STONE TOWN - ZANZIBAR

STONE TOWN

Stone Town also known as Mji Mkongwe (swahili for "old town") is the old part of Zanzibar City, the main city of Zanzibar, in Tanzania, as opposed to Ng'ambo (Swahili for 'the other side'). It is located on the western coast of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Former capital of the Zanzibar Sultanate, and flourishing centre of the spice trade as well as the slave trade in the 19th century, it retained its importance as the main city of Zanzibar during colonial rule. When Tanganyika and Zanzibar joined each other to form the United Republic of Tanzania, Zanzibar kept a semi-autonomous status, with Stone Town as its local government seat.

Stone Town is a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa. Its architecture, mostly dating back to the 19th century, reflects the diverse influences underlying the Swahili culture, with a unique mixture of Moorish, Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements. For this reason, the town has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in 2000.

Geography

Due to its heritage, Stone Town is also a major visitor attraction in Tanzania, and a large part of its economy depends on tourism-related activities.

Stone Town is located roughly in the middle of the west coast of Unguja, on a small promontory protruding into the Zanzibar Channel. The closest major settlement on the Tanzanian coast, opposite to Stone Town, is Bagamoyo (to the south-west).Stone Town is part of Zanzibar City, that also comprises the "New City" of Ng'ambo ("the Other Side"), which mostly extends in the interior of Unguja to the south-east. The ideal dividing line between Stone Town and Ng'ambo is Creek Road.

History

The first stone houses in Stone Town were probably built in the 1830s, gradually replacing an earlier fishermen village.At the time, the Zanzibar Archipelago was controlled by the Sultanate of Oman.

In 1840, Sultan Said bin Sultan moved his seat from Muscat, Oman, to Stone Town, that entered an era of quick development ad the new capital of the Sultanate of Oman and Zanzibar. In 1861, as a consequence of a war of succession within the Omani royal family, Zanzibar and Oman split, with Zanzibar becoming an independent sultanate under Sultan Majid bin Said.

In the 19th century Stone Town also flourished as a trading centre. It was especially renowned for the commerce of spices (mostly cloves) and slaves. Around mid century, the sultanate was in good relationship with the British; David Livingstone, for example, is known to have stayed in Stone Town in 1866 while he was preparing his final expedition in the interior of East Africa. In the same period, several immigrant communities from Oman, Persia and India formed as a consequence of the town's intense commercial activity.

In the last decades of the century, the Sultans of Zanzibar gradually lost their possessions in East Africa to Germany and United Kingdom. In 1890, with the Helgoland-Zanzibar Treaty, Zanzibar itself became a British protectorate. In 1896, a sudden rebellion of the Zanzibari Omanis against the British rule led to the Anglo-Zanzibar War, which is remembered as the shortest war in history: the Sultan surrendered after 45 minutes of naval bombardment of Stone Town by the British Navy.

During British rule, Stone Town remained a relatively important trading centre, although the British privileged Mombasa and Dar es Salaam as their trading stations in East Africa. The slave trade, anyway, was abolished in 1897.

In 1964, Stone Town was the theater of the Zanzibar Revolution that caused the removal of the sultan and the birth of a socialist government led by the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP). Several refugees, especially Arabs and Indians, escaped the island as a consequence of the revolution. When Tanganyika and Zanzibar joined to form Tanzania, Stone Town kept its role as a capital and government seat for Zanzibar, which was declared to be a semi-autonomous part of the newborn nation.

Overview

The heart of Stone Town mostly consists of a maze of narrow alleys sided by houses, shops, bazaars and mosques. Since most streets are too narrow for cars, the town is crowded with bicycles and motorbikes. The seafront has wider streets and larger, more regularly placed buildings.

Stone Town's architecture has a number of distinctive features, as a result of Arab, Persian, Indian, European, and African traditions mixing together. The name "Stone Town" comes from the ubiquitous use of coral stone as the main construction material; this stone gives the town a characteristic, reddish warm colour.Traditional buildings have a baraza, a long stone bench along the outside walls; this is used as an elevated sidewalk if heavy rains make the streets impracticable, or otherwise as benches to sit down, rest, socialize. Another key feature of most buildings is large verandas protected by carved wooden balustrades. The most well-known feature of Zanzibari houses are the finely decorated wooden doors, with rich carvings and bas-reliefs, sometimes with big brass studs of Indian tradition.[5] Two main types of doors can be distinguished: those of Indian style have rounded tops, while those of Arab (Omani) style are rectangular. Carvings are often Islamic in content (for example, many consist of verses of the Qur'an), but other symbologies are occasionally used, e.g., Indian lotus flowers as emblems of prosperity.

