Air Tanzania, TWIGA issue 21

Destination Dubai

Four flights a week to the ‘City of Gold'

Africa’s youngest billionaire Twiga meets Mohammed Dewji Charmed life

The rise of singer and musician Abigail Chams

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EDITOR’S NOTE

The rich and successful are often criticised for being out of touch with everyday people. In this issue of Twiga, we have a counterpoint in two interviews with Tanzanian outliers who have remained grounded. Africa's youngest billionaire Mohammed Dewji grew up humbly in Singida. When he became the town's MP he worked to improve health, housing and education for its people. Now as a thriving businessman he has pledged to donate half of his income to philanthropic ventures.

Also inside, we meet Abigail Chams. As one of the brightest stars of Tanzanian music with a hectic schedule, the 21-year-old still finds time to run her mental health programme, The Talk. It gives her the opportunity to support young people with anxiety and reveal her own earlty struggles with self doubt as proof to others that it can be overcome.

I hope reading about their empowering endeavours will prove inspirational on your flight today. markedwards@landmarine.com

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Expanding at home and abroad

Welcome onboard your Air Tanzania flight and to the latest edition of Twiga, our inflight magazine.

While I have your attention, allow me to share some exciting developments at Tanzania’s national carrier.

We now just added Dubai to our network of international destinations with four weekly flights between our hub in Dar es Salaam and the biggest city in the United Arab Emirates. The route opens up trade connections between Tanzania and one of the world’s wealthiest and most advanced cities. Dubai also offers huge tourism appeal as you’ll see inside this issue of Twiga.

The addition of Dubai means we now fly to 11 international destinations. Our domestic network has also recently increased with the launch of flights to Pemba. The ‘Green Island’ is a fertile haven of forest, pristine beaches and unique wildlife and offers visitors a different experience of the Zanzibar archipelago in contrasts to the crowds of main island Unguja.

We have also boosted our fleet of aircraft to keep pace with the extra flights and destinations. We just received delivery of our second Boeing 737-Max 9. Air Tanzania was the first African airline to receive delivery of the reduced-emissions jet in October last year and now we have another to assist with the new Dubai flights.

Thank you for being part of the Air Tanzania journey today. I wish you a pleasant and productive flight and hope we will share the skies gain soon. Eng.

Tunazidi kupanua wigo wetu nyumbani na ng’ambo

Karibuni kwenye ndege yenu ya Air Tanzania na kwenye toleo letu jipya la Twiga, gazeti letu la ndani ya ndege.

Nikiwa bado nimekamata nadhari yenu, naomba nichukue fursa hii kuwajuza juu ya mambo mapya ya kuvutia ndani ya kampuni ya ndege ya taifa letu.

Hivi karibuni tu tumetoka kuongeza Dubai kwenye safari zetu za kimataifa, ambapo kutakuwa kuna safari nne kila wiki kati ya kitovu cha safari zetu Dar es Salaam na mji mkubwa zaidi katika Falme za Kiarabu.

Ongezeko hili linafungua milango ya biashara baina ya Tanzania na moja kati ya miji tajiri na iliyoendelea zaidi duniani. Si hivyo tu, bali pia Dubai ni kivutio kikubwa cha utalii, kama mtakavyoona ndani ya toleo hili la Twiga.

Kuongezeka kwa safari za Dubai kunamaanisha kuwa sasa tunasafiri kuelekea miji 11 ya kimataifa. Safari zetu za ndani pia zimeongezeka kwa kuanzishwa kwa safari za kwenda Pemba.

Pemba, maarufu kama ‘Kisiwa cha Kijani’, ni pumziko lenye rutuba lililosheheni misitu, fukwe safi za kuvutia na upekee wa wanyapori na inawapa wageni sura mpya kabisa ya visiwa vya Zanzibar ikilinganishwa na kisiwa kikuu cha Unguja.

Pia tumeongeza idadi ya ndege zetu ili kuweza kuendana na kasi hii ya ongezeko la safari zetu. Tumeshapokea ndege yetu ya pili aina ya Boeing 737-Max 9. Ikumbukwe kuwa Air Tanzania ilikuwa ndiyo kampuni ya kwanza ya Kiafrika kumiliki ndege yenye teknolojia ya kupunguza uchafuzi wa hali hewa mnamo Oktoba ya mwaka jana na sasa tumeongezea ndege ya pili ya aina hiyo ili kusaidia kwenye safari zetu mpya za Dubai.

