When visiting Tanzania, Kenya, or any destination in East Africa – there is more to be seen and done than the classic game drive.
One of the often overlooked highlights of a safari in Tanzania or Kenya is undoubtedly the opportunity to interact with the diverse cultures that call East Africa home.
From the iconic Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania to lesser known tribes such as the Hadzabe and Chaga, there are a wealth of cultural tours and activities that can be added to your safari itinerary.
The Hadzabe bushmen are a walking, talking relic of Tanzania’s tribal past. A group that has resisted Tanzania’s rapid modernisation and held to their old hunter-gatherer ways in the face of it all.
A visit to Lake Eyasi to hunt alongside the Hadzabe and learn more about their culture is one of our most popular add-ons.
The visit also includes a chance to interact with the less known Datoga tribe.
An adventure to the Serengeti wouldn’t be complete without meeting the enchanting Maasai. This wonderful cultural excursion will immerse you in the fascinating ancestry of these noble people. At the Maasai village playing host to your tour, you will have the opportunity to meet with a Maasai family, visit a traditional boma, the village huts (called Manyatta), made of cow dung and clay plastered over stick frames, and perhaps venture to a local school or clinic. If you would like to extend your half-day adventure, and turn it into a full-day’s exploration, you can experience a day in the life of a young Maasai or, for an authentic interaction, watch a bloodletting ceremony. It is an extraordinary reality how the Maasai people live in the heart of the bush, with warthogs foraging and elephants trumpeting just on their periphery.
The most famous of Africa’s people, these fierce warriors are still practicing their ancestral way of life and are known for their pastoral traditions, living off their herds of cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys. Since time immemorial the Maasai moved nomadically in search of water and pasture for their herds. Today they have established permanent settlements, and many of the Maasai do not roam. They still exist on a diet of milk, blood, and meat, however, it is becoming very common place to supplement their diet with grain. The few Maasai left today still coexist collectively
Marangu in the Kilimanjaro area has been filled with natural and cultural heritage to offer the visitor. There are more than seven waterfalls in the vicinity, unique flora with tree, flower and fruit nurseries and fauna. Tour the slopes of Mt.Kilimanjaro and ascend to beautiful viewpoints. Tours through Marangu afford panoramic views of Mt.Kilimanjaro. You can visit the home and memorial of the late Yohana Lauwo, a Marangu native who accompanied Dr.Hans Meyer on the first recorded climb of Kilimanjaro in 1889, and read the original log books of Lauwo.
These tours include the Kinukamori and Moonjo falls and a visit to a Chagga house made of straw-roofing . See the first coffee tree planted in Tanzania and climb up Ngangu Hill. A trip to the African Art Centre that houses a collection of ancient and modern sculptures, carvings and paintings is also rewarding.
Mamba is a paradise for bird-watchers and nature lovers. Enjoy scenic waterfalls, tree, flower and fruit nurseries, the Laka Holes- large hiding caves used during the Chagga – Maasai wars, visit a wood carving school, meet a local blacksmith using ethnic methods to prepare spears and tools, and experience Chagga culture by visiting a traditional Chagga house.
An excursion to Coffee plantations or farms can be done in Arusha at slopes of Mt Meru or at villages in the clopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The tour entails visit to the characteristic small coffee farms that belong to the farmers who are members of the Village. During the program you will become familiar with the whole process of coffee production
You will also enjoy a local prepared lunch and ofcourse a cup of local coffee will be brewed. The farmers themselves will be guiding the visitors. The main activities during the coffee tour are: