KISANGARA

Tribe: Diverse village of several tribes, but in particular has historical and cultural significance for the Pare tribe
 
Location:
Kisangara is situated 62 km (1 hr drive) south-east 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.
 
The Village
In Kisangara Chini, 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 ther 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 latkes 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, and from many places the impressive snow caped mountain can be seen.
 
Farming Projects
At the center of this Cultural Tourism Progamme 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, rain water harvesting, etc.
 
Tours Available:
 
Carpentry, Bricks and Beer Tour
Duration: ½ day
 
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
Duration: ½ day
 
Lembeni Herbal Hospital is 3 km from the center. Here you can 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
Duration: Full day
 
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 by spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Lake Jipe and Nyumba ya Mungu dam.
 
Spice Tour
Duration: Full day
 
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, a cultural interaction with villagers and local dances follow.
 
Nyumba ya Mungu
Duration: Full day
 
Drive to the Nymba 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 and excursion in canoes and try to catch a fish. Walking along the shores rich with bird life is a unique experience.
 
Guides
Our guides are all former Secondary School students who studied here and have been trained to fully understand the programme activites. 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 kind of travelers. Transport can be arranged at the center.
 
Development Project
The profit will be used to make primary school desks. Your visit helps to improve the education of the children.