 THE
HADZABE
The Hadzabe population is only about 600 individuals. Their territory
is Lake Eyasi basin, situated within the great East African rift
valley. The Hadzabe are true hunter-gatherers who have maintained
their mode of living till to date. Though few in numbers their territory
extends over four districts namely, Karatu and Ngorongoro in Arusha
region, Mbulu in Manyara region and Meatu in Shinyanga region.
The Hadzabe click language is unlike any other language in Tanzania.
They are generally viewed as the original inhabitants of Tanzania.
However they have suffered considerable usurpation of their land.
The government’s effort to re-settle them into permanent settlements
with modern facilities has so far not been successful. With the
population of about 2000 individuals, the Hadzabe are among the
fewest ethnic groups in Tanzania.
THE BARBAIG
The Barbaig who number more than 79,000, live in the mountainous
areas around the Hanang District in Manyara Region in Tanzania.
These cattle herding people believe that a man's wealth is measured
according to ownership of cattle. Some of them are polygamous; a
man who is fairly wealthy or with some status may have more than
one wife. The Barbaig are animists. They worship their supreme deity
through their priests and the witchdoctors. They believe there is
one God who created the world and who is omniscient. They believe
the sun is his eye (his name is the same word that is used for sun).
Enjoy three days of a special Barbaig cultural tour. The Barbaig
are fascinating and curious people whose dwellings are off the beaten
track. They are conservative and proud cattle rearing nomads just
like the Maasai. Their women folk still wear locally tanned and
highly decorated goatskin gowns. Mingle freely with the tribesmen
and women. Learn how they sew their goatskin gowns, and how they
pound and grind maize (corn) to make flour.
Explore African cultural practices and traditions. We can spend
a day with the Iraq’w folks to gain insights of their cultural
values. Join in their local dances after tasting their local brew.
Visit local fish ponds and choose fresh fish for dinner. Taste fresh
honey from a local bees project. You may climb the Rift Valley Escarpment
through a natural forest. Visit a Primary School or Secondary School
when children are at school. Mix freely with the students play football
and learn some African dances. This is a great opportunity for children
to interact and learn and appreciate persons from other cultural
backgrounds.
You will learn more about real African rural life of ordinary people
in rural areas and know Africa’s real image as opposed to
what is depicted in the International News Media. Through service
charges, the local women, guides, family elders/fathers, and children
in the community earn direct income from tourism; they have hitherto
been denied the benefits of tourism because of being outside the
traditional wildlife tour routes. Through Local Government Levies,
the entire community benefits by achieving completion of projects
aided by our community assistance programmes.
THE MAASAI
The Maasai, who number more than 430,000 live in north and north-central
Tanzania, are pastoral people who herd cattle. At times they migrate
of better grazing lands. The red “shuka” loincloth as
well as layers of beaded jewelry, easily set them apart from other
tribes. The Maasai believe in one god called “Ngai”
who, they believe, lives on mount Oldoinyo Lengai in northern Tanzania.
This god of theirs is said to get involved with their lives only
in extraordinary circumstances rather than in the day to day life.
The Maasai strongly believe that all the cattle in the world were
initially given to them by this god, Ngai. The Maasai people have
managed to retain their way of life and culture for thousands of
years. Most visitors who come to Tanzania love to see the Maasai
culture, their traditional dress and life style in general.
Community and Orphans Support
In our opinion, traveling with Rift Cross Safaris means a lot more
than mere viewing of the world renowned tourist sites in East Africa.
By so doing you are also supporting us in supporting the vulnerable
groups within our communities.
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Tanzania
has one of the largest areas of protected lands in the world. It
houses the largest Game Reserve on the continent (Selous) and its
most famous national park (the Serengeti), not to mention the famous
Ngorongoro Crater considered being the eighth wonder of the world.
Here you can experience the landscapes which have captivated the
minds of millions of people. 
Tanzania is endowed with some of the most diverse and picturesque landscape. Its towering mountains in the North are some of the highest mountains in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point, is a great extinct volcano 5,895m (19,345ft) above sea level. Rift Cross can take you to the roof of Africa - Kilimanjaro and to the tops of other attractive mountains such as Meru and Oldoinyo lengai. Climbing these volcanoes is an incredible but manageable challenge. For travelers seeking adventures off the beaten track and spectacular views, these are ideal destinations.
The
white and golden sands of East Africa’s beaches are deservedly
world famous. They are soaked in sun all year round, and surrounded
by coral reef and the exotic scenery of the Indian Ocean. A rest
on a Tanzanian beach will leave you refreshed, restored and intrigued.
Walking through the narrow, twisting streets of Zanzibar’s
Stone Town plunges you into the past.
To many people tourism is confined to the wildlife destination, mountain trekking and beach relaxation. Rift Cross goes beyond the limits by taking you to experience the richest and most diverse cultures of people who follow ancient traditions –yet engaging on their own terms, with a globalizing world. Let us take you to visit these peoples, their homes and villages.