Klub Afriko Safaris Photo Page One

“Watu” means “people” in Kiswahili. The name is meant to convey the idea of “people teaching people.” This means we learn from each other - visitors from foreign countries can learn more about Tanzania from Tanzanians, and the local people can learn from the visitors with whom they interact. The Watu programs provide opportunities for clients to get a deeper understanding of life in Tanzania. In addition to taking photographs, visitors meet and interact with local people in different situations. You may visit a Maasai boma to learn something of this complex culture, talking with the residents, traditional healers, even walking in the bush with Maasai warriors (moran)… or you may sit with Tanzanian National Park researchers or authorities to discuss the issues involved in wildlife conservation… or you might walk with local guides in the bush, identifying medicinal plants, and different animal species, looking for tracks, and learning about animal behavior… or sit with a Zanzibari woman helping her prepare a traditional Swahili meal… or visit health clinics, schools or other places that interest YOU. Whatever the activity, the focus is to bring Tanzanians and foreign visitors together to interact and learn about each other as individuals and members of unique societies.

This summer, Watu will be conducting a 2 week program involving two of Tanzania’s most visited places: Serengeti National Park and the island of Zanzibar. The program is based on the following itinerary. However, as our clients provide information on their specific interests, some of the activities will be modified to meet those interests. This program is similar to other programs offered by Klub Afriko – personalized for the client. You can participate in one or both parts of the program.

Zanzibar – The Spice Island…

Activities include:

Historical walking tour of Stone Town, including visits to national heritage sites, slave trade sites, Swahili and Arab architecture, national museum of Zanzibari history, House of Wonders, and other unique features of the city.

Spice Tour in nearby villages, walking through farms and gardens where the famous spices grow… including a picnic lunch and swim on the beach.

Zanzibari cooking. Spend the day with local women learning to prepare a traditional meal. Go shopping with them at the market, learn to use unique tools to prepare foods, and of course, enjoying the fruits of your labor!

Day Trips to any or all of the following places: Prison Island, Chumbe Island, and the east coast for snorkeling; Jozani Forest Reserve (home of the endemic Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey); Dolphin Safari at Kizimkazi; visits to health clinics, schools, and/or community development projects.

Accommodation:

Stay at the exotic Emerson’s and Green Hotel in the heart of Stone Town. Each of the rooms are uniquely decorated with Swahili and Arab antiques, oversized luxurious bathtubs, famous Swahili beds and all the amenities. The cuisine is traditional in design and international in quality, served on the rooftop under romantic skies.

All activities are led by one of the Watu program directors and local tour guides. We stress the importance of learning about Zanzibar from Zanzibari people! We transport you in mini-vans, but there is a lot of walking through the narrow maze-like streets… it gives you more opportunities to meet local people and see things most tourists miss.

Serengeti Ecosystem – the people and wildlife

For the safari, you and your group will have your own 4WD Land Cruiser or Land Rover to yourselves. Our professional driver/guides are accompanied by one of the Watu directors and/or a trained naturalist guide for the wildlife viewing drives. But, there are so many other activities going on as well… visits to villages, walking in the bush… Watu staff are there to facilitate your learning experience.

When you are not staying in lodges (located within the National Parks), you will taken care of by the Klub Afriko Safaris. We set up private luxury tented camps near villages and in the National Parks. Our camp crew and cooks provide excellent service and cuisine of international standards. The large double occupancy canvas tents include beds, en suite bath room with hot showers, and verandahs with camp chairs to watch the sunset. We choose prime camping areas that are private but secure.

Arrive Longido village (approx. 2 hours from Arusha) and private Klub Afriko Campsite

Welcome and safety talk; review of itinerary and activities; introduction to basic Kiswahili

Introduce Field Study Projects (FSP); discussion of basic mammalian social organization as seen in the Serengeti ecosystem