Cultural Tourism; The New Wave
Cultural Tourism; The New Wave By Ian Williamson
Tanzania is the focus of this short report on the new wave incultural tourism. Tanzania has something to offer everyone;many attractions have become a magnet for tourists. Kenya seemsto running a poor second to Tanzania over the past two years.Tanzania is a peaceful paradise for the tourist, boasting notribalism and a nation where hospitality is a tradition. Trulythe Tanzanian culture is gentle and peace loving; welcomingvisitors into their country and homes.
Many claims are made over destinations around the world beingsafe and friendly; however, I believe Tanzania is unique inAfrica in being precisely what is claimed; a peace lovingwelcoming culture; a jewel in the crown of Africa.
The new wave in cultural tours has begin in Arusha – the northof the country. Here, many tourists want to see more than theanimals. The culture and the people are the destination; theyare what make Tanzania so special. Not the plastic, dull,staged cultural experience offered in a lukewarm attempt to getmore business; but a true experience of life in Tanzania.
The ideal way to experience this is to spend a few days in aTown or village; away from the hotels. To stay in a Tanzania oran Ex-pat home and spend some time getting to know how lifeworks in Tanzania. Many people are starting to do this and thenfrom this home-stay base organizing a safari. To coordinate asafari from Arusha yourself is cheaper, safer and offers moreflexibility. More time can be spent in Tanzania and at arelatively low cost.
If you have some time to take a long break then this is a greatway to learn and understand another culture. There are a feworganizations that are beginning to offer this help. Communityfocused organizations and even a few tour operators will offerthese services.
Responsible tourism should be a two way learning experience.You the tourist will learn about the culture [and much aboutyourself] and the culture you visit will benefit from yourinteraction. Friendships and bonds can reach far into thefuture. An American friend of mine visited the UsambaraMountains before her safari in 2001. This visit affected her somuch she has returned to us after four years to come and liveand work in Tanzania. She is busy organizing the building andstaffing of a primary school.
This is an extreme case and certainly not the norm, however, toexperience a genuine cultural safari then the home stay is theway to go. Other benefits of the home-stay will be to give youchance to organize a safari from within Tanzania at a cheaperrate than you would get from organizing it from outside thecountry. I would urge you to consider this as a way of gettingto know Tanzania, being able to afford an extended time hereand also helping in the communities of Northern Tanzania.
About the Author: For a more information on Cultural Tourismand Home-Stays in Tanzania contact Ian Williamson throughhttp://www.betheladventure.co.uk or Using responsible tourismto change lives
Tanzania is the focus of this short report on the new wave incultural tourism. Tanzania has something to offer everyone;many attractions have become a magnet for tourists. Kenya seemsto running a poor second to Tanzania over the past two years.Tanzania is a peaceful paradise for the tourist, boasting notribalism and a nation where hospitality is a tradition. Trulythe Tanzanian culture is gentle and peace loving; welcomingvisitors into their country and homes.
Many claims are made over destinations around the world beingsafe and friendly; however, I believe Tanzania is unique inAfrica in being precisely what is claimed; a peace lovingwelcoming culture; a jewel in the crown of Africa.
The new wave in cultural tours has begin in Arusha – the northof the country. Here, many tourists want to see more than theanimals. The culture and the people are the destination; theyare what make Tanzania so special. Not the plastic, dull,staged cultural experience offered in a lukewarm attempt to getmore business; but a true experience of life in Tanzania.
The ideal way to experience this is to spend a few days in aTown or village; away from the hotels. To stay in a Tanzania oran Ex-pat home and spend some time getting to know how lifeworks in Tanzania. Many people are starting to do this and thenfrom this home-stay base organizing a safari. To coordinate asafari from Arusha yourself is cheaper, safer and offers moreflexibility. More time can be spent in Tanzania and at arelatively low cost.
If you have some time to take a long break then this is a greatway to learn and understand another culture. There are a feworganizations that are beginning to offer this help. Communityfocused organizations and even a few tour operators will offerthese services.
Responsible tourism should be a two way learning experience.You the tourist will learn about the culture [and much aboutyourself] and the culture you visit will benefit from yourinteraction. Friendships and bonds can reach far into thefuture. An American friend of mine visited the UsambaraMountains before her safari in 2001. This visit affected her somuch she has returned to us after four years to come and liveand work in Tanzania. She is busy organizing the building andstaffing of a primary school.
This is an extreme case and certainly not the norm, however, toexperience a genuine cultural safari then the home stay is theway to go. Other benefits of the home-stay will be to give youchance to organize a safari from within Tanzania at a cheaperrate than you would get from organizing it from outside thecountry. I would urge you to consider this as a way of gettingto know Tanzania, being able to afford an extended time hereand also helping in the communities of Northern Tanzania.
About the Author: For a more information on Cultural Tourismand Home-Stays in Tanzania contact Ian Williamson throughhttp://www.betheladventure.co.uk or Using responsible tourismto change lives
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