Cultural Safaris

 

 

Experience the real African heritage. The different tribes and races across East Africa have protected their cultures since time immemorial.

At Mtana Safaris, we try to incorporate cultural tourism in all our programmes, time and interest allowing. However, we organise Kwale Cultural Tourism programme.

Kwale Cultural Tourism Programme

Kwale is known for the Shimba Hills, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary and the high biodiversity of plants and animals including the unique and rare sable antelope. The region is also very rich in birdlife and insect life. Culturally, the Digo and Duruma tribes that live here are have held on strongly to their cultural values, beliefs and customs. The tour gives you the opportunity to interact with these tribes.

The Excursions

There are at least three options/excursions that we offer.

Option one: Jeza Village Tour

This is a traditional Digo village tour. Participate in traditional dances and enjoy their food and drinks. Learn to harvest coconut as well as pond floor and cook the food. Get to learn more about their culture and traditions.

This excursion also includes a visit to the local nature trail. Here, you get to learn about the rare and endemic trees and their use as well as vist a model Kaya (shrine). There are also lots of butterflies and birds to see.

Duration Approx 3 hours

Option two: Godoni Cliff tour

On the western end of the Shimba Hills escarpment is Godoni cliffs which drops 150m into the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary. This excursion offers you breathtaking views of the plateau all the way to Taita Hills and also a chance of seeing the rogue bull elephants of Mwaluganje. For sundowner lovers, watch the whole country turn orange as the sun sets as you enjoy a drink.

This excursion includes the visit to Jeza village and the Nature trail.

Duration: half day

Option three: Chitsanze waterfalls

The Chitsanze waterfalls are in Mwaluganje forest. The falls are located in a mzuka(shrine). Get to visit the cheka cheka medicinal woodland garden group and learn more about medicinal herbs.
This excursion includes the vist to Jeza village, nature trail and Godoni cliff.

The tour guides

The guides are Shimba Hills forest Guides (Shifoga), a group of indigenous guides who speak good English as well as sufficient French and German. They are trained and experienced in guiding. Their deep knowledge of the area as well as the culture, traditions and language of the local people makes the experience one to remember.

 

Profits from the programme are used to improve the standards of living of the local people i.e. forest bordering community as well as conservation of Natural resources.