Treepol

Dear Fodorites,

I am beginning to think about a return trip to Africa in 2008. One of our party is very keen to do a quality cultural visit to a tribal village. We expect to be in Samburu, Meru, Shaba, Aberdares, Nakuru, Naivasha maybe Tsavo East areas in Kenya and the Northern Circuit in Tanzania.

I have details of the Green Footprint Cultural Walk - can anyone help with first hand accounts of this or any other cultural village visit?

Thanks in advance,

Pol

Calo

Pol:
Perhaps I can offer a bit of insight into some of the cultural village visits available in Northern Tanzania. They vary quite a bit depending on how much interaction you want and how "off the beaten path" you want to go.

For example, there are those such as in the village of Ngiresi which is only about 7km out of Arusha, and there are others that offer overnight experiences in a Masai boma. Somewhere in between are the more commercial Masai boma visits where there is a fairly steady stream of tourists passing through. There are also visits with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes in the Lake Eyasi region of N Tanzania. I'm sure others on the Forum will be able to add lots to what I've provided here!

Interesting that only 1 of your party is "keen to do a quality cultural visit to a tribal village". Tanzania has a staggering diversity of culture, flora and fauna. So often it is easy to design a safari around the wildlife and we forget about the people who contribute to making Tanzania such a fascinating, friendly place.

purple

We were lucky enough, while in Tanzania, to go to a Real Boma. A Real Masaai Village. Our driver grew up Masai and he took us there for a visit. Saw them bringing in the cows, milking them and met one of his 3 wives. Even got to take pictures inside and outside the boma. Something we will never forget. I must admit I went for the animals but loved the people and learning about the culture. Made it a well rounded trip

Aleksandra

This year I was visiting Tanzania, having two cultural visits: one in Mto Wa Mbu near Lake Manyara, and another one in a traditional Maasai boma, not a touristic one, near Klein's gate in Serengeti. Both with Green Footprint Adventures, who organized our safari.

I really do recommend. You can see how people are living and this is an experience you will never forget. You really start to appreciate strongly you were born in Europe - the local people do not seem unhappy, though, and are very, very friendly. We even ate the local lunch in the village - it was delicious and we are still healthy afterwards, so you should not be afraid.
The only problem was, we realised a bit too late we were expected to donate to the local school or at least to bring some gifts - we were completely unprepared for that. We had a few pens, but that was all. Of course no one told us anything, but we could feel the expectation hanging in the air.
Maasai boma with a Maasai guide, who normally lives there and is able to tell you about the customs, is also something special. Again - be prepared to buy something, e.g. jewelery - it's really nice, so it won't be a sacrifice and you will have a good feeling you support the people there.
The trip to Tanzania without seeing the local people is not full, even though you generally come for animals.

Regards,

Aleksandra

Treepol

Thanks Calo, Purple and Aleksandra for your ideas. First off, I'll contact Green Footprint for further information.

Cheers,


Pol.