Ahsanteni sana kwa kuwa sehemu ya safari ya Air Tanzania leo. Nawatakia nyote safari njema na yenye tija na natumai siku si nyingi, tutakuwa tena pamoja angani.

From Dar to Dubai

Air Tanzania expands its international network with four direct flights a week to the UAE’s largest city.

We fly to Dubai! Air Tanzania has just launched direct flights from Dar es Salaam. Linking Tanzania with Dubai –known as the City of Gold – should prove a boon for business connections between the two countries. No urban area has grown more than Dubai in the past decade with the oil-rich city becoming a global wealth hub attracting massive investment from around the globe.

Tanzania’s national carrier now flies between the two cities four times a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The new route makes Dubai the 11th international destination in the expanding airline’s network, joining destinations such as Mumbai in India, Entebbe in Uganda, Harare in Zimbabwe and China’s

GO GREEN AND FLY WITH US TO THE NATURAL PARADISE OF PEMBA

Get ready for a getaway to the ‘Green Island.’ Air Tanzania has added the natural paradise of Pemba to our network of destinations.

The second largest island in the Zanzibar archipelago offers a more low-key and exclusive experience than its big brother, Unguja, to the south. Here you’ll find the double-canopy jungle experience of the Ngezi Forest, home to animals only found on Pemba such as the Pemba Flying Fox, Pemba Scops Owl and blue duiker antelope. Beautiful beaches abound and the pristine coral reefs that ring the island provide some of the best snorkelling and scuba experiences in East Africa.

Guangzhou. Flights to Dubai start at US$ 530 return.

Book your next flight on www.airtanzania.co.tz or download our mobile app on Play Store and App Store.

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Foodies will also love Pemba. The cuisine here draws on a bounty of Indian ocean seafood along with the spices, fruit and vegetables picked fresh from the fertile farmland that covers the island.

The addition of Pemba to our network means we now connect customers with 10 destinations across Tanzania; Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Kigoma, Bukoba, Songea, Mbeya, Mpanda, Zanzibar, Dodoma, Geita, Mwanza and Tabora.

Ten reasons to VISIT DUBAI

Dubai is Air Tanzania’s latest international destination with four flights a week to the largest city in the UAE. Time here is an opportunity to indulge in some Emirates excess. Everything here is supersized – from the skyscraping buildings through the endless brunches to the gigantic shopping malls – and there is no urban development in the world that has grown more in the past 10 years. Wealth and the wealthy have flooded Dubai, making it a desirable destination for tourism and business travellers from around the world. Here are ten reasons you should be spending some of your precious time in the City of Gold.

You’ll spend much of your visit looking up in Dubai. No city in the world has more skyscrapers and at 828 metres high, the Burj Khalifa in downtown Dubai is the tallest building to be found in the world. Take the ear-popping elevator up to the 124th floor for panoramic views of the city, the Arabian Gulf and the surrounding desert. Just two floors below you can soak up the skyline while enjoying a gourmet breakfast at At.mosphere Restaurant. Khalifa isn’t the only famous Burj in town. The sail-shaped luxury hotel Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island and is reached from the mainland via a private curving bridge. Delights inside include the world’s tallest atrium – you could fit the Eiffel Tower inside it – and a glass elevator with panoramic ocean views.

Brunch is a Dubai institution, and many locals will happily give up three to four hours of their weekend to tuck into a supersized spread with friends. There are brunches for every budget: from five-star hotels to casual pubs. Expect the bill to land somewhere between US$ 82 to US$ 163 per person. By the time you have had your fill of food, you may have put on a few kilos but your wallet will be considerably lighter. If you are just after a snack that is deeply Dubai, try some Nouq camel milk ice-cream. The low-fat and lactosefree treat is available all over the city with favourite flavours including date, honey-saffron and pistachio.

Dubai

Dubai after dark

Break for the beaches

3

With all-year-round hot climate and 16km of beaches, Dubai is an ideal sun, sea and sand destination. Many of the luxury beachside resorts have commandeered wide tranches of the coastline for the exclusive use of their guests, but there are still plenty of public beaches such as ‘La Mer’ and JBR Open Beach to enjoy.

