Babati Cultural Tour

This tour begins with a 70 kilometer bus ride from Babati to Katesh. Lunch in a local hotel. From here you start a 16 kilometer bush walk towards the Mangati plains. In Dirma, a Barbaig nomad village, you will be warmly welcomed at Mzee Gavachu’s boma. In no time you will see Barbaig women and men coming to see their new guests. Our Barbaig guide will help to translate where only Barbaig language is spoken. Seated on three legged stools you have dinner prepared by the women. In the huts a bed with a skin only is waiting for you.

A relaxed day where the visitor can mix freely with people and gain the cultural insights from men and women, taking pictures together and knowing more about procedures of marriage, burial of elderly men, religious rituals, local taboos etc. Have a look at how they make the goatskin gowns and the ornaments, how they prepare the famous honey brew called Gisuda. One can try to herd cattle or fetch water the Barbaig way. The only school and dispensary can be visited where you can talk with teachers and nurses.

Walk back to Katesh, where you have lunch, further bus trip to Babati or Arusha. Mount Hanang (3,418 meters) Trekking From Katesh, the fourth highest mountain of Tanzania, can be climbed in one day. An early start is necessary with guides and porters through farmland, forest, scrub and grasslands. Finally, after five to six hours walking, you will reach the summit. Another three to four hours is needed for the descent. But it is advisable to climb from Gendabi at the foot of the mountain, a three-hour walk from Katesh. Teachers from the Secondary school will provide accommodation and food. After spending the night in the village you climb and have more time to enjoy the scenery. Summiteers will receive a certificate.

Drive from Babati to Bacho village at the foot of the Rift Wall where you visit local fish ponds. Along local paths climb the escarpment and visit God’s Bridge with a fantastic view. Descend and walk to the main road where you drive back to Babati Combined tours. All tours can be combined. A cycling expedition can be organized on request. For birdwatchers exclusive safaris are designed. A combination of a visit to the National Parks with our Cultural tour is possible. The five hours drive from Karatu, Mbulu, Dareda to Katesh is of an extreme beauty. From Katesh, the Tarangire gate can be reached within three hours.

Full board accommodation in selected local hotels and guesthouses in Babati and Katesh. Selected family homes/huts in the villages with basic standards and without running water. Temporary self catering campsites can be organized. In the villages women provide food. Lunch boxes can be ordered from Joas Kahembe. Recommended equipment: Good walking shoes, sleeping bag (mattress), water bottle, filter or micro-pure tablets, anti-malaria pills and torch.

In Managhat the villagers decided to invest the Village Development Fee in the rehabilitation of the primary school.

English speaking guides who know the area will help you around. A Barbaig born guide will tell you about Barbaig culture.