A Visit to
The Region of Mbeya
conducted by the grassroots organization Sisi Kwa Sisi Society

Approximate Fee: US $

Accommodation: hotels, guesthouse, campsite

Food: restaurants

In the far south of Tanzania, bordering the countries of Malawi and Zambia, lies the fascinating Region of Mbeya.   The landscape is characterized by various relief forms created by the volcanic powers of the African Rift Valley.  Several old volcanoes, some of them once exploded, lie scattered over the region, and at many places you can discover hot springs.   Changes in the altitude and rainfall have enabled a large variety of vegetation to grow on the volcanic soils.  In the lower areas you can travel through savannas and woodlands, while on the mountain slopes you can see dense natural forests and afro-alpine moorland.

We, the youth of Sisi Kwa Sisi Society offer you:

• A visit to the magnificent Ngosi Crater Lake, where local legends recount tales of a monster residing under the water's surface

• A view into the traditional cultures of the people living in Mbeya region

• Climbs to different mountain peaks in the region overlooking awesome views of the East African Rift Valley

• Visits to the Mbozi Meteorite Stone and the Natural Bridge at Kiwira

The profit will be used to invest in agricultural projects of the Sisi Kwa Sisi Society.

A Visit to
The Camel Camp at Mkuru
conducted by the Maasai of Mkuru

Approximate Fee: US $

Accommodation: campsite

Food: bring own food

Welcome to the camel camp at Mkuru, where you can make camel safaris to the plains between Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and Lake Natron, and enjoy the friendly behavior of the "ship of the desert."  Mkuru is situated on the north side of Mount Meru, not far away from the irrigated fields of Engare-Nanyookye and the Momela gate of Arusha National Park.  From a distance the area can be easily recognized through the remarkable shape of Ol Doinyo Landaree, the little mountain that looks like a pyramid.

We, the Maasai of Mkuru offer you:

• A visit to the camel camp at the foot of Mount meru

• A thorough explanation of the way camels are kept in the semi-arid plains

• Camel safaris varying in length from half a day to one week

• Bird-watching walks through the plains around Mkuru

• A climb up Ol Doinyo Landaree, the mountain with the shape of a pyramid

• A view into the culture and daily life of the Maasai

• A delicious cup of camel milk

The profit will be used for running a kindergarten for Maasai children.  Your visit helps us to improve.

A Visit to
Mamba and Marangu
conducted by the local people

Approximate Fee: US $

Accommodation: first class hotel not included

Food: restaurant

At the foot of Kilimanjaro lie the beautiful towns of Marangu and Mamba. Here, local people have planned various walking tours through valleys with numerous waterfalls, and to show you mountain village life.   Enjoy the panoramic scenes and natural beauty of Kilimanjaro.  Tours can include the following:

• Guided tours leading to panoramic viewpoints ideal for photography of waterfalls and Mount Kilimanjaro

• Visits to historical sites from clan wars and ancient legends including large hiding caves used during the Chagga-Maasai wars

• Visit local blacksmiths who continue using ancestral methods to prepare Maasai spears and tools

• Opportunity to experience Chagga culture with a visit to a traditional Chagga house

Profits from tourism will go towards the Kilimanjaro Village education Project.   This group assists with improving education at both the primary and secondary level.

A Visit to
The Slopes of Mt. Meru
conducted by the villagers of Ng'iresi

On the slopes of Mount Meru you can experience real African village life. The photo at the right shows two Wa-Arusha villagers in Ng'iresi.

We the villagers of Ng'iresi offer you:

• A guided tour of some farms on the green slopes of Mt. Meru

• A visit to a number of development projects in our village (soil conservation, irrigation, cross breeding, bio gas, fish nursery)

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

• A view into the Wa-arusha culture (old stories, traditional houses)

• Delicious lunch and dinner prepared by the Juhudi women's group

• Visit a traditional healer where you can see ancient remedies that have been used for thousands of years

Profits from your visit to Ng'iresi are used to improve our primary school.

