Friends of Cultural tourism, Tanzania

Cultural Adventures!
We can take you to visit remote communities, unaffected by bus loads of tourists. Learn about the lives of the Tanzanian people, sample their food and listen to their traditional stories. This way you will see the 'Real Africa'and have an authentic experience to add to your Tanzania safari.

Tanzania is home to 120 different tribes, each with their own language! The Sukuma, Haya, Chagga, Nyamwezi, Hehe, Gogo and Makonde are the most significant in terms of population, although the Masai are the most famous, springing immediately to the mind of most visitors to Tanzania.

Africa Family Safris concentrates most cultural safaris in the Kilombero Valley, where you will meet and live alongside many different people, including Masai, WaSukuma, WaPorgoro, and WaDamba. The Wa- prefix literally means 'the people of...' so WaDamba means 'The People of the Valley'.

Mbeya
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.

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

Mamba and Marangu
conducted by the local people

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.

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:

Friends of 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

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.

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

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