Soak up the souks

6

Dubai’s towering skyline has become iconic of a modern metropolis, but the city has a rich history. Exploring its souks will transport you back centuries to when Dubai was a key Silk Road trading post handling goods travelling from India, Africa and Asia. These traditional markets are a sensory treat with the spice souk (34 Street) and perfume souk (Sikkat al Khali) drawing you in with their heady scents. You’ll also find incredible jewellery, hand-woven textiles and plenty of farm-fresh fruit and veg.

4

Dubai puts on a spectacular and free show once night falls with its high rises and waterfront sparkling with illuminations. As you might have come to expect, Dubai has the world’s largest illuminated fountain show – located in the Burj Khalifah’s man-made lake – with the 275-metrehigh jets of water dancing to the tunes of great symphonies every half-hour until 11pm. Other after-sunset events include Zabeel Park’s Dubai Glow Garden with displays made entirely of light bulbs.

Creative community

5

If you want to experience the contemporary art scene in Dubai, head to the city’s Al Quoz industrial area and the arts district Alserkal Avenue. Here you’ll find galleries, museums, workshops and cafes – many of which are open well into the evening during the regular Alserkal Lates events.

Travelling between these waterfront bazaars on the Dubai Creek can be an experience in itself. Jump on an abra, a traditional wooden ferry that stops by all the main souks. With rides costing under 50 cents they are the cheapest sightseeing tours in Dubai.

Desert flowers

7

You wouldn’t think the arid climate would lend itself to fervent flower growth, but in Dubai everything is possible. The Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest man-made garden – anyone noticing a theme developing here? From late September to the end of April this sprawling theme park features 150 million artfully arranged flowers somehow flourishing in the desert – including five million blooms set in the shape of an Airbus A380.

Ski the slopes

Museum of the future

8

Temperatures rarely drop below 25C here at any time of the year, but there is a part of Dubai that regularly reaches -1C and has a population of penguins. Ski Dubai is a 4,500 sq m ski resort inside the Mall of the Emirates with falling artificial snow, a ski slope, toboggan slide, its own ice cave and, yes, three resident penguins.

Shop ‘til you drop

9

No surprise that a city propelled by innovation and technological advancements should have a museum that looks to where the coming years might take us rather than delving into the past. The striking bagelshaped Museum of the Future has three floors of immersive exhibitions focused on the direction our lives might be taking from space travel to bioengineering.

10

You can lose yourself shopping in Dubai –literally. The Dubai Mall is, you guessed it, the largest shopping centre in the world. It has 1,200 retail outlets and is so big its owners have even developed an app to help visitors navigate their shopping spree. Beyond shopping, the mall has an aquarium and an Olympic-sized ice rink. The Mall of the Emirates is a bijou boutique in comparison with a mere 630 shops and more than 100 dining options. Another popular shopping option is The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence with close to two km of beachfront given over to fashion stores and pop-up markets.

After the Hanang mudslide, a journey of resilience is transforming fear into

HOPE

The tragic natural disaster in Tanzania’s Hanang District claimed close to a hundred lives and thousands more lost homes and livelihoods. Save The Children was on the ground in the immediate aftermath and here the charity reveals the vital physical and mental rehabilitation carried out.

Relentless rains and the partial collapse of Mount Hanang triggered a devastating mudslide that engulfed Tanzania’s Hanang District, leaving a trail of destruction and displacing hundreds including families and children. Many lost their homes and found temporary refuge in overcrowded schools.

Access to clean water and sanitation remained a critical concern, raising the risk of disease outbreaks. The tragedy, fueled by El Niño-driven heavy rains since October last year, with media reporting at least 89 lives were lost with over 5,600 people impacted and more than 750 acres of crops destroyed and livestock decimated (Government and Media reports).

The Tanzanian government provided food, non-food items, and deploying rescue teams. However, essential services like child protection, family reunification, and mental health support were still limited, hindering the recovery process.

How Save the Children (SC) responded

Within 48 hours of the disaster, Save the Children’s emergency response team was on the ground, prioritising both immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery strategies. Utilizing internal funding and partnering with the Start Fund Network, a consortium led by Save the Children was formed alongside World Vision and Action Aid, pooling together US$ 303,000 to address the urgent needs identified through joint assessments.