A Visit to
The Village of Mulala
conducted by the villagers of Mulala

Just outside Arusha lies the picturesque village of Mulala, on the slopes of Mount meru.  Tours begin at Mama Anna's farm, which is also home to the Usangi Women's Group.  Here you are offered:

• A tour of Mama Anna's quaint cheese and butter making dairy

• A guided tour crisscrossing coffee and banana farms to the top of Lemeka Hill

• A glimpse of the daily life of Meru farmers, information on surrounding vegetation and crops

• A walk to the Marisha River banks, home of colorful birds and playful monkeys

• A school visit to a local primary school where children will greet visitors with songs and dance.

Development fees from the tourism revenues in Mulala will go towards funding the Mulala Primary School.  Your visit will help improve the quality of education in the area.

A Visit to
The Ruins of Engaruka
conducted by Maasai warriors

Guided by Maasai warriors, walk through the mysterious ruined city of Engaruka and the surrounding scrubland.  Located at the foot of the Rift Valley Escarpment, Engaruka remains one of Tanzania's most important historic sites.  Over 500 years ago a community of farmers developed a unique irrigation and cultivation system channeling water from the Rift Escarpment into stone canals and terraces.  Although abandoned in the 1700s Engaruka illustrates a once highly specialized and integrated agricultural community which has been investigated by archeologists world-wide.

• Daywalks for birdwatching at the foot and slopes of the Rift Valley

• Historic visits to sites from the German colonial period

• A climb of Oldoinyo Lengai, a semi-active volcanic mountain

• A view into the Maasai culture, who continue a life of simplicity and peace

Profits from your visit are used to protect the ruined city of Engaruka

A Visit to
Longido Mountain
conducted by Maasai warriors

Experience one of Africa's most fascinating cultures, the Maasai, while visiting Longido Mountain. . Spend a day walking around the extensive plains of Longido Mountain and get some insight into traditional African culture.

The picture shows a haircut taking place near Longido

Tours include:

• Walking safaris with Maasai warriors over the slopes of Longido Mountain

• Birdwatching walks over the plains

• A climb up impressive Longido Mountain, through dense natural forest

• A view into the culture and daily life of the Maasai

• Sipping tea with Maasai people in a real Maasai Boma

• Explanation of various plants in the surrounding area by a local guide

Tourism profits will go towards the construction of a cattle dip.  This project will ensure that the Maasai can effectively continue their livelihood through a healthy herd of cattle and goats, free of tick-borne disease.

A Visit to the
Northern Pare Mountains
conducted by local people

The spectacular Northern Pare Mountains offer unique opportunities to experience the Pare culture of Tanzania.  Guided tours include the following:

• A walk through Kindoroko Forest Reserve

• Climbing to different mountain peaks

• Thorough explanations of medicinal power of plants and herbs growing in the area

• A trip to the fishing villages at Lake Nyumba ya Mungu, where birdlife is overwhelming

• A view into the Pare culture, with tales of ancient Pare legends.

Tourism profits will be used to assist a local health clinic in the area.

A Visit to the
Southern Pare Mountains
conducted by local people

Deep within the Southern Pare Mountains, about 150km from Moshi town are the Mbaga Hills.  Rising from the plains, visitors will be led through winding roads into the mountains where you can experience some of Africa's most spectacular scenery.  A visit to the Southern Pare Mountains are ideal for people wanting to combine trips with the Mkomazi Game Reserve.  With a strong history of German settlement, Mbaga is home to a backdrop of quaint stone buildings, landscaped terraces and mini-waterfalls.  Guests can enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere during a stay at the Hill-Top Tona Lodge.  Guided tours of the area will offer you:

• A walk through the Chome Forrest Reserve, a tropical forest of over 100 sq. km.

• A climb to Shengena Park, the highest point in the Pare and Usambara Mountains

• Walks to the Tona Mountains and Ranzi Dam

• Visits to development projects in the area (irrigation, soil conservation, tree planting)

• A chance to see ruins from Colonial times

Development fees from the tours will be used to subsidize energy=saving stoves and for educational scholarships to the local vocational training center.

