Kagera Cultural Tourism

Kagera History
For five centuries Kagera Region had nine different Kingdoms and a highly hierarchical society. It was during then that coffee was introduced as a cash crop and raw bananas a staple food. The ethnical Kings lived in elaborate palaces and were highly respected because they were thought to have direct link to God for power and the glory. The demise of the nine kingdoms, namely Kihanja, Karagwe, Kiziba, Misenye, Bugabo, Kyamtwara, Ihangiro, Bukara and Biharamulo came soon after Tanzania gained independence in 1961 because they had no historical roots.

Take Cultural Tour at Kagera
Traditional Dance
“Ngoma” is the major traditional dance. Traditional dances come in a variety of styles including Omutoro, Amayaga, Mulekule, Amakondele, and Akasimbo. There are traditional songs, which differ in area of origin and status, such as funeral ceremony songs, spiritual and wedding songs. There are a variety of music instruments and dancing attire too.

Story Telling
Stories and legends of ancient times are commonly told at night when the family gathers for exchanging views. Stories are normally narrated by the elders. They have their meaning in strengthening norms and conducts of the young and the roles of gender. They are called “Engano” in Kihaya.

Traditional Architecture / crafts
Traditional houses are called “Mushonge” these are round grass houses strengthened by large poles of tree (enyomyo). What is unique is that the construction begins with the roof rather than the ground foundation. People have gradually changed to muddy houses and iron sheet roofs. Presently most people construct brick houses and iron sheet or tile roofs. The Region has craftsmen dealing with basketry, pottery, canoe and boat building and various other forms of art and crafts. Western architecture (German and English) as well as Arab architecture (especially mosques) can be seen in many places. Traders and explorers of those origins introduced them.

Drum Making Workshop
Visit a drum making workshop run by disabled people. See how the traditional Haya drum is being made and being played. The drum making workshop, BUDAP (Bukoba Disabled Assistance Project) was started by Kiroyera Tours as one of their community based tourism projects. By visiting this workshop you support the disabled people of Bukoba

Drums making at Kagera - Cultural Tourism

Learn How to Cook Traditional Haya Food
The indigenous Haya people of this area invite you to the centre of the ancient Kiziba kingdom at Gera. Here you can sample local foods, learn first hand how to cook Bahaya food, view tribal dancing and listen to the traditional music of this tribe. Each visitor would be required to a conservative fee for such tours.

Meet the King in his Palace
Did you ever meet a king? Here is your chance. Visit former King Peter Nyarubamba at Kanazi Palace. Learn about the history of former governance before independence and get a privileged view of a traditional Bahaya house and royal tools such as spears, drums and the King’s chair.

Ancient Rock Paintings & Lourdes of Africa
Possibly Kagera’s best-kept secret, there are rock paintings close to Bukoba plus one of the fi rst religious shrines built in East Africa. Nyakijoga is world famous for the miraculous powers of the healing waters blessed in the name of the Virgin Mary. Every year thousands of pilgrims from all over the world convene at this Lourdes of Africa.

Kagera Museum
Kagera Museum is situated at Nyamukazi Area, near Bukoba Airport. It is a perfect place to learn Haya culture, history and heritage. Don’t miss the fabulous new addition to the profile of Bukoba! You can view local tools, heritage and most impressively a fine collection of professional wildlife photography.

Religious Shrines and Rock Art
Historically there were large trees that were used as places of sacrifices and prayer to the ancestors (Ekigabiro). There were miniature huts and other forms of spiritual following. Today, these are rare if any. With Christianity, Kagera Region became famous in producing the first African Roman Catholic Cardinal (the now Late Cardinal Laurian Rugambwa) and a world famous leader of the Lutheran Church (the Late Bishop Kibira). Of the Catholic Church there is Nyakijoga a shrine world famous for the miracle powers of the healing waters blessed in the name of the Virgin Mary the Mother of Jesus. Every year thousands of pilgrims from all over the world convene at this shrine which is indeed recognized as the Lourdes of Africa after the Lourdes of France. Close to Nyakijoga you come to Nyangoma ancient rocks paintings have been discovered. There are hundreds of these paintings in caves overlooking a very attractive valley. There are located in Bukoba District.
Cultural Tourism - Bukoba Art work

Historical Kamachumu Day Tour
Take a journey through the ancient history of this region and see real Bahaya life! Meet the reining chief in his residence at Kanazi, climb to the top of an escarpment and see breath taking views, visit a traditional grass built dwelling “the Mushonge house” plus visit religious sites and marvel at the Bugonzi waterfalls.

Alternative therapy
Kagera Region is well known for skilled its herbalists that offer alterative therapy. The Region has huge variety of plants used for the healing of humans, livestock and treating crop plants. Among famous medicinal trees is the “Muarobaini” which treats over 40 diseases. In Bukoba, a group of 5 professionals have initiated a garden to preserve and conserve traditional medicinal plants of Kagera. The project located 5 kilometres from Bukoba Town center is named LAVIBOGAM (Lake Victoria Botanical Garden of Medicinal plants).

Chief Rumanyika Museum
It was at this site where the 19 century white explorers such as Henry Morton Stanley and John Speke stayed while in search of the source of the River Nile. The site is rarely maintained but it is ideal for picnics and historical/cultural tourism, research activities and camp sites.

Chiefdom House in Ngara
This was the official residence of Chief Baramba of Bugufi in Ngara. At the compound stands a one-storey building with 20 rooms in which the Chief, his family, and members of his inner circle lived. The old house is just alongside the main road to the neighbouring Burundi. It is suitable for cultural tourism, campsites and picnics.

Some few basic Kihaya words you can learn while in Kagera
Welcome - nyegera
Goodbye - mpao
Come in - ija
I am hungry - nyin’enjara
Let’s go - tugende
Let’s leave - turugeo
Good afternoon - wasiboota
Good morning - waimukayo
Show me the way - nyoleka omuanda
Sorry - samahani

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Kagera Cultural Tourism

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Mwanza Tourism Tanzania

Karibu Tanzania

Kagera Cultural Tourism