself I will be a change in serving the environment and the trees at large.

In 2013 when I was searching for a job with my friends Linus and Daniel, we got the chance to visit Rau Forest reserve in Moshi. We observed the same environmental problems there, so we decided to do something. We started the Rau Eco Tourism Program to protect this precious forest, to create employment and financial opportunities for ourselves, our fellow young people and the community at large.

In 2021 we joined our force with our fellow young cultural tourism coordinators to formTanzania Association for Sustainable Tourism to address our challenges and tap available opportunities as cultural tourism practitioners in the country. In this Association I serve as a treasurer and a founding member too.

‘‘It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.’’

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Amani Cultural Tourism

Karibu to Amani Cultural Tourism

Our cultural full day packages, guided village walk & waterfall tour, coffee farm tour, local market tour, banana beer tour, village cooking lesson, mountain meru forest hiking, canoeing tour, banana farm tour, banana cooking lesson, visiting materuni waterfall and swimming & hotspring, our reviews.

Cultural Tourism

Off the Beaten Path Experience.

Proudly an Active Member of Tanzania Association of Sustainable Cultural Tourism.

Mkuu Cultural Tourism is a youth and women-led enterprise with the goal to preserve the cultural heritage of the village and to make sure the traditions keep on living. 

Mkuu Cultural tourism  offers truly an authentic cultural adventure experience and a unique insight into the daily life of the Chagga people on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

By visiting us you will meet, and interact with whole-hearted and pleasant Chagga people who will share their stories, experience their daily activities including coffee, banana, yams farming, and banana beer brewing, you can stay with them in their homes for an overnight stay and taste their local and organic hot local food prepared in a great standard by local mamas. 

Mkuu nestled on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro “the roof of Africa” and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa , on the way to the Rongai gate route for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro , we are approximately 61 kilometers from Moshi town.

Professional Guides

Beautiful Trails Off-the-beaten Paths.

Authentic Experience

Why book tour with us

We have ten years of working experience in Cultural tourism in Tanzania, we know exactly what cultural tourists need from locals.

A chance to meet fascinating, local people in their real localities, passionate local guides, local farmers, local mamas, and traditional dancers.

We offer genuine and unique cultural experiences to our clients, we want you to have a unique and immersive experience.

Our tours are conducted out of tourist crowds, also locals are very friendly and do not intend to disturb tourists or try to force them to buy things.

You are supporting young entrepreneurs business, Our Cultural Tourism Enterprise owned by local youth, men, and women, it is community-based tourism and not a huge tour company, so this is a local entity benefiting local men and women’s direct.

We are local; we know our surrounding well, we know the history and Chagga people, our country, environment, culture, traditions, and taboos, so we will take you to experience the true Chagga culture, history, and lifestyle.

Our tours are good value for money and you can rest assured that the money you spend support locals.

You help with preserving our culture (tangible and intangible), as you buying our tours you upkeep locals to engage more in cultural activities hence continuing to make out tradition keep on living.

Buying our tours you upkeeping local jobs such as local tour guides, local mama chefs, local traditional dancers, coffee, and banana farmers.

Half Day Village Tour Enroute Rongai

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Day village hike on Mount Kilimanjaro

Discover the Chagga local know how.

Chagga local cuisine cooking class

Hot local lunch stopover enroute Rongai

A glimpse of Chagga barbeque Cake Ndafu

Explore Lake Chala Crater.

Lake Chala trip with cultural excursion

Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Acclimatization

Hear from our explorers.

"An address not to be missed !"

A good address in Mkuu, Rombo for a discovery of the local culture of the Chagga people. An experienced guide and a cheap price. The activity supports the local community. To visit !

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• Feb 15, 2021

Cultural Tour Enroute Rongai Route and Lake Chala in Rombo!

Kilimanjaro tourism open all-year round.

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Connecting responsible travelers with Community Surrounding Rau Forest Reserve

Since 2013, Rau Eco & Cultural Tourism Enterprise has been involved in local projects which aim at protecting the Rau forest Reserve (in Moshi area), helping our community in inspiring young entrepreneurs to develop sustainable activities. The eco-friendly tours that we organize allow us to empower women and youth of our community, raise awareness about environmental concerns, and mitigate climate change. When you book one of our tours you  help us to follow Our purpose which is to protect the Rau Forest Reserve and to be a Role Model for other Eco and Cultural Tourism Enterprises and young people.

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World Bank suspends Tanzania tourism funding after claims of killings and evictions

Plan to expand Ruaha national park has been beset by allegations of abuse, leading bank to withhold final $50m of $150m budget

The World Bank has suspended financing intended to develop tourism in southern Tanzania after allegations of killings, rape and forced evictions.

The bank began investigating last year after being accused of enabling abuses around Ruaha national park, which was due to double in size as part of a World Bank-supported programme .

“The World Bank is deeply concerned about the allegations of abuse and injustice related to the Resilient Natural Resources Management for Tourism and Growth (Regrow) project in Tanzania,” said a World Bank spokesperson.

“We have recently received information that suggests breaches of our policies in the implementation of the Regrow project. We have therefore decided to suspend further disbursement of funds with immediate effect.”

Tanzania was due to receive a further $50m, having already received $100m of the funding. Developments include building roads, viewing areas and visitor centres, and investing in wildlife monitoring and increased security.

The Guardian reported in September 2023 that the US-based thinktank the Oakland Institute had documented a range of abuses by Tanzanian rangers against villagers accused of encroaching on the national park, including the killing of cattle herders and fishers, the confiscation of livestock and the rape of women.

The Oakland Institute welcomed the “long overdue” decision, which came a year after the World Bank was first informed of potential violations of its own policies on safeguarding in April 2023.

Anuradha Mittal, the thinktank’s executive director, said: “It sends a resounding message to the Tanzanian government that there are consequences for its rampant rights abuses taking place across the country to boost tourism. The days of impunity are finally coming to an end.”

The Oakland Institute said that despite the World Bank announcing an investigation, the Tanzanian government moved forward in October with plans to redraw the boundaries of the national park, which would result in 21,000 people facing eviction.

The institute said their research shows other abuses have also continued, including the killing of a 21-year-old cattle herder in October and seizure and sale of thousands of cattle this year.

“The government’s plan to expand the park cannot go forward against the will of local communities, who will lose everything from such an expansion,” said Mittal. “In addition to preventing forced evictions, the bank must focus on how to remedy the harms caused to the villagers who have lost loved ones to ranger violence or had their lives devastated by livelihood restrictions.”

The Tanzanian government had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

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