Cultural Tourism

Enriching your travel experience; contributing to poverty eradication

While satisfying tourists’ interests and demands may be a top priority, it is also imperative to ruminate the subsystems of the destination’s (residents).

Development pressures should be anticipated and set to their minimum level so as to conserve the area’s resources and prevent a saturation of the destination as to not abuse the product and the residents correspondingly.

The plan should incorporate the locals to its gain by training and employing them and in the process encourage them to participate to the travel business. Keep in mind that the plan should make travelers not only aware about the destination but also concern on how to help it sustain its character while broadening their traveling experience.

As part of the local community, at Smart African Travel we have decided to give priority to the following -:

1. To encourage and promote cultural tourism that produces economic effect on single territorial systems and as a consequence on the economy of whole country.
2. To assist local communities have an entrepreneurial approach in the management of the cultural heritage.
3. To assist the locals apply new technologies and networking strategies within the Tanzanian cultural tourism industry.
4. To transfer the knowledge of strategies for product marketing/ territorial marketing to local communities engaged in cultural tourism.
5. Transfer proficiency knowledge of project management and develop an entrepreneurial mindset within the cultural tourism sector.

Tanzania is endowed with the rich cultural heritage of 120 ethnic tribes. The Cultural Tourism Programme provides visitors with authentic cultural experiences that combine nature, scenery, folklore, ceremonies, dances, rituals, tales, art, handicrafts and hospitality that give a unique insight into the people’s way of life.

It is a rewarding experience to leave the safari vehicle behind and walk through the lush tropical slopes of Mt Meru or Mt Kilimanjaro while Waarusha, Wameru or Wachagga guides proudly describe their carefully cultivated shambas with coffee, bananas, fruits, vegetables and dairy cow farming.

Discover how many steps it takes to grow, pick, dry, roast, pound and brew fresh aromatic coffee. Participate in the process yourself before enjoying the taste and taking home your very personal packet of Tanzanian coffee!

In the pastoral areas of the north you can follow the Iraqw, Barbaiq, and Maasai tracks to explore almost forgotten traditions and a way of life that is closely linked to nature and wildlife. In southern Tanzania follow the famous drumbeats and let the Ndali dancers interpret the music and performances they inherited from their ancestors.

Taste the local cuisine, with all the culinary variations of Ugali, Makande, Machalari, Pilau, Chapati, Nyama choma, and sample the local brew.

Sense the culture and history of the Swahili people of coastal Tanzania. Explore the savannahs on a camel’s back. Boat down a river or row in one of the many lakes while listening to hair-raising legendary tales! Paddle between mangroves and sail with the fishermen to pristine sandy islands. Climb a holy mountain and rest in the shade of a giant baobab tree in the Rift Valley.

Meet the friendly inhabitants of Tanzania’s “Switzerland” while hiking through the Usambara Mountains. Admire ancient irrigation systems or today’s local craftsmanship. Listen to a traditional healer’s diagnostic methods and obtain the correct remedial prescriptions.