The consortium implemented a comprehensive project to support communities affected by flooding and mudslides, with a focus on providing immediate assistance, particularly to students, and filling gaps in existing support.

We provided psychosocial support to school children, rehabilitated water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities and equipped

Ms Angela Kauleni, SCT Country Director checking children while they use their supplied scholastic materials

The School Sports Bonanza was enjoyed by many

communities with the necessary knowledge and skills to mitigate disease outbreaks such as cholera. Through water and sanitation interventions we reached at least 4,909 people including 3,313 children.

In response to psychosocial needs of affected children, our initiative prioritized not only the provision of essential school materials but also the promotion of well-being through recreational activities. We organised a school sports bonanza with swings, monkey bars, volleyball grounds, and slides. Additionally, we distributed 18,040 exercise books, 10,000 pens, 300 school bags, and 2,400 pencils to 3,764 students, ensuring that each child had access to the necessary tools for their education. Importantly, these materials were distributed equitably, with careful consideration given to gender balance, reaching 1,966 girls and 1,798 boys. The impact of our efforts was profound with an increase of more than 40% in school attendance across the affected communities. This support reached children with special needs.

Furthermore, we provided essential household, and food items to affected households which helped

to reduce the burden on parents who were unable to buy these materials after the devastating mudslides that wrecked the communities’ livelihoods.

Save the Children’s Intervention leads to a 46% increase in school attendance

Any incidents that occur affect everyone, but children are more vulnerable physically, emotionally, and even psychologically. Following the mudslides on December 3, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 42 adults and 47 children, fear gripped the children, leading to a significant drop in attendance when schools reopened on January 8, 2024.

In response to the reduced attendance, Save the Children provided psychological support to the communities, teachers, and children in eight affected schools, including Jorodom, Qedangonyi, Gendabi, Kateshi A, Kateshi B, Dumanang, Darajani, and Bomani Primary School.

Additionally, Save the Children initiated a sports bonanza for these schools, featuring football for boys, football for girls, tug of war, and goal ball for visually impaired

children. The sports events began on January 10 and concluded on January 20.

Pupil Irene said: “For us, this is a significant gift because some of us were distraught after losing our colleagues in the flood disasters. However, you have come here to comfort us, and we are delighted with your presence. May God increase you for what you have done.”

Representing the eight schools participating in the bonanza, the headteacher of Jorodom Primary School, Balitoka Panula, thanked Save the Children for their initiatives, including psychological services and the sports bonanza. “When the schools reopened, Jorodom’s attendance was 52%, but after the bonanza was initiated, attendance increased to 98%,” he said..

Hanang District's District Commissioner, Janeth Mayanja, who was the guest of honour at the bonanza's finals, pledged to continue collaborating with Save the Children in various activities. She commended Save the Children for their prompt response after the mudslide and their continued presence in Hanang District, working alongside the government to aid the affected

For us, this is a significant gift because some of us were distraught after losing our colleagues in the flood disasters.

Above left: emergency supplied begin organised.

Above right: A football event was organised and ran for 10 days

community and children.

“You are a leading organization. After the incident occurred, you arrived quickly, and until today, you have not left. You have focused more on helping children, a group that is often overlooked. I commend you for touching this important group," she said.

Save the Children remains dedicated to rebuilding lives, restoring hope, and ensuring the well-being of children and families affected by the mudslides in Hanang District. Through ongoing support, Save the Children aims to create a resilient community that can face the challenges ahead with strength and determination.

ABOUT SCI

Save the Children began its work in Tanzania in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, in 1989 working on maternal and newborn health. Since then, it has expanded its programming to more than 13 regions in mainland Tanzania working in both development and humanitarian contexts focusing in Health and Nutrition, Child Protection, Child Rights and Governance, Education, and safety nests for the most vulnerable. For more information, contact info@savethechildren.or.tz or follow

Save the Children Tanzania on X-Space, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

‘If God blesses you financially, then, don’t raise your standard of living, raise your

STANDARD OF GIVING’

Mohammed ‘Mo’ Gulamabbas Dewji is Africa’s youngest billionaire. As the owner of Tanzanian conglomerate MeTL Group, the Singida-born businessman has made a fortune – half of which he gives to philanthropic causes. In an exclusive interview with Ingrid Kim, the former politician talks about transforming life in his hometown as an MP, the importance of giving back and what his morning routine looks like.

