Activities

www.africangalleriatz.com

African Galleria is a combination of a workshop and a contemporary art gallery dedicated to the promotion of African art; seeking exposure through tourists and travelers who arrives daily in Tanzania. African Galleria invest on creativity and innovation and connects artists with professionals and other artists to create unique and competitive pieces to the world of fine art.

The workshops and the gallery are located at Manyara, Kibaoni Area as you drive from/to famous Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. It's ideal destination for tourists and travelers when exploring Northern Tanzania tourism circuit.

Mto Wa Mbu, known as a melting pot of cultures, is a unique village in Tanzania where representatives from all 120 tribes live harmoniously side by side. Despite its name translating to "Mosquito River," we were fortunate to find that the village had fewer mosquitoes due to its reliable water source. Your guide, who is a native of the village, will provide you with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the community through their eyes. The duration of the tours is typically around 5 hours, but they can be flexible to accommodate your preferences.

During your visit, you will gain valuable insight into the social aspects of the village, including the farms, milling machines, schools, markets, and churches. Your guide will gladly answer any questions you may have and assist you in understanding the inner workings of this typical Tanzanian community.

Your tour will likely begin in the village's banana plantation, where over 30 different varieties of bananas are grown. Not only will you learn about the cultivation of this nutritional staple, but you will also discover the various uses of the banana plant, from food to materials for building and art. In between the banana plantations, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious local lunch at "Mama Garden food."

Next, you might visit a youth art project, where you can explore different painting styles and techniques. The artists there are open to questions and photography, and while you have the option to purchase their artwork as souvenirs, there will be no pressure or aggressive sales tactics.

Afterward, you will have the chance to visit a wood workshop, where skilled members of the Makonde tribe intricately carve figurines, masks, and household objects. They will demonstrate the different types of wood and finishes used, as well as explain the cultural and historical significance behind the carvings. You might even have the opportunity to try your hand at carving!

Continuing on, you'll visit a local "bar" to taste mbege, the traditional banana and millet beer primarily consumed by the Chagga tribe. The process of brewing this beer is labor-intensive, and it is typically served in a large cup that is shared among the group and refilled as needed.

Lastly, your tour will conclude at the vibrant local market, where you can peruse stalls offering an array of fruits, vegetables, spices, and meats. Your guide will point out points of interest and provide you with the chance to taste and smell a variety of foods, creating a delightful experience for your senses.