A Visit to
Mto wa Mbu
conducted by local people

Mto wa Mbu offers both walking and bicycle tours through some magnificent scenery. Conveniently located on the way to the Serengeti, and Ngorogoro Crater, Mto wa Mbu provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to stretch their legs and compliment their holiday with a cultural safari.  Here you can see a mixture of different Tanzanian cultures while enjoying the tropical lush-green vegetation at the foot of the Rift Valley.  The inhabitants of Mto wa Mbu offer:

• A climb to Balaa Hill where you can overlook the whole town

• A chance to experience everyday life and culture of the many different tribes living in the area

• A trip to Miwaleni Lake and waterfalls, where papyrus plants grow abundantly and you can see massive baobob trees that are over 5,000 years old

• Visits to various development projects which strive to improve income generating activities for farmers through agricultural improvement

• Opportunity to see and sample numerous tropical fruits and vegetables

Profits from Mto wa Mbu will be used for the promotion of energy=saving stoves.

A Visit to the
Usambara Mountains
conducted by local farmers

Introduction

The Usambara Mountains are situated in the northeastern part of Tanzania between Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean. The mountains rise up steeply from the surrounding plains and can only be entered via a few roads. The only paved road in the area winds along a small river to Soni and Lushoto, the largest towns in the area. Because of its pleasant climate, the mountains were favored by the Germans and the English during colonial times, as is evidenced by the numerous historic buildings from the past.

From a distance the mountains are a colorful mosaic. On the fertile slopes around Soni and Lushoto farmers cultivate small plots but further away from the towns large areas are still covered by dense tropical forests.

The viewpoints on the southern and western side of the Usambara are well known for the spectacular views of the plains of Mkomazi and Handeni. Kilimanjaro can be seen on the horizon and at the end of the day the sunset turns the area into a tremendous pallet of unforgettable colors.

STATEMENT:
We the farmers of the Usambara Mountains offer you:

• visits to superb viewpoints on the edge of the Mountains

• a visit to several development projects in the district (soil conservation, irrigation, cross breeding, forestry, health care)

• a climb to Kwa Mongo, the mountain home to a vast number of beautiful butterflies

• walks through dense natural forests and along small rivers that race downhill

• a view into the history and daily life of the Wasambaa farmers

• visits to a traditional pottery village

  The profit will be used within the several development projects in our district:

PROPOSED TOURS

Irente Viewpoint tour (4 to 6 hours)
This most famous viewpoint in the Usambara mountains is just an hour's walk from Lushoto. From the viewpoint you see the village of Mazinde almost 1,000 meters below you. On the way back you pass the village of Irente juu, where you will visit the crossbreeding and soil conservation projects at Mr. Mwindadi's hamlet. The trip can be extended with visits to a nearby waterfall and the viewpoints of Kambe and Kwa Mkeke.

Usambara farm and flora tour (4 to 5 hours)
Starting from Lushoto you walk through one of the most fertile parts of the Usambara mountains to the village of Vuli. On your way you will visit a cheese factory and learn about the different trees and plants in the area. In Vuli you visit some farms where people are just starting soil conservation and irrigation projects. After an extensive explanation about farming in the Usambara mountains, you return via another route to Lushoto.

Growing rock tour (4 to 5 hours)
Starting from Soni you walk through the villages of Shashui and Kwemula to the foot of Kwa Mongo. In half an hour you can climb this mountain which has a colorful variety of butterflies on top, and oversee the Southern Usambara Mountains, including Soni and Lushoto, and the Handeni plains. From here you descend to Magila, situated on the foot of the growing rock, where you visit two irrigation projects and the tree nursery of the primary school. The farmers and schoolteachers will tell you all the ins and outs of their development projects and explain, before your return to Soni, why the rock is growing.

