Local Culture
Spend time among the people of East Africa
When we work with people to plan their personalized East Africa safari tour, they often talk excitedly about what they’re looking forward to, like tracking the mountain gorillas or rafting down the Nile.
What often turns out to be the most memorable moment for them? The people they meet along the way. At Kikooko, we believe the connection between travelers and locals is a powerful one, and we design our tours to give you an authentic insight into the traditions, customs, and way of life of the local communities.
Visit villages deep in the heart of East Africa
Uganda
Our guides will take you to remote villages and rural communities where you will have the chance to interact with local people and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.
During your adventure, you will have the opportunity to engage with local people and learn about their daily lives, traditions, and practices. You will also have the chance to participate in a range of cultural activities, such as cooking traditional meals, beekeeping, brewing banana beer, harvesting tea, and visiting coffee plantations.
Tanzania
In Tanzania, there are over 120 different tribes, each with its own customs, languages, and cultures. The official languages of Tanzania are Swahili and English, although many different languages are spoken across the country. The largest ethnic group is the Sukuma, who make up about 16% of the population.
Tanzanian culture is known for its vibrant music and dance traditions, such as taarab music and ngoma dance, as well as its rich storytelling traditions, which often center around the exploits of local heroes and historical figures. An unforgettable way to experience Tanzanian culture is to visit a local village, where you can witness daily life and participate in activities like traditional cooking and dancing.
The majority of Rwandans live in self-contained compounds and work the adjacent land. Over half of the population is Christian, though many do follow more traditional African beliefs. Historically, Hutu and Tutsi tribes made up the majority of the population.
Kikooko’s Founder’s Homecoming:
A Legacy in Kiyebe, Uganda
Opportunities to meet locals throughout East Africa
Rwanda:
- Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (near Volcanoes National Park)
- Nyanza Genocide Memorial (near Butare)
- Urugo Women’s Opportunity Center (Kigali)
Uganda:
- Ndere Cultural Centre (Kampala)
- Kabaka’s Palace (Kampala)
- Amabere Caves (near Fort Portal)
- Igongo Cultural Centre (Mbarara)
Tanzania:
- Mto wa Mbu Village (near Lake Manyara National Park)
- Tinga Tinga Arts Cooperative Society (Dar es Salaam)
- Zanzibar Spice Farms (near Zanzibar Island)
Recommended Tours
Our cultural tours are fully customizable, and we can tailor-make an itinerary to suit your interests and needs. We are committed to connecting our guests with the communities here, so join us on a cultural adventure and experience the rich and diverse culture of East Africa.
From $5598
Per Person
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Per Person
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Let’s start planning your next safari.
Warren Ankwasa
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris
Our tailor-made safaris are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African experience a memorable one.
As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs. When you’re ready, send us a message.
We’ll be in touch within 2 business days with ideas for your next adventure.
Safari Inspiration – Straight To Your Inbox
Wondering where in Africa to go on your first safari? How to budget for a safari? Want the latest baby mountain gorilla photos?
Each month, we send tips and stories straight from Kikooko’s headquarters in Entebbe, Uganda, sharing our unique perspective on where to go, what to do, and the impact your travels can have.
