In Tanzania, the land of superb landscapes and spectacular wildlife, another attraction that stands equally tall is the people. Tanzania’s people are among the most welcoming and approachable on earth, with a range of fascinating cultures ready to share with visitors. From Hadzabe of Lake Eyasi 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 experience of any holiday In Tanzania.

Cultural tourism programmes usually bring income directly to the local communities and give people the chance to show their lifestyle to the outside world on their own terms. Primary schools are developed through tours on the fascinating slopes of Mt Meru; health clinics are also improved through guided tours of the luscious green Usambara Mountains.

Cultural tourism programmes are beneficial to everyone – the tourists get a unique, unforgettable experience, the local people generate income and improve their standard of living, and both parties gain a valuable understanding of another culture which will last long after the visitors return home. Most cultural tourism programmes are located near the main thoroughfares of the principal tourist destinations, making a cultural addition to a safari easy to arrange. Guides are local people born and raised in the area, well trained in their job and proficient in English. Cultural tours can be half-day events or incorporated into a longer safari. Whether you spend the morning in a Maasai boma or trek by camel up a local summit, stopping to learn about traditional plants and tribal stories, a cultural tour is a must do for anyone wanting to see the rich life Tanzania people.

TOWN OF LONGIDO:

Longido town is situated 100 km north of Arusha on the way to Namanga and Nairobi.The town of Longido lies on the main road at the foot of Longido Mountain.Here you can observe the cattle market where cattle are herded every Wednesday to be sold.In Longido it is possible to have a unique experience to riding a Came with the Maasai.Bird watching treks can be arranging in Longido. There large numbers of colorful bird species in the area including the starling major, red and yellow bar bet, masked weaver, silverbill and the secretary bird. Trekking safari can also be arranged in Longido as it is a home to several mammals such as the Gerenuk, lesser kudu and klipspringer that are not typically found in the national parks. Giraffe, zebras, gazelles, buffaloes, mangoose and silver backed jackals are also found in the area.

ENGARUKA:

Situated 63 km north of Mto wa Mbu, on the road to Oldonyo Lengai and Lake Natron is one of Tanzania’s most important historic sites. Some 500 years ago, a farming community of several thousand people developed an ingenious irrigation and cultivation system that used a stone block canal to channels water from the Crater highlands rift escarpment to stoned lined cultivation terrace where they grew crops.The terrace were managed in in a way meant to prevent soil erosion and improve the soil fertility using manure from stall fed cattle.For unknown reasons, the farmers left Engaruka around 1700. Many questions remain unanswered who were the people living in Engaruka, how did they come to develop such an ingenious, farming system and who did they finally leave Engaruka.

BUSHMEN:

There are people who live in the forest near Lake Eyasi called “Bushmen” They still lead the traditional hunter/gatherer way of life just as the ancien man did.The depending on gathering fruits, hunting animals and live in caves or forest. Many do not waer clothes The tour of this area will enable you to see them in their daily activities and learn about their lives and culture first hand while experiencing the wildlife and nature all around you. The tour takes two/three nights there are five campsite where Accommodations can be arranged.

MTO WA MBU:

Mto Wa Mbu is located in the East Africa Rift Valley 120km from Arusha town and has approximately 18,00 in habitats.The village is situated at the confluence of three rivers , the Kirurumu River, Mohamoud river and Magadini river.The word Mto Wa Mbu means “Mosquito River”.Mto Wa Mbu on the border of lake Manyara National Park and is on the route to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park.It is the only point Africa where 4 languages meet ;the Nilotes, Cushtes, Bantu and Hamites all providing a unique cultural feature rarely found in the world. Mto wa mbu primary produces banana with many as thirty species of banana.In the village you will be able to visit a Maasai boma experience traditional tribe dancing, purchase crafts at the market,visit schools and community projects and sample traditional foods.In the village you can visit with the maasai and have a true culture experience that will be memorable for your entire life.Hike the rift valley wall and view Lake Manyara and experience the wildlife and natural surroundings that are a part of daily life here.

MONDULI JUU:

This cluster of village is located roughly 50kms to the northwest of Arusha. Here you will find picturesque scenery, medicine and jewelry tours with Maasai and have the opportunity to share a traditional meal of roast meat known as “nyama choma”.From Monduli juu it is possible to see panoramic views of Oldonyo Lengai the Rift Valley and Lake Natron. This cluster of village provides an in-depth experience into the maasai and Waarusha culture.Activities available here include walking and trekking tours of the Monduli Mountains evergreen rain forest tour , Kona saba Escarpment Climb Esserian Maasai Camp, Sominen dam site and much more.

Babati & Hanang – Manyara Region TCTP

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