| Tanzania is a place of wonder and discovery, it | | | | When we talk about cultural tour I am not talking |
| was the entry point for many early explorers and | | | | of the organized cultural tours but a genuine |
| the same is true today; there is much on offer | | | | encounter with Tanzanian people. This is best |
| and there are many places to discover. Not many | | | | done though a charity that is willing and eager to |
| visitors to Tanzania discover the wonder of this | | | | organize cultural visits. By spending only a day or |
| friendly African paradise. They rush by from one | | | | two working voluntary will enable you to |
| high point to the next; like sheep who never lift | | | | experience Africa in way most people will never |
| their head out of the grass and thereby miss the | | | | know. To volunteer even for a short time will be |
| splendor around them; every day the same as | | | | the experience you will share with friends for the |
| the last. This saddens me as Tanzania can be a | | | | rest of your life. |
| place in which to fall in love with Africa. Tanzania is | | | | To move around Tanzania on local transport is |
| a place that lives inside you; and calls you back | | | | something you should do with care. If traveling by |
| again and again. Although, for many it is another | | | | road choose your bus company with caution and |
| destination to merely claim and photograph. | | | | the cheaper the ticket the less safe the bus. |
| The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a | | | | There are good bus companies that travel around |
| national park with no roads. This park has wildlife | | | | Tanzania and I would advise you pay the extra |
| but was created primarily for the protection of | | | | money for both comfort and safety. Trains are |
| flora rather than fauna; this park is unique in | | | | not usually an option for tourists, with a few |
| Tanzania. It is a must to get out your vehicle and | | | | exceptions they are normally unreliable and slow. |
| walk in the mountain rain forests. Like all places it | | | | The few destinations that are usable have first |
| takes time to discover and an afternoon stroll on | | | | class tickets sold out well in advance; especially at |
| the peripheries of adventure is simply not enough. | | | | holiday time; to book in advance is essential. |
| It is possible to find many places to walk and | | | | You may get hassled as you walk around the |
| discover the delights of this East African country | | | | cities by taxi drivers or young men selling curios. |
| without ever stepping inside a National Park. There | | | | Remember, Tanzania is a poor country and these |
| are the East and West Usamabara Mountains or | | | | young people are attempting to earn a living to |
| the Pare Mountains with a prolific birdlife, these | | | | feed a family; and competition is fierce. To know |
| very African mountains are a delight to discover | | | | a few words in Swahili, such as si-ombi [I don't |
| and explore. | | | | need] will come in handy. Remember not to be |
| There are villages around Kilimanjaro, high above | | | | rude, be firm but friendly. This is all part of the |
| Moshi Town where the local people growing | | | | joy of traveling. To barter, or to try to get rid of |
| coffee and bananas. Some villages such as my | | | | a persistent young man selling curios should be |
| favorite, Uru, are close to the tourist circuit, so it | | | | done with respect and without anger. |
| is easily accessible in the north without having to | | | | The towns and villages are a cultural dream with |
| taking a special journey and you can spend days | | | | the warm friendly people welcoming visitors. |
| here and never see a safari vehicle or another | | | | Tanzania is a country where hospitality is a |
| tourist. | | | | tradition; the traveler is welcomed and honored. Is |
| Cultural visits can expand your whole experience; | | | | it safe to travel alone; in the big towns such as |
| add time and experience to your adventure in | | | | Dar es Salaam it would be advisable to take the |
| Tanzania without costing a fortune. It is important | | | | normal precautions any tourist must take. |
| to do this with gentleness and respect; | | | | Tanzania is a safe country and its people are |
| remembering that you are the visitor here. All too | | | | peace loving. |
| often this simple truth is forgotten; remember to | | | | So, welcome and discover a land unspoiled for the |
| respect local customs and dress codes. | | | | present. |