Besides having interesting architectural features in most of its houses, Stone Town is punctuated with major historical buildings, several of which are found on the seafront; this include former sultan palaces, fortifications, churches, mosques, and other institutional buildings.

While Stone Town has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in 2000, this designation does not provide complete protection for the town's heritage. Despite the establishment of a Conservation Authority,about 80% of the 1709 buildings of Stone Town are in a deteriorating condition.As coral stone is very friable, frequent maintenance would be needed for most of these buildings. Some major restoration projects (especially on the seafront) have been done in recent times by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC

Historical buildings

The old fort as seen from the House of Wonders

The House of Wonders (or "Palace of Wonders", also known as "Beit-al-Ajaib"), in Mizingani Road on the seafront, is probably the most well-known landmarks of Stone Town. It was built in 1883 and restored after the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896. Former Sultan's residence, it became the seat of the Afro-Shirazi Party after the revolution. It was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity as well as the first building in East Africa to have a lift. Since 2000, its interior has been dedicated to a museum on Swahili and Zanzibar culture.

The Old Fort ("Ngome Kongwe" in swahili), adjacent to the House of Wonders, is a heavy stone fortress that was built in the 17th century by the Omani. It has a roughly square shape; the internal courtyard is now a cultural centre with shops, workshops, and a small arena where live dance and music shows are held daily.

The Old Dispensary (or "Ithnashiri Dispensary")was built from 1887 to 1894 to serve as a charity hospital for the poor, but was later used as a dispensary. It is one of the most finely decorated buildings of Stone Town, with large carved wooden balconies, stained-glass windows, and neo-classical stucco adornments. After falling into decay in the 1970s and 1980s, the building was later accurately restored by the AKTC.

The Palace Museum (also known as the "Sultan's Palace", "Beit el-Sahel" in Arab) is another former sultan's palace, also located on the seafront, to the north of the House of Wonders.[5] It was built in late 19th century, and now hosts a museum about the daily life of the Zanzibari royal family, including items that belonged to Sayyida Salme, a former Zanzibar princess that fled to relocate in Europe with her husband.

the Anglican cathedral of Christ Church, in Mkunazini Road, was built at the end of the 19th century for Edward Steere, third bishop of Zanzibar, in a large area in centre Stone Town that previously hosted the biggest slave market of Zanzibar; the place was deliberately chosen to celebrate the end of slavery, and the altar was located in the exact spot where the main whipping post of the market used to be. A monument to the slaves, as well as a museum on the history of slavery, are located besides the church.

the Roman Catholic cathedral of St. Joseph was built by French missionaries between 1893 and 1897. Its facade, with two high spears, is one of the most well-known landmarks of Stone Town. A tall palm tree that used to be right in front of the church (and that appears in many pictures of the cathedral) is no longer there.

The Hamamni Persian Baths are a complex of public baths built at the end of the 19th century by Shirazi architects for Sultan Barghash bin Said. These baths were functional until 1920.

David Livingstone's House is a small palace that was originally built for Sultan Majid bin Said but later used by European missionaries. David Livingstone lived in the house while preparing his last expedition to the interior of Tanganyika.

Tippu Tip's House is another large, historical house of Stone Town. It was the house of the infamous Zanzibari slave trader Tippu Tip.

The High Court of Justice in Kaunda Road, close to Victoria Gardens, is a building that combines Islamic and Portuguese elements, designed by British architect J. H. Sinclair.

The Aga Khan Mosque is a large mosque with an architecture that combines Islamic and gothic elements.

The Malindi Mosque is one of the most ancient mosques in Zanzibar. It was built by Sunni Muslims and it has some unusual architectural features, including a cone-shaped minaret (one of just three minarets of this shape in East Africa) and a square platform.

Other places of interest

Zanzibari cuisine is sold at the Forodhani gardens

The Forodhani Gardens are a small park located in the main seawalk of Stone Town, right in front of the Old Fort and the House of Wonders. They have been recently restored by the AKTC. Every evening after sunset the gardens host a popular, tourist-oriented market selling grilled seafood and other Zanzibari recipes.

