Tanzania Cultural Tourism
Roam Free, See the Wild & Live the Safari
Experience Tanzania Cultural Tourism
Legacy Exchange Outfitters Cultural tourism adopts a community-based tourism approach in which the people are directly involved in designing, organizing tours, and showing tourists aspects of their lives in the area they live in. While economic benefit is derived from this activity, some cross-cultural exchange between visitors and the local people.
Our company aims to develop and promote cultural excursions, organized by local people in the natural environment where they live today. Cultural Tourism development took an approach of Sustainable Pro-poor Tourism. This is a way of doing tourism that focuses specifically on unlocking opportunities for the poor community to benefit more from tourism.
It is a rewarding experience to leave the safari car behind and climb the mountains of the agricultural tribes of northern Tanzania and Rwanda to see how coffee is grown by subsistence farmers or to walk across the plains to explore the rich traditions of the pastoral tribes whose culture is closely linked to nature and wildlife.
And for the visitors who want to meet fishermen, cultivators, wildlife scouts, rainmakers, and storytellers, the land between Serengeti and Lake Victoria is the place to be.
We aim at Cross-Cultural Exchange between Visitors and Local People & Promoting Sustainable Tourism.
Cultural tourism in Tanzania started as a program to help rural communities enjoy the benefit of the tourism sector of which they are a part. The program is the effort and initiatives of the Dutch Development organization known as SNV which has been directly involved in Tanzania’s community development programs, especially in the rural areas. The main goal is that rural communities should directly benefit from tourists who visit their areas. Cultural tourism allows local people such as Maasai, Pare, Sambaa, Wa-Arusha, Gogo, Nyakyusa, and Wazaramo to offer tours that show their culture, their sacred places of worship, economic activities, for example, farming, pastoralism, and fishing.
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The income generated is used by local people for specific development programs, such as the building of dispensaries, schools, and cattle dip sites.
BABATI/HANANG – 170 kms from Arusha
Rift Valley/Gorowa Culture – A special Barbaig cultural insight hike – An exclusive Mt. Hanang Climb – A fishing adventure with local canoes while viewing hippos on Lake Babati – Gorowa storyteller with information on rituals.
ENGARUKA – 180 kms from Arusha
Ruined city/Maasai – A guided walk through the mysterious ruined city – Thorough description of the past and present irrigation systems that keep the village green. – Bird-watching walks at the foot and slopes of the Rift Valley Escarpment.
ILKIDING’A – 7 km from Arusha
Slope Meru/Wa Arusha – A view into Wa-Arusha culture by visiting traditional healers and by tasting traditional food. – Walks through the fields on the slopes of Mt. Meru. – Visits craftsmen who produce stools, knives, jewelry, and other traditional objects.
KISANGARA – 90 kms from Moshi
Nyumba ya, Mungu Dam – Fishing expeditions at Nyumba ya Mungu Dam. – Spice tour and cooking traditional dishes – A visit to the Lembeni Herbal Hospital.
LONGIDO – 81 km from Arusha
Maasai/Mt. Longido – Walking safaris with Maasai warriors. – A climb up the impressive Longido Mountain – A view into the culture and daily life of the Maasai
MAMBA/MARANGU – 30 kms from Moshi
Slopes Kilimanjaro/Chagga – Walks by numerous waterfalls through lush green valleys with panoramic views of Kilimanjaro. – Visits to ancient hiding caves used during tribal wars. – Visit blacksmiths using traditional methods.
MKURU – 50 kms from Arusha
Maasai/Camel ride – A visit to the camel camp at the foot of Mt. Meru – Camel safaris varying in length half a day to one week – Bird-watching in the plains around Mkuru – A climb up Ol Doinyo Landaree, a pyramid mountain
MTO WA MBU – 120 km from Arusha
Mixed tribes/fields/rift – A walking tour of the farms and surrounding area at the foot of the Rift Valley – A trip to the Miwaleni Lake and Waterfall – A thorough explanation of the irrigation system – A view into the culture of the different tribes.
NGIRESI – 6 km from Arusha
Slopes Meru/Wa Arusha – A guided tour of farms on the green and steep slopes of Mt. Meru – A view into the Wa-Arusha culture (traditional health care, building styles) – A visit to several development projects
NORTH PARE – 110 km from Arusha
Pare Culture/hills – A walk through Kindoroko Forest Reserve – Thorough explanation of the medicinal power of plants and herbs growing in the area – A view into the Pare culture (old stories).
SOUTH PARE – 160 km from Arusha
Pare Culture/Mountains – A walk through the Chome Forest Reserve – A climb to Shengena Peak, the highest point in the Pare and Usambara Mountains – Walks to the Tona Moorland and Ranzi Dam
PANGANI – 350 kms from Moshi
Coast Culture/slave history – A visit to a former slave labor camp and slave market site – A river cruise through the vast coconut plantations – A walk through Pangani historical town – A fishing experience with local fishermen
WEST USAMBARA – 270 kms from Moshi
Wasambaa/Mountains – A visit to viewpoints on the edge of the mountains. – Hikes through dense natural forests and along small tumbling rivers – Visits to irrigation and soil conservation projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cultural Tourism
Tanzania boasts a wealth of cultural experiences. The Maasai people, known for their distinctive red attire and traditional lifestyle, can be encountered in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. Stone Town in Zanzibar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its Swahili architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant culture. Other cultural highlights include the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers, the Chagga people of Kilimanjaro, and the coastal Swahili culture.
Cultural tourism in Tanzania offers a wide range of experiences. You can participate in traditional Maasai dances and ceremonies, explore ancient ruins like Kilwa Kisiwani, visit local markets to experience the vibrant local life, and enjoy traditional Tanzanian cuisine. Many communities offer homestay programs, allowing visitors to live with local families and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.
Respectful interactions with tribal communities are essential. It’s crucial to obtain proper permits and be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Avoid taking photos without permission and be mindful of local customs and traditions. Many communities have established guidelines for visitor interactions, so it’s essential to follow them.
Tanzania’s culture can be experienced year-round, but certain times offer specific cultural highlights. For example, the harvest season brings traditional celebrations and festivities. However, the dry season (June to October) is generally more comfortable for travel.
Supporting local communities through responsible tourism is essential. Choosing local guides, staying at community-owned lodges, and purchasing handicrafts from local artisans can contribute to the economic well-being of the community. Respecting local customs, learning about the culture, and engaging in meaningful interactions are also crucial.
Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it’s essential to take precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in urban areas.
Tanzania’s cultural richness is a treasure waiting to be explored. By respecting local traditions and engaging with the community, you can have a truly enriching and unforgettable experience.
Our Reviews
Legacy Exchange Outfitters offers more than just a vacation. Eugene and his team work hard to provide their guests with a remarkable experience. However, sightseeing wild animals in their natural habitat is only part of the adventure.
Victoria Mayers – USA