Mohammed Dewji

You are now Africa's youngest billionaire, but you come from humble beginnings in Singida. What are your memories of those early years?

Singida is an urban constituency where you have a main town and then when you drive out a little bit – 5 to 10 kilometres – you hit the rural areas. So, it’s called a peri-urban constituency. It’s an urban constituency with the rural periphery. That’s number one. Number two, interestingly, I was born at home with a midwife and a doctor. I was a second child and I never made it to the hospital. Number three, I have good memories of my grandmother and grandfather, who lived with us in the family home. They loved to walk, and I remember them walking me around town. But I left Singida when I was three years old to get my primary education in Arusha – from grade one to grade seven.

Q. You represented Singida as an MP for 10 years. What does the city mean to you and what, in your opinion, were your major achievements during the time?

A. Singida is my family home. My grandfather was buried in Singida. My great-grandfather is buried there. The whole Dewji family. So, we have a long history with Singida. Also, when I graduated from university [Mohammed attended Georgetown University in the US, graduating in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in international business and finance], I went back to visit. I realized Singida was very far behind in terms of education, healthcare, water accessibility, agricultural technology and more. I felt that by becoming a member of parliament, I could make a change. At that time, primary education was free. There were around 25 primary schools and each with four strings of 100 kids each. So basically, you would have 2,500 kids graduating from primary school who had no access to secondary school.

So, we started building secondary schools. and I think I ended up building about 18 and spending millions of

dollars. Then I gave scholarships to more than 5,000 students in Singida to give them access to a secondary school education. We also worked with [NGO] Read International to bring in books and looked at how to use technology to enhance knowledge. Waterborne diseases were a problem then so dug 60 wells to give people access to clean water. Water is vital to life and sometimes we take it for granted. I increased the accessibility of water from around 22% to almost over 90%. So, I thank God for that. We also worked in agriculture, we provided over 1,500 cataract eye operations and fought malaria. I was a politician by default. I just wanted to help the people of my hometown and with God's will, I achieved that. That was very fulfilling.

Q. In 1992, your father enrolled you at the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy in USA. Do you still like to play?

A. I used to be an amazing golfer, almost a scratch handicap – which is like almost a professional level. I did well in Tanzania, so my father sent me to the US and I had ambitions to play golf in universities there and I was offered some scholarships to do that. And I did get some scholarships to play golf in some universities. I remember when I was at the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy, we won the districts competition which qualified us to play in the nationals. There I was competing against players that were much better than me, who could hit longer and straighter than me. I realised I was never going to make it at the highest level. So, I applied to Georgetown to study finance and international business and that was the end of my golf career. I stopped playing for 20 years. I picked it up again about five years ago. But it’s a frustrating game. I mean, it needs a lot of focus and practice. For a player like myself it gets frustrating because I can't play as well now. My sons play golf, so I play with them.

Q. Your father built his Pan-African empire from its beginnings as a

I was inspired by people such as Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates. They have this initiative called the Giving Pledge. I signed up to pledge half of my wealth for philanthropic ventures

single shop. How does his example inspire you?

A. My father is my role model. He’s a man with high discipline and he is hardworking, intelligent and a clear thinker. And he's the one who has moulded and mentored me, walking with me through my entrepreneurship journey. So, I am forever grateful to him for his guidance and his support. And I work very well with him.

Q. What do you think are the personality traits that have been crucial to your success?

A. I have two traits that I think are important in the lives of everyone. One, I’m always a well-wisher of people. I always wish them the best, my friends, people who I know, and try to guide them and give them the best advice that I can. Two, I am not a jealous person. I don’t have envy in me. These traits, I think, make me who I am. And I feel good about that.

/ Mohammed Dewji

Q. You set up the Mo Dewji Foundation and have pledged to give half of your wealth to philanthropic endeavours. Why is giving back so important to you?

A. When I first got into politics, it was all about giving back to the community. Then I realized that I don't need to be in politics to give back. I was inspired by people such as Warren Buffett and Bill Gates and Melinda Gates. They have this initiative called the Giving Pledge. I signed up to pledge half of my wealth for philanthropic ventures. I have always said if God blesses you financially, then, don’t raise your standard of living, raise your standard of giving. We’ve been lucky to have what we have, and we have it for a reason. We need to give back. That's what life is all about, I believe. Some people are blessed more than others. Some people are blessed with money. Some people are blessed with intelligence. Whatever you have, it's important you give back.