The Darajani Market is the main bazaar of Zanzibar. Despite being chaotic and reportedly home of pickpockets, it is one of the main visitors attraction of Stone Town because of its colourful, chaotic maze of shopping stalls selling everything from kangas to exotic fruits to consumer electronics. It is located in centre Stone Town, in the surroundings of the Anglican Cathedral.The main structure was built in 1904 and later restored and expanded.

The Peace Memorial Museum, located at the intersection of Creek Road and Kuanda Road, is hosted by another historical building designed by J.H. Sinclair. It has several exhibits on the history of Zanzibar, including some of the medical tools of David Livingstone, old coins and post stamps, and local craft.

The so-called "Big Tree" is an old and massive landmark fig tree located in the surroundings of the Old Dispensary, in front of the ferry boarding poing. It is a popular meeting place.

Prison Island is a small island offshore Stone Town to the north. A small colony of Aldabra Giant Tortoises on the island is a popular visitor attraction.

Transportation

A Zanzibari "basi" (bus)

The main form of public transport in Zanzibar are the daladala share taxis; the main station is located by the Darajani Market. Daladalas connect Stone Town to several nearby locations, such as Bububu   (a village north of Stone Town), the airport, the Amaan Stadium, Jangombe, and Magomeni. For longer trips, "mabasi" (swahili for "bus", singular "basi") are available, which are trucks adapted for passenger transport. The main mabasi station is also close to the Market. Mabasi connect Stone Town to locations such as Mkokotoni, Mangapwani, Bumbwini, Kizimbani, Paje, Kiwengwa, and Matemwe.

Stone Town has a small airport with flights to mainland Tanzania (especially Arusha and Dar es Salaam) as well as other African main airports such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Johannesburg. At Stone Town's harbour ferries depart every hour or so that connect Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam and Pemba Island.

HOME OF SWAHILI CULTURE

‘home of Swahili Culture’

Pangani is a small town in East Africa’s coast with long history and a culture with Arabic, German, Asian and British Colonial rules influence. This is a place where Swahili, Arab, colonial traditions and modern hospitality blends together.

Located at the mouth of Pangani River that collects its water from Mt Kilimanjaro and Meru to the Indian Ocean, Pangani Cultural Tourism Programme offers various tours.

Here you will enjoy coastline with clean beaches where endangered Green Turtles breeds, historic sites, coral reefs, Old Port as well as great diversity of tropical marine dwellers.

Pangani offers;

• Historical town tour-Explore Historic buildings of Pangani town, slave market, old port and slave routes

• Pangani River cruising 

• Maziwe Marine Park Island tour----diving and snorkelling + sun bath 

• Village tours-a welcome to Coast people’s home and stay with a family getting an insight of the Swahili culture. Participate in various activities with the family members 

• An opportunity to explore the life of Endangered Green Turtles. Visits to nesting sites and the release of the hatchlings to the Indian Ocean 

• An opportunity for safari to Saadani National Park 

• Cycling tours around the town, to the sisal plantations and adjacent villages 

• Fishing with local fishermen 

• Evening tour within and around Pangani town. Get an insight of local entertainments available in the area

• Farm tour-visit local’s farms with coconut, various types of fruits and enjoy fresh fruits and coconut juice while rolling on criss-crossing the dominating coconut trees 

Where to stay;

A wide range of guest houses, hotels and lodges is available along the Indian Ocean beach and around the town of Pangani. Camping grounds are available in various places depending on nature of your tour around Pangani and neighbouring places.

Tourist information office or tour guides can make arrangements for homestays and overnights in local guest houses, hotels and lodges when making hikes of several days within and around Pangani area.

Facilities for hire;

Camping facilities can be hired after providing a one day notice. Mountain bikes and engine boat can be hired in Pangani town at a reasonable price. Pangani cultural Tourism Enterprise has an engine boat that can be available at any time.For those planning to leave for Zanzibar through Pangani or Saadani National Park, hired boats are available.

Tour Guides:-

The guides of the Cultural Tourism Programme are indigenous of Pangani who speaks good English and have ample experience in tour guiding in the area. The guides are very charming and will accompany you in leisure activities. Boat captains and the driver will guide you in all water related activities.

Bookings for various excursion and tours can be made at the Pangani

Tourist Information Centre (TIC) located at the Main bus stand. Pangani

T.IC has internet facilities. All Pangani registered guides are found at the

office. Tanzania Tourist Board Tourist Information offices at Arusha and

Dares salaam can assist on booking your tour in Pangani.

