“All too often, while on safari opportunities for cultural interaction are limited to a quick photo opportunity while passing through a staged Maasai village,” said Robin Felix, the U.S. representative for Real Life Adventure Travel. “Being founded by a Tanzanian citizen, genuine and authentic cultural interaction has always been a core element of our company’s DNA. As we head into the busy summer season, we’re launching a series of really special cultural encounters that can be worked into several of our itineraries.”
At the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro lies the village of Marangu. Here travelers can explore the history and culture of the local Chagga tribe, Tanzania’s third largest ethnic group, including visiting a local market and the Chagga cultural museum. Additionally in this village, Real Life Adventure Travel has created a girls sewing school to provide young women in the community the skills necessary to support themselves and their families. Spend the afternoon visiting with this wonderful group of ladies and learning about the project and how it’s helping this community thrive.
West of Arusha lies Lake Eyasi, a soda lake, perched in the Great Rift Valley which dominates the landscape from Ethiopia all the way down into Mozambique. This area is home to the last remaining members of the Hadzabe people. Numbering less than 1,000, the Hadzabe are an ancient, nomadic tribe of bushmen who are one of the last click-speaking hunter-gatherer tribes. Travelers can spend the afternoon with them as they hunt small game and collect berries and honey.