Karatu Cultural Tourism
The group was established in 2000 as Sandemu Iraqw Art and Culture Promoters. In Bashay village, Karatu District, Arusha Region. This group has built a show center to display the traditional culture of the Iraqw people.
The Iraqw is the leading ethnic group living in Karatu and Mbulu districts. They also live in Babati and Hanang districts.
They aim to compile a record for posterity of the lifestyle, traditions, history, and culture of the Iraqw people. But also to involve and benefit local people in cultural tourism.
By disseminating information and knowledge of the ancient traditions to the world.
What to see or do?
- Walking tours in the villages, mountains, and bush are organized according to the interests of the visitors, and vary from several hours to several days (walking tours can be extended to include the Hadzabe and Datogan in Lake Eyasi)
- Visits to development projects, schools, dispensaries, hospitals, historical sites like German and British settlements, coffee plantations, and graves in Oldeani on the rim of the Oldeani Mountain and Ngorongoro Crater.
- Traditional Iraqw meals – ugali (stiff porridge) with meat, vegetables, milk, fresh honey, kande (maize and beans), and more.
- Camping in a rural, natural environment or staying in traditional Iraqi houses.
- Displays of traditional wares -weapons, garments, gourds, baskets, mats, day pots, and stone tools; some items are for sale, and others are part of a permanent collection.
Location
The Centre of Bashay village, Karatu, is about 155 km from Arusha town (to the west), 7 km from Karatu town (to the west), and 1½ km from the main road to the south of Arusha – Ngorongoro tarmac road. Karatu town is easily accessible by car from Arusha, just 2-3 hours away.