Pangani can be easily accessed by buses. There are daily buses leaving

Dar es salaam and Arusha to Pangani vuia Tanga. It takes 6 hours drive

from Arusha and 7hours from Dar es salaam. Pangani is 53 km South of

Tanga town where several mini-buses to Pangani are available.Mini-buses

leaves once all seats are occupied and it takes an hour to Panganito

Pangani.

Pangani Cultural Tourism Programme

P.O Box 3, Pangani

+255 732 976460,+255 784 539141

Email: info@panganitourism.com

www.panganitourism.com

Revenues generated from this cultural tourism Programme is used to conserve endangered marine dwellers (green turtles), the Pangani Historical buildings, environment and improve people’s Livelihood in Pangani

Machame is Part of Hai District, in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania.

Machame is an area on the southeastern slope of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The name "Machame" refers to an ethnic and linguistic group of people occupying this area historically as its homeland, as well as the specific location.

Machame language

 

Although sometimes lumped with other Chaga Languages, Machame is a distinct language (also known as "Kimachame" in Swahili and as "Kimashame" or "Kimashami" in the Machame language itself.For most inhabitants of Machame (i.e., the Machame "tribe"), including children born and raised in this area, Kimachame is their first language; Swahili and English are learned via formal schooling.

Geography

 

Physically, the Machame area occupies part of Hai District, in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. It forms several of the 14 wards of Hai District. Ever since the latter part of the 20th century, the Machame Gate and Machame Camp have become the two locations in the Machame area most known to tourists visiting Tanzania, because these form part of the Machame Route fro treks ascending Mt. kilimanjaro. There is one major, paved road traversing Machame. It begins at the south end stemming from the A23 Arusha-to-Himo main road (which also connects Moshi to Arusha). This intersection is 15 km from Moshi and 75 km from Arusha. The name of this intersection is commonly "Kilimanjaro Machine Tools", after the defunct business of the same name which left an abandoned building at the south edge of this intersection. This road proceeds north until it reaches the Machame Gate at the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. Several secondary, unpaved roads connect points within Machame. Machame is traversed by several rivers that flow year-round within deep gorges running down the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. In addition to the natural rivers, there are systems of flumes for irrigation that pre-date the colonial era. Although major infrastructure project spread piped water through much of the area in the 1990s and later, the flumes are still used and maintained for agricultural irrigation.

 

Economy and Agricultural Practices

The majority of residents of Machame, like in many other rural areas of Tanzania, earn a living through agriculture. The year-round temperate climate and fairly high humidity allow cultivation of a huge variety of crops. Since the colonial period, coffee has been an important cash crop for export; however, its prominence has decreased in recent decades. As noted by Mbonile, et al., declining prices for exports have influenced farmers to replace coffee with annual crops like tomatoes, of which the surplus may be sold and consumed regionally. The overall land-use pattern in Machame (and surrounding foothill areas of Mt. Kilimanjaro) have changed broadly over the past 120 years—even more dramatically in the post-independence period. Specifically, increasing agricultural planting in the bottom three of the five climatic zones of Kilimanjaro has reduced native vegetation. Agriculture in Machame fits generally into two modes: home gardens consisting of multipurpose trees interspersed with food crops near houses, and the "shamba" lands, or small fields, where food crops like maize, finger millet, and beans are grown.

 

The formal economy in Machame is broadly disbursed across many high-frequency shops ("kiosks") throughout the many small villages comprising Machame. There are also several formal markets—e.g., Kalali near the main road, and Bwani near Uraa—that are organized and regulated by local government entities. Each market typically has one or two designated market days each week. Machame is also dotted with other small businesses such as mills for grain and presses for sunflower oil.

With growing use of the Machame Route through Kilimanjaro National Park, a few businesses catering to tourists have emerged. Many are informal, small-scale vendors near the Machame Gate. Recently, the Protea hotel chain based in South Africa opened the Protea Hotel Aisha Machame just along the main north-south road.

 

Machame, to the north of the Arusha - Moshi road, is a mosaic of beautful valleys, deep gorges, rivers, waterfalls and farms, and is home to the Chagga people. Explore the life of the people of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

MBEGE

 

The tour includes the following:

• A warm welcome in a local Chagga household 

• Hikes through dense natural forests and farms for acclimatization along fast flowing strems before climbing the mountain

• Three different views of snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro, where local ancient Chagga legends recount tales of an iron hut that brought them strength

• A visit to several development projects in the area (coffee production, traditional irrigation, afforestation, cross-breeding, bee-keeping, schools, health care, food processing, etc.)
  

