CULTURAL TOURISM

In Tanzania, a land of superb landscapes and spectacular wildlife, another attraction stands equally tall – the people. Tanzania’s people are among the most welcoming and approachable on earth, with a range of fascinating cultures ready to be shared with visitors. From the WaChagga of the slopes of Kilimanjaro to the now world famous Maasai, a cultural excursion or a longer stay among local people is likely to become one of the most rewarding experiences of any holiday in Tanzania.

Cultural Tourism destinations

Eyasi

Home to the last hunter – gatherers in Africa, the Hadzabe bushmen have made the area around Lake Eyasi their long time hunting grounds. Day trip safaris with the Hadzabe bushmen give visitors a chance to experience a way of life that has long since vanished elsewhere on the planet.

The Hadzabe cultural tourism experience includes;

• Morning hunts with the Hadzabe warriors, armed with bows and arrors

• Honey – gathering

• Walks to find traditional healing plants and food

• Traditional dances

Kilimanjaro

Climbers of the world’s most impressive mountain combine the trekking with a visit to the historically progressive WaChagga. They come here to see the traditional and modern Chagga art, culture and homes.

Maasai Land

Paws Tanzania organizes visits to the lost city in the shadow of the Great Rif Wall, where Maasai mix irrigation, farming and traditional herding. In Mkuru, near Arusha National Park, short camel treks with local Maasai give visitors a glimpse into nomadic culture, as they climb nearby Ol Donyo Landaree.

Meru

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

Southern Pare Mountains

Walk the most remote mountains of northern Tanzania with local farmers, through traditional Pare Villages and dense tropical forests. From half day to three day guided hikes, this is an opportunity to step into culture of the Pare people.

Highlights

• Visit the Mghmbi Caves, secret hiding place during the slave raids

• Visit the Malameni Rock, the scene of human safarices to appease evil spirits up until the 1930s

• Walk through the Ikongwe Village, believed by locals to be a gift from heaven, sourrounded by mountain terraces and small waterfalls.