Learning about different arts, cultures and traditions is a rich and fascinating part of the joy of travel. This wide canvas teaches us about the breadth of the human experience but, also, just how alike we all are all under the surface.
From Picasso to Paul Simon; from Giles Foden to Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher – Africa has proved a rich source of inspiration for many and, in turn, Africa has introduced us to Miriam Makeba, Ben Okri, M.G. Vassanji, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Bibi Kidude, Fela Kuti and Mohamed ‘Mo’ Amin, among many others.
Each country offers plenty of opportunities to gain inspiration, feel the warmth and joy and breathe in the colours.
Most importantly, cultural tourism is not a one-way street. It is not all about us. How we approach any cultural experience is key to respecting our fellow world citizens and for responsible tourism and ethics.
We will not book you on visits and programs that we feel do more damage to the cultural heritage or individual well-being than good, nor ones that we feel do not give an authentic experience. For example: We will not book visits to schools during class time. Many pupils at rural schools may struggle to travel to the schools if the distance is large; some parents and communities can find it difficult to cover the financial costs of schooling and attendance risks being patchy for some. Therefore, all time in the classroom is very valuable and the total disruption that an outside visit can cause will affect their schooling.
A small tribe of Hunter-gatherers, much like the San from Botswana. They live around Lake Eyasi and the Yaeda Valley in Tanzania. We recommend a 3-4 night stay in a wilderness camp and slow right down, spending your days on foot learning about their way of life.
Spend time in a community lodge run by Maasai between Mt Meru and Kilimanjaro. The enthusiasm of the place and their desire to pull you into their culture is infectious. A 2 or 3 night stay is best.
Learn to play traditional drums and make drums or step out in traditional dances at the Cultural Arts Centre near Usa River, Tanzania. There are also joyous, professional performances of dance from around Tanzania twice a week.
Enjoy Tuk Tuk rides around the local village and sample the local markets in Mto wa Mbu.
Zanzibar has a rich history. It was a significant player in the Slave Trade and the launchpad of the grand Victorian explorer expeditions to the Interior. The local economy developed on the back of the Spice Trade and you can still visit spice farms on the island. Each year, Zanzibar hosts both a music festival and a film festival in celebration of African artists.
There are many excellent arts and crafts throughout East Africa that make delightful gifts and mementos. Set out to purchase locally-made items and, where possible, those that also benefit the community, women’s groups or support worthwhile organizations. Avoid all items made from animal and bird products, shells and coral or made from hard woods such as mninga and ebony.
Simply fill in our enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch
