Experience

Learn more about Tanzanian history and become involved in local cultural experiences

Maasai Boma Cultural Visit:

Arranged by a highly respected Maasai Chief, guests will visit and engage with one of the Maasai bomas (villages). Visitors will experience first-hand ceremonial dances and rituals. Hands-on experiences include dancing and Maasai jumping, carrying wood and water balanced on your head, and how traditional mud huts are built. In addition, guests will be welcomed inside one of the homes and a community leader will discuss how the Maasai culture continues today. Topics may include the continued tradition of male circumcision, marriage practices, religion and diet. We guarantee the question-answer period will be quite interesting and informative!

Since 2013, Chief Lobulu has represented the three largest bomas in the Tarangire region. He was instrumental in starting one of the first primary schools for Maasai children. Committed to maintaining the Maasai way of life, Chief Lobulu also understands the importance of his tribes’ connection with the modern world. Thus, as a leader and spokesman he works diligently to educate all Maasai children and teaches travelers the history and culture of the Tanzanian Maasai. For more information on the Maasai culture, go to maasai-association.org.

Brick-Making Village Tour:

Guests can make a visit to a local business near Karatu, whose major income is from making hand-made bricks. The visit will include a tour of the grounds and guests are welcome to experience the tasks required to make bricks from the local, rich, red clay soil. Chief Paola and his wife will lead this personal tour and afterward will delight visitors with a special musical presentation.

Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre:

Established in 1994, the Arusha Cultural Heritage Center is a place where visitors can view Tanzania’s history of 120-plus tribes through their creative art. The Centre showcases a unique collection of contemporary art and sculpture, artifacts, carvings and gemstones. A must see is the intricate 18-foot family tree carved from an ebony tree, taking 20 years to make.

Ebony Carving Demonstration:

Tanzania is known for its beautiful ebony wood carvings and sculptures. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit a local shop as well as experience the unique skills required to carve detailed figures such as animals, people and complex sculptures. Your ebony shop may even include the Ujamma “Tree of Life,” carved directly from the ebony wood tree.

Shanga House Visit:

Founded in 2007, the Shanga house has employed over 70 people with disabilities to make creative products from mainly recycled waste products. Guests receive a guided tour and can experience the locals diligently working at weaving, making jewelry, glass blowing, and metalwork. There are several shops where products can be purchased to help support this organization.

Hadzabe Bushman Tour:

One of the oldest indigenous ethnic tribes numbering around 350, the Hadza people still reside in north-central Tanzania. Descendants of aboriginal hunter-gatherers, visitors can learn and even practice their survival skills.

Mto Wa Mbu Village Cultural Tour & Driving Tour of Arusha City:

Mto Wa Mbu, home to more than 28,000 people, is composed of approximately 120 tribes. Hiking or biking through this scenic and diverse rural landscape will introduce visitors to how eco-tourism and cultural diversity works in this agricultural community. International partners are assisting the village with improving education, health and environmental conservation.

Arusha, known as the gateway city to the Serengeti, is also a major international diplomatic hub. The third largest city in population, visitors will get a taste of everyday Tanzanian urban life as we drive through to see the colorful market places, cultural landmarks and official buildings. Time permitting, we will visit their first shopping mall and supermarket!