Bangala river tour (5 to 7 hours)
Walking along river valleys, sometimes wading through the water, you descend to the village of Bangala. On your way you have a beautiful view over the Maasai plains, you will see a traditional irrigation system and can visit a Wasambaa farm. In Bangala you can visit the tree nursery at the primary school and afterwards take a bus back to Soni or walk back via Vuga hill.

Western Usambara mountains tour (3 to 5 days)
Via the villages of Lukozi, Manolo and Sunga you reach the former German settlement of Mtae. On the way you pass through tropical forests, trek over mountains, go to several superb viewpoints and visit various development projects. If time permits you can also trek past Mlalo

Mazumbae forest reserve tour (4 to 5 days)
Via Kwa Mongo and Magila (irrigation and soil conservation projects) you go to Bumbuli mission (historic German settlement). From there you make a tour through the Masumbae forest reserve, famous for its many birds, and return to Soni.

Potter Traditional Adventure tour
Via Magamba tropical rain forests, trek towards Klaizi village. Located near Mloala village lies the village of Kilieti, where you can find Namisfueli Nyeki developing pottery workshops. Visitors can observe and participate in the age-old tradition of pottery making.

A Visit to the
Babati & Hanang
conducted by the people of Babati & Hanang

INTRODUCTION:
Babati district is located along the Arusha-Dodoma road in the Rift Valley, south of Lake Manyara Park and west from Tarangire. The town boasts Lake Babati where floating hippos can be seen and which is rich in fish, both  tilapia and Nile perch. Here commercial and farming tribes co-exist with conservative cattle herding tribes to provide a distinguished cultural contrast. In Hanang District close by the beautiful  Mount Hanang (3418m), live  the Barbaig people whose traditional culture is still unchanged and unspoiled. The   women wear traditional goatskin dresses and the men walk around with spears. Visitors can mix  freely with the Barbaig, commonly known as the Mangati living in the Mangati plains. If you are interested in bird watching, 400 bird species will welcome you on your walks in the area

STATEMENT:
Welcome to the fertile lands and farmland where most crops grow on the edge of  the Rift Valley. Here you can walk and see a mixture of tribal cultures and rural life as lived by ordinary Tanzanians off the well trodden Tourist Circuits. 

• A special Barbaig cultural insight hike

• An exclusive Mount Hanang climb

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

• A chance to participate in local brick and pottery making and beer brewing

• A visit to development projects like cattle, dairy farming, piped water projects

• Cycling expedition through remote areas

The profit will be used to improve the primary school in two villages. Your visit helps to improve the education of the children.

BACKGROUND:
Babati district is located along the Arusha-Dodoma road in the Rift Valley, south of Lake Manyara Park and west from Tarangire. The town boasts Lake Babati where floating hippos can be seen and which is rich in fish, both  tilapia and Nile perch. Here commercial and farming tribes co-exist with conservative cattle herding tribes to provide  a distinguished cultural contrast. In Hanang District close by the beautiful  Mount Hanang (3418m), live  the Barbaig people whose traditional culture is still unchanged and unspoilt. The  women wear traditional goatskin dresses and the men walk around with spears. Visitors can mix  freely with the Barbaig, commonly known as the Mang'ati living in the Mangati plains. If you are interested in bird watching, 400 bird species will welcome you on your walks in the area.

Facilities:
Full board accommodations in selected local hotels and guesthouses in Babati and Katesh. Selected family homes / huts in the villages with basic standards and without   running water. Temporary self catering campsites can be organised. In the villages women provide food. Lunch boxes can be ordered from Joas Kahembe.

Recommended equipment:
Good walking shoes, sleeping bag (mattress), water bottle, filter or micro-pure tablets,   anti-malaria pills and torch.

How to get there:
All the tours are organized by the coordinator, Mr.Kahembe, at Babati 172 km from Arusha. There are regular bus services Arusha B Babati starting from 7.30 a.m. Within 3 hours you will reach Babati centre. From Karatu it is a 5 hours drive to Babati. Ask for Kahembe's Guest House, a 5 minutes walk from the main bus stand. Transfers can be organized by the coordinator's office at special tariff.

