by Chris
June 10, 2019

Experience the Tribes of Tanzania

The opportunity to see the Big Five and experience the Wildebeest Migration may be what draws many to Tanzania, but interacting with the tribes of Tanzania will leave a lasting impression.

From the iconic Maasai to lesser-known tribes like the Datoga and Chaga, Tanzania has a rich cultural tapestry to explore.

Whether you're looking to add to your trip and build an entire trip around meeting the people of Tanzania, Shadows of Africa has you covered!

Want to experience Tanzanian culture on your safari trip? Here's how to add some culture to your African safari! #africa #tanzania #safari #culture #travel

Maasai Boma Visit

A visit to one of the many Maasai bomas that dot Ngorongoro is the easiest and cheapest way to interact with the famous Maasai people.

While the Maasai people are not allowed to live within national parks, Ngorongoro Conservation Area allows these semi-nomadic people to continue living their lives as they always have.

Visits to authentic Maasai villages are not easy to arrange, but these tourist-focused bomas offer visitors a chance to explore a village, see traditional dance, and even pick up a few souvenirs.

The perfect stop on your way to or from the Serengeti, a Maasai boma visit is especially fun for kids who might be feeling cooped up on the long drive!

Note: As this is a tourist-focused activity, it is not recommended for those craving an authentic cultural experience.

Africa Amini Maasai Lodge

We've waxed lyrical about the fantastic Africa Amini Maasai Lodge in the past. No other property in Tanzania manages to better balance authenticity and accessibility than this charitably-minded property.

Africa Amini gives guests a chance to spend a night in a luxurious Maasai boma and participate in Maasai-led activities such as spear throwing, guided nature walks, and more. There's even a transcendent sunset song and dance performance that's not to be missed!

For those wanting to further immerse themselves in Tanzanian culture, tours to the schools, hospitals, and clinics Africa Amini funds can also be arranged.

Lake Eyasi Hadzabe Experience

One of our most popular cultural experiences is the Lake Eyasi Hadzabe experience.

These fascinating hunter-gatherers still live their lives much as they always have, defying Tanzania's rapid modernization in a way that is utterly fascinating to behold.

The opportunity to join the men of the Hadzabe tribe for a morning hunt before touring their village with the aid of a Datoga guide is a truly unique cultural experience, and one of our most popular add-ons.

Combine your day at Lake Eyasi with a night at Africa Amini and you've got a jam-packed day of cultural discovery!

Interested in a Big Five safari featuring the Lake Eyasi experience and Africa Amini? Our six-day Culture & Wildlife Safari is perfect.

Hadzabe Tribe

Marangu Village Tour

The Chaga tribe may not be one of Tanzania's best-known, but their culture is nonetheless interesting to uncover. Their history of building intricate tunnel systems in which to shelter during Maasai raids is fascinating, and a chance to tour these pitch-black tunnels would be worth the trip to Moshi on its own.

Thankfully for you, our one-day Marangu tour features more than just these tunnels - with a picturesque waterfall, organic coffee plantation tour, local lunch, and banana beer sampling also included in your day-trip.

marangu tanzania

Tribes of Tanzania Safari

In light of recent demand for more cultural safaris, we have launched a five-day Tribes of Tanzania safari that is focused on immersing you in the local culture.

The itinerary includes the Marangu village tour, Lake Eyasi Hadzabe experience, Africa Amini Maasai experience, but also features a number of additional cultural experiences including:

  • Mto Wa Mbu walking or cycling tour: Explore a bustling market town where locals meet to sell and buy goods. Optional add-ons include a local lunch or a visit to nearby Lake Manyara National Park.
  • Iraqw Visit: Interact with the Iraqw people who also call the Lake Eyasi region home.
  • Maasai community visit: Overnight at Shadows of Africa's Ol Masera Lodge and spend time with the local Maasai community.

For people enchanted by the tribes of Tanzania, this is the ultimate five-day cultural safari.

Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking

For the more adventurous, Shadows of Africa offers a seven-day Ngorongoro Highlands trek that truly immerses you in the local culture.

Accompanied by a Maasai guide and overnighting in villages from the tourist trail, this intense seven-day hike gets you well and truly off-the-beaten-path.

Your trip also includes a chance to enjoy an Ngorongoro Crater game drive!

Want a little culture on your African safari trip? Here's how to visit the tribes of Tanzania! #travel #culture #tanzania #africa #safari


A Wealth of Options

We pride ourselves on our ability to customize an itinerary to suit your tastes, so don't hesitate to contact a Shadows of Africa safari expert to arrange your cultural safari or add-on today!

Are you interested in an African safari?

Contact one of our safari experts and we will tailor-make a safari for you!

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