Kisangara Cultural Tourism
The Kisangara Cultural Tourism Programme is situated 62 km southeast of Moshi in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Pare Mountains. The center is reached from Mwanga town which is located on the Dar es Salaam – Moshi/Arusha main road. Kisangara Chini village is about 12 km south of Mwanga.
Small local factories nearby produce bricks, stoves, pottery, and sisal fibers. In their backyards, some families make local beer by using traditional brewing methods inherited from their grandparents. Every Sunday and Thursday there is a colorful market.
Farmers from the surrounding villages come to sell their harvest. High on the mountain, protected by natural forests and moorland, you can find important cultural sites of the Pare people. In these forests, cultural ceremonies still take place.
From the mountain tops, wide and spectacular views over the surrounding plains unfold showing the extensive Kisangara Sisal Estate. On the horizon you see the long-drawn-out lakes of Jipe to the east and Nyumba ya Mungu to the west, the Taita and Kiteto hills. Mount Kilimanjaro is a stone’s throw away. From many places, the impressive snow-capped mountain can be seen.
Farming Projects: At the center of this Cultural Tourism Programme is Habari ya Shamba – HASHA PROJECT, which deals with appropriate technology and farming. Here you can become involved in farming activities and learn about various technologies like solar energy, rainwater harvesting, etc.
Carpentry, bricks, and beer tour: This tour takes you to the carpentry workshop where you can participate in the making of various items. From there you visit a brick factory where you can see the whole process. To slake one’s thirst we finish with the brewing of local beer by squeezing sugar cane.
Lembeni Herbal Hospital: Lembeni Herbal Hospital is 3 km from the center. Here you have an opportunity to talk with doctors and patients. You’ll see and be told about various herbal medicines used to treat different diseases.
Kindoroko Mountains: This hike starts from the center and takes you through the forest. Activities like visiting a tree nursery and planting trees can be included. At the top, you are rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Lake Jipe, and Nyumba ya Mungu dam.
Spice tour: The spice tour takes you through spice and herb gardens. Back at the center, you will be involved in the preparation and cooking of a spiced meal. After eating, cultural interaction with villagers and local dances follow.
Nyumba ya Mungu: Drive to the Nyumba ya Mungu – House of God – dam with its electricity power station. Fisherman migrated from Lake Victoria to settle here. They like to talk with visitors while repairing their fishing nets. Adventurous visitors can make an excursion in canoes and try to catch a fish. Walking along the shores rich with birdlife is a unique experience.
GUIDES: Our guides are all former Secondary School Students who studied here and have been trained to fully understand the program activities. Each guide has an identity card from the Cultural Tourism Programme. Please avoid walking with unauthorized guides.
FACILITIES: At the center, there is good accommodation and catering facilities. Self-contained cottages and camping sites suit all kinds of travelers. Transport can be arranged at the center.
DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECT: The profit will be used to make primary school desks. Your visit helps to improve the education of the children.