Katesh is a one and a half hours drive from Babati or four and a half hours drive from Karatu. A distance which can be covered by public transport or by private vehicle.  

Half day tour:
You visit Managhat village, original home of the Gorowa tribe but now also a home for migrants. You will see dairy farming activities, farming with ox ploughs, bio gas system, local Gorowa huts and a Killer Beekeeping Project at the bottom of Mount Kwaraa (2415m)

One day tour:
You walk to Managhat village (see above) and climb Bambaay Hill from where you see the beautiful Rift Valley landscape with Lake Babati and Lake Manyara. The Rift Valley Escarpment in the background and the Masaai Steppe at the east. Later you visit a respected Gorowa tribesmans, Mzee Kwaraa, at his home. He will tell you about Gorowa culture, marriage, rain prayers, burial, religious and circumcision rituals. Optionally one can row, fish and view hippo=s on Lake Babati, using local canoes.

Three Day's Special Barbaig Tour:
Day 1:
This tour begins with a 70 km bus ride from Babati to Katesh. Lunch in a local hotel. From here you start a 16 km bush walk towards the Mangati plains. In Dirma, a Barbaig nomad village, you will be warmly welcomed at Mzee Gavachu's boma. In no time you will see Barbaig women and men coming to see their new guests. Our Barbaig guide will help to translate where only Barbaig language is spoken. Seated on three legged stools you have dinner prepared by the women. In the huts a bed with a skin only is waiting for you.

Day 2
A relaxed day where the visitor can mix freely with people and gain the cultural insights from men and women, taking pictures together and knowing more about procedures of marriage, burial of elderly men, religious rituals, local taboos etc.  Have a look at how they make the goatskin gowns and the ornaments, how they prepare the famous honey brew called Gisuda.  One can try to herd cattle or fetch water the Barbaig way. The only school and dispensary can be visited where you can talk with teachers and nurses.

Day 3
Walk back to Katesh, where you have lunch, further bus trip to Babati or Arusha. 

Mount Hanang (3 418m) Trekking:
From Katesh, the fourth highest mountain of Tanzania,  can be climbed in one day. An early start is necessary with guides and porters through farmland, forest, scrub and grasslands. Finally, after 5 - 6 hours walking, you will reach the summit. Another 3 - 4 hours is needed  for the descent.  But it is advisable to climb from Gendabi at the foot of the mountain, a 3 hours walk from Katesh. Teachers from the Secondary school will provide accommodation and food. After spending the night in the village you climb and have more time to enjoy the scenery. Summiteers will receive a certificate.

God's Bridge Walk:
Drive from Babati to Bacho village at the foot of the Rift Wall where you visit local fish ponds. Along local paths climb the escarpment and visit God=s Bridge with a fantastic view. Descend and walk to the main road where you drive back to Babati   

Combined tours
All tours can be combined. A cycling expedition can be organized on request.

For birdwatchers exclusive safaris are designed. A combination of a visit to the National Parks with our Cultural tour is possible. The five hours drive from Karatu,  Mbulu, Dareda to Katesh  is of an extreme beauty.  From Katesh, the Tarangire gate can be reached within three hours.   For detailed information contact the coordinator, Joas Kahembe in Babati tel 027 2531088.

A Visit to
Ilkiding’a
conducted by the young people of Ilkiding'a

FEES: Not much, comparable to the others, we'll tell you via e-mail before you come.

GUIDES:
The guides are all youngsters born and raised in the village. They all finished secondary education and are familiar with English. Most of them are members of the Maasai Cultural Dancing Group E.N.MASARIE and people enjoy their performances. They were honored to be chosen by the authorities to welcome President Moi of Kenya at the airport. All the guides of the Cultural Tourism Programme can be recognized through an identity card and you are strongly advised not to walk with unauthorized guides.

