CULTURAL TOURISM IN TANZANIA

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 share with visitors to almost any part of the country. From the WaChagga of the slopes of Kilimanjaro to the now world-famous Maasai,a cultural excursion or longer stay among local people is likely to become one of the most rewarding experiences of any holiday in Tanzania. In addition, many local areas run their own cultural programmes for visitors, bringing income directly to the community and giving the bringing income directly to the community and giving the people the chance to show their lifestyle to the community and giving the people the chance to show their lifestyle to the outside world on their own terms. Primary schools can be developed through a tour of the fascinating slopes of Mount Meru, a health clinic is improved through a guided tour of the luscious green Usambara Mountains, or a kindergarten funded by stroll through the tropical vegetation of the rift valley.
Cultural tourism programmes are benefitial 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 cultural tourism programmes are located near the main thoroughfares of the principal tourist destinations, making a cultural addition to a safari easily arranged. Guides are local people born and raised in the area, well trained in their jobs and proficient in English.
Some of Tanzania’s best known cultural tourism destinations include:
Kilimanjaro-why not combine a hike up the world’s most impressive mountain with a visit to it’s people, the historically progressive WaChagga? See traditional and modern Chagga art, culture and homes.
Maasailand-see how the Maasai, among the last of the world’s pastrol peoples, are adapting to the 21st century-in their own way and in their own time. Visit Engaruka, the lost city in the shadow of the Great Rift Wall, where Maasai mix irrigation, farming and traditional herding.
Meru- only minutes in any direction from bustling Arusha are spots that look and feel as they did decades ago. But everywhere, too, is 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, or buy carvings and foodstuffs from local handicraft cooperatives or women’s businesses.
The Usambaras-Africa’s Switzerland, a hiker’s paradise, with dozens of varied treks from half a day to a week. The stunning mountains district of Lushoto was home to one of Tanzania’s great historical kingdoms.