There are various tours designed by the people of Machame:

Sieny - Ngira tour (4-6 hours)

The tour starts from the Machame Cultural Tourism Centre (Kyalia) and takes you through Kalali market to Masama. Sieny catchment forest is historically a sacred place of natural forests bridges and caves where local people worshipped during the traditional festivals. Another attraction is the natural bridge called ' Daraja la Mungu' or 'God's Bridge'.

Nronga tour (5 hours)

Walk uphill from Kyalia to Nronga village. Visit the milk purification centre run by women and the Kalali women's group specializing in cheese - making. If your visit is on a Monday, you can enjoy the colourful weekly market.

Environmental tour (5 hours)

Get a glimpse of how the locals make pottery for food and water storage. The guide will explain how the conservation activities such as rainwater harvesting undertaken in the area are ideal for a rural setting.

Nkuu tour (5 - 8 hours)

From Kyalia, walk through fertile banana and coffee farmlands and learn about an intensive inter-cropping system of mixed crop farming. Also, participate in cooking a traditional Chagga meal before return.

Mfuranungun view point (6-8 hours)

See Moshi town, Lake Nyumba ya Mungu (House of God) and learn about horticultural practice at Nkwewele. Hike to Marukeni before descending to the river Semira rich in trout.

Ng'uni hike (2 days)

The Sieny - Ngira tour can be combined with a hike to Ng'uni. At Ng'uni, learn to build the oldest Chagga traditional house called 'Mbii'. Meet Mzee Urassa who will brief you on stingless bee - keeping.

Lyamungo tour (2 -3 days)

The tour starts at Kyalia and leads you to Lyamungo village where you can learn about coffee production. Visit the Narumu Women Pottery Centre, natural forest and the source of the Weruweru river.

(Note: Tours can be undertaken on foot, but transport can be organized on request)

Tour Guides:- The guides of the Cultural Tourism Programme are of the Wachaga tribe who knows well the area, their culture & history and speaks English.

Bookings for various excursions and tours can be made at Tanzania Tourist Board-Tourist Information Office in Arusha or through your tour operators/travel agents/lodge & Hotel Operators

Getting There:

Machame is to the north of Arusha-Moshi road and easily accessible by public transport. Its a 55minutes drive fro the town of Arusha and less than 10 minutes drive from Moshi town. The junction to Machame is 12 kms away from Moshi town.After a 5 minutes drive from the junction, get off the minibus at Kyalia bus stand, you will see the offices on the southern side.

Where to stay:

Machame Cultural Tourism offers accommodation services in a campsite and a number of Homestay facilities located around. Camping ground installed with modern toilet facilities and clean water supply is available. Camping gears for hire at reasonable price are available in Moshi town.

(Income from tourist vist will be used to subsidise various omen and youth development activities within the area.)

Options

For further information contact:

Machame:

Tel: +255 27 2756906 / +255 713 496207 / +255 754 519967

E-mail: fodamachame@elct.org, fodamachame@yahoo.com

SISI KWA SISI TOURISM PROGRAMME MBEYA

Welcome to the fascinating Region of Mbeya, where mysterious attractions lie hidden between high mountains, dense forests and green farms.

 

We, youth of Sisi Kwa Sisi Society offer you:

• A visit to the magnificent Ngosi Crater Lake, where local people believe a monster houses under the water surface

• A view into the traditional cultures of the people living in Mbeya region

• Climbs to different mountain peaks in the region, from where you have excellent views over relief created by the East African Rift Valley.

• A relaxing stay at the tropical beach of LakeMalawi

• Visits to the Mbozi Meteorite Stone and the Natural Bridge at Kiwira

 

The profit will be used to invest in agricultural projects of the Sisi Kwa Sisi Society

 

Introduction

In the far south of Tanzania, bordering the countries of Malawi and Zambia, lies the fascinating Region of Mbeya. The landscape is characterised by the 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. Within a few hours you can travel from the tropical shores of Lake Malawi to mountain peaks of almost three thousand meter high.

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 savannahs and woodlands, while on the mountain slopes you can see dense natural forests and afro-alpine moor land.   Also the agricultural products change drastically. High on the mountain are vast tea estates, while near the shores of Lake Malawi farmers grow rice, sugar cane and mango’s.