STATEMENT:
Welcome to our village at the foot of Mount Meru where the sounds of rivers, birds and people are in harmony.  A cultural tour of Ilkiding'a will give you the opportunity to experience traditional Wa-arusha culture. Spend a day walking around the hills of Ilkiding'a and get some insight into traditional African culture.  Tours include:

• A view into the culture of the Wa-arusha

• A warm welcome in local household and have a look in the way an extended family is living

• A visit to craftsmen and a traditional healer

• A walk through the farms where people produce cash crops to supply Arusha town

• A rest at viewpoints overlooking Arusha town

• Hikes along narrow footpaths, crossing a canyon and climbing small hills

• Traditional food prepared by our women

Tourism profits are invested in improvement of the primary school so that our children get a better education.

How to get there:
Ilkiding’a lies at 10 km north of Arusha town, a 30 minutes drive. At the Ilboru Junction cars can be hired. Walking is also possible but it will take you two hours to reach the starting point. From Arusha town, take the small road north at the Ilboru junction on the Nairobi – Moshi road. Follow the Ilboru Safari Lodge sign. At the pink Loning’o shop take right. Follow the main road, leaving the signboard of the Ekenywa secondary school on your left, follow the main road, at the primary school, on the left close to a blue painted church, a guide will be waiting for you. From here you go to the boma of the Sembeo family, half an hour’s walking or 10 minutes driving. From this traditional household the tour starts

THE TOURS

Half day tour:
In this tour you start at Sembeo’s household where several traditionally built, round houses give you an idea of how an extended family lives together. The view of the Ngarenaro valley and Leleto hill is beautiful and the presence of the Mount Meru makes it unique. Sembeo will show you how knives are made and will explain how he runs his business. From here you walk through a small coffee plantation and enter the open fields where potatoes, cabbages, maize, beans and other crops are cultivated. In Ilkisongo you will enjoy the view overlooking Arusha town. Afterwards you walk down to the house of the traditional healer. He is ready to answer all your questions and will give advice if needed. From there you head on to visit a craftsmen group. Small wooden stools, jewelry, knives and traditional clothing are made by the members. If you have had enough walking you can be picked up by car or you can carry on to the canyon of Njeche. Scrambling into the canyon is an adventure. Abundant plants cover caves and rocky walls.

Full day tour:
From the same starting point you go down to the Ngarenaro river, cross it and start climbing Leleto hill. From here you have a view on the Maasai steppe and its volcanoes. Then you walk through the fields in the direction of the forest reserve of Mount Meru National Park. You have a rest at Ilkisongo viewpoint. From here you go back to Sembeo’s household where the women’s group is waiting for you with a traditional meal. Maize, milk and red beans are the basic ingredients of the dishes. You walk down to visit the traditional healer, the craftsmen group and the canyon. You visit the primary school where money generated from tourism as Development Fees is used to rehabilitate the school. Tourists who still want to walk can continue down to Arusha in less then two hours.You won’t walk alone. People are going to and from town. You are one of them.

Arusha - Ilkiding’a - Arusha
This is a 7 hours trip for people in good walking condition. The guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning. Along narrow paths, passing the suburbs of town, you enter the fields of the Wa arusha people in Ilboru. You pass the springs where people get their water for daily use, you visit a water catchment site, built with the help of OXFAM, a primary school, the Njeche canyon, visit the craftsman, and have lunch at Sembeo’s place. From there you walk back to Arusha, passing other villages and coming out on the Moshi – Nairobi road.This trip can also be done with mountain bikes.

A Visit to the
Pangani Coast
conducted by the people of the Pangani Coast

FEES: Not much, comparable to the others, we'll tell you via e-mail before you come.

GUIDES:
Our guides are trained and knowledgeable local people who have grown up in the Pangani area. All of the guides can speak English and have many interesting stories and facts to share about the history and culture of Pangani. Our guides are very happy to answer any of your questions and are also looking forward to learn more about your culture. On request, the Pangani Tour Guides can lead you to telephone, bank, hospital, shopping, library and religions services.

ORIENTATION:
Pangani is situated about 50km south of Tanga, at the extreme North-Eastern corner of Tanzania. Several historical sites serve as reminders for the strong Arabic influence and the later German, British colonial period in East Africa.

STATEMENT:
Welcome to the land of historical Swahili and Arab culture existing today. Along the coastline of the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean lies the historic town of Pangani. Coral reefs and white sand beaches are some of the natural treasures which await discovery but equally fascinating is the rich culture and tradition which can be experienced with local people..

Pangani offers you:

• Guided walking tours of Pangani town passing through historical buildings which show the Arabic coastal influence

• Visits to a former slave labor camps and slave market site

• Excursions on a fishing boat with fisherman at work

• River cruises through the vast coconut plantations of Pangani

• Chance to snorkel on attractive coral where huge sea turtles roam

The profits from your visit will be used to subsidize the Pangani District Educational Trust Fund. Your visit helps us to improve the educational standard in our District.

THE TOURS

Historical Walking Tour:
In Pangani, town elders, serve as knowledgeable guides who can impart their vast understanding of Pangani history and culture as they lead you through Pangani town. In 1810, the Arabs constructed the Central Boma building and buried live humans at each pillar in belief that a strong foundation would be formed. Later, German administration used the establishment as a Colonial District office and added a European style roof giving the building a unique appearance. The intricate carved doors and foundation still remain strong and is now used as the District Commissioner’s Office.

Starting from the British Overseas Management Administration (BOMA), guided walks will lead to numerous historical monuments which Pangani is endowed with. Tours include visits to the original slave depots and slave market where Arabs traded slaves to India and Arabia, the freedom grounds, Islamic and German graves, ancient mosques and traditional houses will give Tourists good insight into the 15th & 16th Century history and culture of Pangani town. Meanwhile artisans proudly display the rich culture and tradition as visits to woodcarvers, basket weavers, carpet makers, and painters will attest.

Coconut Sunset Cruise:
Coconut farming is a major income activity in the Pangani area as the vast coconut plantations in the area provide Tanzania with over 50% of coconuts. Starting nearby the port, a large team of 40 to 50 workers dehusk and haul giant mounds of coconuts which are transported by road to Dar es Salaam and other Inland Market Centres. After experiencing this labor intensive process, cruises begin down the river Pangani where Hippos, crocodiles lurk and fishermen reel in their day’s catch. The stunning scenery of never-ending coconut plantations will conclude with a lovely sunset over the river and sipping freshly picked coconut juice. 

Agricultural and Nature Walk:
This tour allows you to experience both the beautiful scenery and culture of Pangani. Tours commence in town and continue with visits to local farmers. Guides will lead you to various agricultural projects in the area, along with visits to the coconut processing, at Kikokwe German fort facing Pemba Channel. It is the birth place of sisal in Africa where Dr Richard Hindroph - a German Botanist planted the first Sisal seedlings in 1892. Later on, the guides will lead you to sisal estates and factories then to sisal plantations. Further more your guides will lead you along the coastline to a unique coral shore where the fossils of 200 - 300 million years, old dinosaurs rests at the area known as Mkomo and Mwanaunguja coral. During this tour you can swim or rest on some of the most spectacular beaches in Tanzania. Tours finally conclude with home visits with local families who will prepare for you authentic coastal cuisine and typical ethnic culture of coastal life.

Other Activities in the Area:
There are numerous activities in Pangani to keep you busy. Sports fishing, swimming, cycling, and snorkeling with the sea turtles, are some of activities that are also available. They can either be done separately or combined to make your tour more enjoyable. Also, social evening tours can be arranged according to your interests. Dolphins at Maziwe Island, Beaches and Game Reserves, Hippo pools and green turtles at Madete shall be added to your tours schedule on request. 

A Visit to
Kisangara Chini
conducted by the people of Kisangara

FEES:
Not much, comparable to the others, we'll tell you via e-mail before you come.

GUIDES:
Our guides are all former Secondary School Students who studied here and have been trained to fully understand  the programme activities. Each guide has an identity card from the Cultural Tourism Programme. Please avoid walking with unauthorized guides.

Facilities:
At the center there is good accommodation and catering facilities. Self-contained cottages and camping sites suit all kind of travelers. Transport can be arranged at the center.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Kisangara is easily accessible by public transport from Arusha, Moshi and Dar es Salaam. From Dar es Salaam take an Arusha coach (6h), from Arusha take a Dar es Salaam coach (2h30) and from Moshi you can take a coach to Same, Tanga, or Dar es Salaam (1h). In each case you should ask to be dropped off at Kisangara Chini, 12 km south from Mwanga. From here you follow the road sign east of the road or ask the people for the HASHA PROJECT. It takes about 30 minutes on foot. 

STATEMENT:
In the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Pare Mountains lays Kisangara Chini, gateway to Nyumba ya Mungu, House of God, dam. Fisherman migrated from Lake Victoria to settle at the lake. On the close by mountains important cultural sites of the Pare people can be found. In the plain the visitor can experience and get involved practically in various economic and cultural activities:                 

• Carpentry, brick making, brewing local beer and visiting a sisal factory.

• Spice tour, cooking traditional dishes, weaving household items and dancing with local women’s groups.

• Hiking tour up Mount Kindoroko with forestry activities

• A visit to the Lembeni Herbal Hospital.

• Fishing expeditions at Nyumba ya Mungu dam.

The profit will be used to make primary school desks. Your visit helps to improve the education of the

ORIENTATION:
The Kisangara Cultural Tourism Programme is situated 62 km south-east of Moshi in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Pare Mountains. The center is reached from Mwanga town which is located on the Dar es Salaam – Moshi/Arusha main road. Kisangara Chini village is about 12 km south of Mwanga. Small local factories nearby produce bricks, stoves, pottery and sisal fibers. In their backyards some families make local beer by using traditional brewing methods inherited from their grand- parents. Every Sunday and Thursday there is a colorful  market. Farmers from the surrounding villages come to sell their harvest. High on the mountain, protected by natural forests and moorland,   you can find important cultural sites of the Pare people. In these forests cultural ceremonies still take place. From the mountain tops, wide and spectacular views over the surrounding plains unfold showing the extensive Kisangara Sisal Estate. On the horizon you see the long drawn-out lakes of Jipe to the east and Nyumba ya Mungu to the west, the Taita and Kiteto hills. Mount Kilimanjaro is a stone’s throw way. From many places the impressive snow capped mountain can be seen. 

Farming Projects:
At the center of this Cultural Tourism Programme is  Habari ya Shamba – HASHA PROJECT which deals with appropriate technology and farming.Here you can become involved in farming activities and learn about various technologies like solar energy, rain water harvesting etc. 

THE TOURS

Half day tours:
Carpentry, bricks and beer tour:
This tour takes you to the carpentry workshop where you can participate in the making of various items. From there you visit a brick factory where you can see the whole process. To slake one’s thirst we finish with the brewing of local beer by squeezing sugar cane.

Lembeni Herbal Hospital:
Lembeni Herbal Hospital is 3 km from the center . Here you have an opportunity to talk with doctors and patients. You’ll see and be told about various herbal medicines used to treat different diseases.

Full day tours:
Kindoroko Mountains:
This hike starts from the center and takes you through the forest. Forestry activities like visiting a tree nursery and planting trees can be included. At the top you are rewarded by spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Lake Jipe and Nyumba ya Mungu dam.

Spice tour:
The spice tour takes you through spice and herb gardens. Back at the center you will be involved in the preparation and cooking of a spiced meal. After eating a cultural interaction with villagers and local dances follow.   

Nyumba ya Mungu:
Drive to the Nyumba ya Mungu  - House of God – dam with its electricity power station. Fisherman migrated from Lake Victoria to settle here. They like to talk with visitors while repairing their fishing nets. Adventurous visitors can make an excursion in canoes and try to catch a fish. Walking along the shores rich with bird life is a unique experience.