Cultural Expeditions
Tanzania is home to several natural wonders and also animals and birds. However, there are over 120 different cultural tribes in Tanzania with their unique cultures, which provides visitors with amazing opportunities to witness these festivals, cultures, and traditions. Whether it is a massive cultural celebration, Tanzania music and dance, authentic events such as:
- Goat race
- The Farmers Day celebration
- Their traditional food
- Traditional barbeque festivals
- Crafts and traditional sports
- Dhow festival
- The Kilimanjaro Marathon
- Film festivals
There is definitely so much to learn and enjoy when you participate in Tanzania festivals and cultures. The Kilimanjaro Marathon is usually held at the foot of the world’s highest free-standing mountain which is Mount Kilimanjaro and it is regarded as Africa’s cultural melting pot. You will enjoy a wide range of world-class festivals that Tanzania has to offer in different locations on the Map of Tanzania. The festivals which showcase the cultures of the people vary greatly from different tribes and locations, it varies in content, style, and ambience which provides something for everyone.
Pathfinder Safaris can also help you plan your safaris and other activities to coincide with one of the professionally organized events, one such activity that can be integrated with the festivals is trekking. Some of the festivals that you should plan to see include:
- The Four Corners Cultural Program Festival-Haydom
- Mwakakongwa festivals
- Kilimanjaro Marathon
- Karibu Travel and Trade Fair
- Serengeti Cultural Festival
- Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIF)
The Maasai Culture
One of the beliefs of the Maasai people is the existence of a dualistic God. The Maasai God has two opposing identities, one is the generous Black God referred to as Engai Narok and the other one is the vindictive red God who is also referred to as Engai Nanyoki. The benevolent “Narok” is believed by the Maasai to have declared them as the rightful owners of the world’s cattle which is much to the unease of their neighbours.
Their culture is basically built around cattle and the measure of a man’s wealth is based on the number of cattle and the number of children he has. Having plenty of one and a few of the other means that the man is poor. You can also enjoy several cultural or tribal ceremonies which include: the warrior jumping dance, a dance where youths who are warriors jump into the air in order to demonstrate their agility and strength. Pathfinder Safaris will provide you with the opportunity to experience some of these cultures, it is important to note that before you take pictures of the tribal dance, you need to ask for permission; whether you are driving past the ceremony or on a trekking safari, it is considered as disrespectful without their consent.
The Hadzabe Cultural Safari
There is a small group of Hadzabe regarded as Bushmen who live around Lake Eyasi. They have a language that tends to sound like the click languages of other Bushmen who live further down the Kalahari. The people are eager to show visitors their simple bush homes where the bush canopy or a cave provides much-needed shelter, the Hadzabe people live completely off the bush and also from hunting of baboons and small antelopes. During the rainy season, antelopes and gazelles migrate from the Serengeti or Ngorongoro to their lush bush which provides them with richer picking. Pathfinder Safaris Inc. can provide you with great safaris which include several highlights such as:
- Hunting with the Hadzabe people
- Learning about their traditional medicine
- Learning their survival skills which are unique
- Observing their lifestyle in the bush
- Learning about their traditional culture.
