When you talk about visiting Africa, the first thing which comes to mind is often big game viewing. This is the reason most safari planners concentrate on this aspect of the trip, but sadly, miss out on another equally incredible experiences that make this continent truly unique: a taste of local cultures.
There are over 3,000 tribes in Africa, each with its own culture and language or dialect, and a majority of the 1.3 billion population of the continent belong to one of them. While some are obscure, there are those which are very well-known and iconic. Unfortunately, the only customs and culture the average visitor gets to experience are only outside the safari camp.
Without a doubt, the Maasai is the most famous of all African tribes which have made their home along the semi-fertile Great Rift Valley in Tanzania and Kenya. Since their homes are within some of the top game parks in Africa, it is but natural for them to come in close contact with safari groups and share their culture.
For those who wish to combine their African safari and gain an in-depth knowledge about part of the culture of the second largest continent, here is a snapshot of some tours that are a blend of wildlife and unforgettable traditions. You can book these amazing wildlife holidays with Naturetrek easily and enjoy an unparalleled experience.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
The red-clad Maasai tribe are a warrior clan known for their lively traditional dance, Adamu. One of the best places to spend some time in their midst is in the world famous Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya.
On a specially crafted tour, visitors are taken to a live Maasai village and get to see the inside of their huts which are made from cow dung and clay, plastered over a structure made of sticks.
Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania
Few places in the world can match the world famous archaeological site at the Olduvai Gorge chronicling human evolution across 60 hominin species of the last 2 million years. It’s almost impossible to not be fascinated by the history of this extraordinary place. Not only does the habitat serve as a home to several distinct plant and animal species, but is
The name of the gorge is a Maasai word that probably refers to the wild sisal found in abundance here. Your Olduvai Gorge trip will take you to the museum, which houses ancient footprints and a treasure trove of human and natural fossils. A must visit on any excursion from Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Arusha, Tanzania
Situated at the doorstep of the Kilimanjaro International Airport, the small town of Arusha provides a good base for your African safari and an introduction to the cultural uniqueness of the region. Nestled between the peaks of Mt. Meru and Mt.Kilimanjaro, Arusha is the town where most safaris begin and end.
Visitors can add a day to their regular safari itinerary and get to visit a non-touristy village by the name of Poli to get an insight on the culture and life of the locals. This tour is extremely rewarding and highly educational as well.
Lake Manyara + Karati, Tanzania
The Hadzabe, are a unique and one of the last functioning hunter-gatherer tribe of Africa, who live in the rugged and remote villages of this region. Ironically, the Hadzabe are not related to any other people, except the Pygmies, probably.
A two hour drive from your jungle resort will take you to their territory where approximately close to 300-400 individuals live. This unique trip will give you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with this branch of tribes.
The chance to join the Hadzabe on a morning hunt with the aid of a guide is a thrilling cultural experience and a popular add-on to your African safari.
Kalahari National Park, Botswana
There are not as many Bushmen (San) as there were hundreds of years ago, you can still meet the members of this indigenous tribe on a safari to the Kalahari National Park and learn about their traditional lifestyles.
Here, in the company of a Bushman guide, you can learn to know the art of tracking wildlife on foot and gain knowledge on other cultural traditions of the tribe.
Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking Tour
For the hardy souls, a seven day Ngorongoro Highlands Trek gives a perfect opportunity to get truly immersed in the local culture by interacting with the local people for days on end. You will not only see a traditional dance, but can even pick up some local souvenirs on the way.
The tour includes overnight stays in traditional Maasai bomas that dot the Ngorongoro, far from the tourist trail, with a Maasai guide always in attendance. Apart from the iconic Ngorongoro Crater game drive, tourists will get a chance to hike in the wilderness for a week, well off the beaten path.
KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
South Africa is impressive for a great number of reasons: abundant wildlife, diverse cultures and traditions make this a must visit for safari lovers. The Zulu tribe today are one of the largest ethnic groups in South Africa and a visit can be incorporated easily on a wildlife Safari.
The largest concentration of Zulu people is found in the fertile KwaZulu-Natal region, which is also home to many wonderful wildlife game reserves. Here, villages like Shakaland and Simunye Zulu, have opened up their gates to visitors who can participate in their daily activities.
Tanzania Safari: Northern Circuit.
Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, Greater Serengeti and the region of Arusha are some of the best game parks in Tanzania. This region is also home to the Datoga Tribe, who consider themselves to be one of the oldest in the country.
Though the Datogas are farmers by origin, they share similarities with the Maasai in many traditions. The tribe prefers to keep to themselves and a visit to this traditional community is a must for an add-on on the regular north Tanzania safari circuit.
Omo Valley, Ethiopia
Ethiopia is home to a fascinating mix of cultures from the stunning rock-strewn churches to the animistic tribes of the Great Rift Valley. In the highlands you visit the Simien Mountains to see some wonderful wildlife and explore the extraordinary churches carved out of pink volcanic rock
You then drive down to the Omo region of the Rift Valley to interact with an array of nomadic tribes, such as the Karo, Bume, Hamar and Bena. Their body ornaments, paintings and lip plates are of great cultural importance.
An African wildlife holiday offers people a perfect opportunity to see big game, of course, but also to learn about lifestyles, which are far removed from your own, by engaging with some of the oldest civilizations on the planet. There is a growing trend of eco-tourism in Africa where visitors can enjoy the ecstasy of being in a wild habitat and experiencing different lifestyles without compromising on their creature comforts or the wellbeing of the place they visit. So, what’s keeping you from taking a cultural and wildlife adventure?
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