  

Different tours

We have developed various tours that show you the most interesting and fascinating places in Mbeya Region. 

 

Climb of Mbeya Peak

The Mbeya peak (2,826 m) is the most dominant mountain of the Mbeya range and is seen rising majestically from many places around Mbeya. A strenuous climb of three hours leads to the steep peak from where you have an excellent view over the African Rift Valley. On the mountain slopes grow many indigenous flowers, and you may as well spot colourful butterflies.

 

 

 

Ngosi crater lake

Thirty eight kilometres south of Mbeya, in the direction of Tukuyu and Lake Malawi, lies the Ngosi Crater Lake in a beautiful cone mountain. A narrow footpath winds uphill through a dense tropical jungle full of bamboo and wild banana trees. Small mammals and colourful birds hide behind the thick vegetation. After a strenuous climb of about one hour, you arrive at the crater rima and your efforts are rewarded with a magnificent view on the crater lake. Strange colours and water streams in the lake make local people believe that a monster houses under the water surface. Maybe it is related to the one in Loch Ness.

 

Kiwira natural bridge and potfalls

Not far from Tukuyu lies the natural bridge of Kiwira. The bridge was created by the powers of a fast flowing river. Local people call this miracle 'Daraja la Mungu', the Bridge of God. Very nearby, and as well worth a visit, are the Kijungu water falls, where the water falls several meters deep in an impressive pot hole.

 

Rungwe Mountain climb

With its 2,960 metres altitude, Rungwe mountain is the highest peak in Southern Tanzania. This great volcano, active over the past million years, dominates the whole area around Tukuyu. It is a vast wild area, more than 100 square kilometres of forest, upland scrub and rock terrain, completely uninhabited and visited only by an occasional walker. After a long hike to the crater rim, you can beautifully overlook the south wall of the explosion crater.

 

Matema beach

The 130 kilometres drive from Mbeya to Matema beach is among the most scenic in Tanzania. A winding road passes high mountains and vast tea estates before it descends to the tropical shores of Lake Malawi. At Matema beach the Lutheran Church has a conference centre and tourist resort, where you can relax as long as you want. From Matema you can make canoe trips with fishermen over the lake to a nearby village where women are specialised in pottery, and to river-mouth where you can try to see crocodiles and hippos. It is also possible to organise hikes to the Livingstone Mountains from Matema.

 

Mbozi meteorite and Sisi kwa Sisi farm 

Forty kilometres south-east of Mbeya, in the direction of Zambia, lies the meteorite stone of Mbozi. This rare and unusual sight is the eight largest meteorite in the world, weighing about twelve tonnes and at least a thousand years old.

Nearby the meteorite stone, the Sisi kwa Sisi society has a large plot given by the local government to enable unemployed youth from Mbeya to start profitable agricultural projects. Tourists who want to experience a true rural African experience can stay one or more days with the members of Sisi kwa Sisi on the plot and in a nearby village.

 

Guides of Sisi kwa Sisi

Sisi kwa Sisi Society is a grass root organisation in Mbeya, that assist young people to start income generating activities. Their main activities are in agriculture, handicrafts, and tour guiding. The guides of Sisi kwa Sisi all come from Mbeya Region. They are proud of their country and descent, and know their Region very well. They all speak reasonable English, and are experienced in organising guided tours for tourists.

 

Transport

Apart from Mbeya peak, the attractions in Mbeya Region are not on a walking distance from

Mbeya town. The guides of Sisi kwa Sisi can assist you to rent a car to visit the attractions, or can escort you in local busses that bring you close to the attractions. Sometimes it is also possible to rent a bike to visit an attraction.

 

A Cultural Tourism Programme Affiliate

The Sisi kwa Sisi Society is an affiliated project to the Cultural Tourism Programme (CTP). CTP is a joint programme of the Tanzania Tourist Board and the Netherlands Development Organisation SNV, that assists local men and women to organise tours in the areas where they live. CTP provides the Sisi kwa Sisi Society with advises on organising tours, and assists them in promoting Mbeya Region as a tourist destination.

 

For Further Information

please contact your hotel in Mbeya town or,

the small information office of the Sisi Kwa Sisi

Society in the centre of Mbeya town 

 (nearby the Rhino Monument that symbolises the friendship between Japan and Tanzania)

Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania