Cultural Tours

Step inside a traditional Maasai Boma to experience a culture defined by pride, courage, and a deep connection to the land. You will be welcomed by a village chief who explains their nomadic way of life, spiritual beliefs, and the peaceful coexistence they maintain with the surrounding wildlife. During the visit, you may observe or participate in a traditional dance and see how these legendary warriors live off their herds of cattle and goats. A small fee is paid directly to the chief to support the community’s needs. Our guides maintain relationships with specific Bomas located off the main tourist circuit, ensuring a more private and authentic encounter. This tour is easily incorporated into itineraries traveling between the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Known as the “Cradle of Mankind,” Olduvai Gorge is one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. This canyon has yielded a massive treasure trove of human and animal fossils, including the famous 3.6-million-year-old Laetoli footprints. Our tour includes a visit to the museum and visitor’s center, featuring ancient stone tools and a lecture by a Department of Antiquities guide. For a deeper immersion, we can arrange an exclusive private walk down into the gorge. Accompanied by an official guide, you will descend into the canyon to visit active dig sites and learn firsthand about the ongoing discoveries that continue to shape our understanding of human history. This excursion is a highlight for those seeking to connect with our shared prehistoric past.

For those seeking a non-touristy look at modern Tanzanian life, we highly recommend a visit to Poli Village near Arusha. This excursion takes you into the heart of a functioning community where you will meet the Village Chairman or council representatives to learn about the complexities of local governance. You will visit essential community sites, including the primary school, the local hospital, the courthouse, and the village administrative offices. This is an educational highlight for many guests, offering a rewarding look at the “real” Tanzania and the daily lives of its people beyond the national parks. It is best enjoyed by adding an extra day in Arusha at the start or end of your safari, providing a profound cultural context to your entire journey.

Embark on a rugged journey to meet the Hadzabe, the last functioning hunter-gatherer tribe in Africa. Living much as they have for tens of thousands of years, the Hadzabe are a unique ethnic group unrelated to any other. Their language, characterized by distinct “clicks,” is a fascinating linguistic isolate. A visit to their camps near Lake Eyasi offers a rare glimpse into a way of life that has vanished elsewhere on the planet. You will learn about their traditional hunting techniques, their use of handmade bows, and their expert knowledge of local flora for medicine and food. This is a profound “time-travel” experience for the adventurous traveler. Note: This remote excursion requires a one-night stay in the Karatu or Lake Manyara region to conduct.

In the Ngorongoro Highlands, discover the unique history of the Iraqw people. Originally from Ethiopia, the Iraqw speak a Cushitic language and are skilled agriculturalists. Historically, they built extraordinary houses completely underground—a brilliant defensive architecture designed to protect their families and livestock during ancient wars with neighboring tribes. Today, you can tour these preserved dwellings, see the intricate interior layouts, and learn how this method of construction shaped their cultural identity. This tour is a perfect addition when traveling from the Crater to Lake Manyara and provides a fascinating contrast to the Maasai culture. You will leave with a deep appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of the highland people.

Experience the power of education at The School of St Jude in Arusha. This charity-funded institution provides a free, high-quality education to over 1,600 of the brightest yet poorest children in the region. Since its humble beginning in 2002 with a single classroom, it has grown into three expansive campuses and two boarding houses, becoming a major employer for over 450 local Tanzanians. Meeting these students and witnessing the school’s impact is a moving and inspiring experience for guests interested in the future of Tanzania’s youth. You will see how dedicated scholarship and community support are breaking the cycle of poverty for an entire generation. This visit is a testament to the hope and progress being made in the heart of East Africa.

Explore the vibrant life along the shores of Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile River and the largest tropical lake in the world. Located just outside the western border of the Serengeti, this excursion visits a traditional fishing village where life revolves entirely around the water. Observe the colorful local dhows and the age-old techniques used by fishermen to harvest the lake’s bounty. You will wander through the local markets and see how the community processes their catch, providing a beautiful geographic and cultural contrast to the dry savannahs of the interior. This tour is conducted while staying at lodges in the Western Serengeti corridor and offers a refreshing perspective on the diverse habitats and livelihoods found across Tanzania.