African Culture Archives
Rwanda’s Congo Nile Trail
January 31, 2012 by Real Life Adventure Travel
Rwanda is a small country in the heart of Africa, with many naturally beautiful attractions, some of which are: the almost extinct mountain Gorillas that live in Volcanoes National Park in the North of the country, the Nyungwe National park, a biodiversity paradise in the south and the Congo Nile Trail, linking corridor crossing the Congo Nile divide and connecting the two national treasures.
The Congo Nile Trail is an exciting ten day hiking experience, which covers a wide range of fascinating attractions on Lake Kivu shores, with a distance of 227 Kilometers stretching from Rubavu to Rusizi via Karongi and Nyamasheke districts. The trail offers among other attractions the best coffee and tea experiences, with sceneries beautiful beyond imagination. The Congo Nile trail includes eight amazing base camps, two extra ordinary paths and four bonus diverse sub trails, which are all, added value that make up this breath taking hiking experience a life time one.
The 10 days hiking trail can be also covered in 5 days cycling and 3 days 4×4 Driving.
For more information about this exciting adventure contact us at info@reallifeavdenturetravel.com
Sauti za Busara – Romantic Zanzibar’s Music Festival
November 22, 2011 by Real Life Adventure Travel
The Zanzibar Music Festival – Sauti za Busara, which means Sounds of Wisdom, takes place annually in February. The festival is held in Stone Town on the romantic island of Zanzibar. Sauti za Busara is a showcase for the best and most exciting African music. It features a dynamic variety of African music with more than four hundred musicians participating over five days. Every year during February the ancient walls of the Old Fort resonate as people come together in celebration. The festival is supplemented with fringe events in town and across the island including a carnival street parade.
Sauti za Busara is widely known as ‘the friendliest festival on the planet’. In its ninth year, the festival is known for championing Swahili music and for being an event that unites music lovers from Zanzibar and all around the world. Zanzibar’s African-inspired music festival has announced the acts that will feature in its 8-12 February extravaganza next year, with an emphasis on East African sounds, but also flavors from the rest of Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Sauti za Busara - The friendliest festival on the planet
2012 Festival Line up [Read More]
Uhuru Peak…what’s in the name?
October 27, 2011 by Real Life Adventure Travel
Uhuru Peak (5895m), Mt. Kilimanjaro’s official summit, received its name in 1961, the year of Tanzania’s independence from the United Kingdom. Appropriately, uhuru translates as ‘freedom’ in Swahili. The former name – Kaiser-Wilhelm-Spitze – was given to the peak in 1889 by Hans Meyer, the first European to reach the summit, in honor of the then recently deceased Prussian leader, Wilhelm I (1797-1888).
The summit, the highest point on the entire African continent, remains the ultimate goal for many a buck list!
Mt. Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa.
Cultural Tours in Tanzania and Zanzibar
October 12, 2011 by Real Life Adventure Travel
Tanzania is home to some of the most impressive concentrations and diversity of wildlife left on the planet, yet many travelers fall in love with Tanzania while on safari through relationships developed with the local communities. Tanzania’s people are warm, proud and rich in heritage.
The cultural diversity of Tanzania and Zanzibar is as diverse as the land itself with more than 120 different tribes many of them living in their ancient ways resisting the outside influences of the modern world. Imagine the opportunity to immerse yourself in lives of some of Tanzania’s most ancient nomadic tribes by walking along the same paths and meeting the Maasai in their daily lives on a Maasai Donkey trek through Maasailand or the opportunity to hunt with the Hadzabe Bushmen, the worlds last click-language speaking hunters and gatherers.
If you prefer something less adventurous visit a local conservation project, Children’s home, coffee cooperative, sewing school or water project to get a feel for what it is like for the local people. Spend time wandering through local markets throughout the country as each has it own flavor and rhythm created by the people who come to sell or trade their wares. Stonetown in Zanzibar is home to one of the largest outdoor markets in the world. Once known for its slave trade is now best known for its unique architecture, spice trade and World Music Festival held every year in February.
There are many ways to get off the beaten path and experience the true culture of Tanzania and Zanzibar. These experiences can be built into existing safari itineraries or entire trips can be created to explore the cultures and colors of Tanzania and Zanzibar. The trips can range from day trips to multi-day trips.
What do you need to participate? Curiosity and an adventurous spirit.
We invite you to come explore the wonderful and diverse world of Tanzania and Zanzibar!
Anatomy of a Tented Camp – A True African Safari Experience
July 7, 2011 by Real Life Adventure Travel
This month kicks off the annual peak season for safaris in Tanzania, East Africa. In response, we’re excited to discuss the “anatomy of a tented camp”. While the idea of sleeping in a tent in Africa still sometimes conjures up a sense of mystery and uncertainty, the truth is, there’s no better way to experience the true wild nature of this magnificent country.
A truly authentic safari experience involves spending the night under the simple cover of canvas, surrounded by the natural sounds of the African night. No other encounter allows you to feel so completely connected with the breathtaking nature around you. What’s more, our tented safaris also offer exceptionally comfortable accommodations, so you won’t sacrifice a thing.
There are several key elements involved in tent camping in Africa. The first part, of course, is the tent, which is typically around 8 x 10 or larger in size. Some tents include such amenities as writing desks, armoires, suitcase racks and, of course, all include beds. The best part about the tents is the décor, which presents an authentic African feel, from local crafts to handmade carpets and pillowcases. The next part of our tenting experience is the bathrooms, which are attached at the back of the tent and include a wash basin, toilet and shower.
The beds are typically king-sized and delightfully plush. These comfortable sleeping quarters are certainly a welcome sight at the end of a long day on safari. During the cooler months, hot water bottles are slipped between the sheets before you retire for the night to keep you warm. Next are the lovely shaded verandas, from which you can lounge in the safari chairs as you sip your morning coffee, or as you review your photographs from the day and relax while enjoying a local Kilimanjaro-brand beer.
Finally, and perhaps the most important, defining element of the tented camp is the amazing staff, which is always on hand to draw your hot shower, wash your clothes, make up your bed for the evening and bring your hot coffee as the sun rises in the morning.
If this doesn’t sound like an exciting, unique and authentic African safari experience, we don’t know what does. Still on the fence? Why not take a look through our portfolio which features fantastic images of tented camps, real traveler tented camp experiences and more. See for yourself just how incredible tent camping in Africa can truly be and contact us for more information on how to book your own amazing journey!
Fast Facts on the Datoga Tribe
May 24, 2011 by Real Life Adventure Travel
Residing along the banks of the Lake Eyasi in Tanzania, the Datoga tribe are a relatively peaceful people particularly skilled at farming. These indigenous people are believed to have inhabited the area for over 3,000 years, although their history is difficult to accurately trace. Similar to other local tribes, particular the Maasai, they value livestock highly and use it for their livelihood. Datoga people are traditionally nomadic, often moving throughout the extensive region, herding their cattle and putting their ancient agricultural skills to use wherever they happen to settle. Here are a few interesting facts about the Datoga tribe.
- Although they are somewhat leery of outsiders, once the Datoga people feel they can trust you, they are friendly, welcoming and open to sharing their culture and traditions.
- They use just about every part of an animal – milk, meat, blood, fat, hide, horns, tendons and even the dung for either practical purposes or to perform important rituals. [Read More]