Q. A lot of successful business people have a strict morning routine to focus them for the day. What time do you get up and how do you like to start your day?

A. So, I’ll tell you, over the last few years, it has changed a little bit. But generally, I wake up really early and pray in the morning. Then I go for a 10K run before heading to the office and clearing my mails. I have hundreds of lines of businesses so I will have three or four board meetings. We go through cash flows and balance sheets and budgets and strategy. And then in the evening, I have, people such as bankers or whoever that wants to come meet me in more informal meetings. And later on, I may have to attend a work function. I used to work 100-hour weeks. Over time that has reduced, but I’m in a good place.

Q. You have a very high profile in Africa and beyond, but it seems that you try to live your life as normally as you can. If you are OK to talk about it, how has your very

Mohammed Dewji was a promising golfer in his youth and still plays

scary-sounding kidnapping in 2018 affected your ability to do that?

Has it made you more security conscious and be more careful about where you can and can’t go?

A. Yes, of course, life has changed. Before the kidnapping, I used to have no security detail whatsoever. I used to be just moving around alone. That has changed. I have a lot of security around me the whole time now. It has become more difficult because I move around with a lot of people and therefore, I need to be conscious of the places that I’m going, when I’m going, how long I will be there.

Life has changed tremendously, but I’m very grateful to Tanzanians, to East Africans, to Africans and to the world. Where have you seen a high profile person getting

kidnapped and less fortunate people are praying for him, right?

I’m honoured, humbled and grateful for people’s support during that time. I believe that it was God that saved me, and I believe that it was the people who prayed that God listened to. Thank you all.

Q. You have been responsible for increasing MeTL’s revenues into the billions since you took over. What are some of your most important motivations to succeed in business?

A. So, my motivation all along has been to have good quality products at the most competitive price possible. That is the whole business model. It has been to serve the bottom of the pyramid, to

So, my motivation all along has been to have good quality products at the most competitive price possible. That is the whole business model

Dewji was named Forbes Africa's Person of the Year in 2015. More recently the magazine heralded him as Africa’s youngest billionaire.

serve people with lesser disposable income. I don’t sell luxury goods. I don’t sell exclusive fashion items. I sell fast moving food products that people consume on a day-to-day basis. East African per capita income is around US$ 1,200 a year, which is about US$ 100 a month, out of which they spend about US$ 70 on products I manufacture, produce, sell and distribute. It’s not a lot of money and I know it has to be spent wisely. So I try to make sure that I give the people the best quality and the best price possible.

Q. You travel the world, but always keep up with the fortunes of Simba SC. What does the team mean to you?

A. Simba is a club that I grew up loving. As a child I had no money to go watch the games, but sometimes people would help me sneak into watch the game. Around six years ago I made the move to invest in the club. At that time Simba was not even among Africa’s top 100 clubs, but now we are ranked in the top eight on the continent. We have a big fan base and a huge social media following. Our vision is to create a football academy-style youth development programme. Through the Mo Dewji Foundation, we give free education and healthcare to these kids so if they don’t make it in football, they can pursue other careers. Of course, if the football works out they may play for Simba or our feeder clubs and then maybe on to Europe. Nobody would have believed someone who said Simba would be in the top in 2018. Now we need to write a new chapter – win the Champions League and become one of the best clubs in Africa.

WHALE SHARKS by numbers

3,000

The number of teeth an average whale shark has. If this makes you think twice about swimming next to one, be assured each tooth is tiny and only suitable for sifting plankton. They even have teeth on their eyes!

Whale sharks can live a long time. They have no predators, except man, but can be injured accidentally by large ships.

150 years

Swimming with whale sharks is one of the wildest adventures the Zanzibar archipelago offers in its marine paradise. The rich coral reefs that surround Mafia Island are a food factory for these gentle giants that can be seen here all year round. Let’s check out some facts and figures on the world’s largest fish.

18.8 metres

The length of the largest recorded whale shark. That’s about the length of two dala dalas!

300

The number of babies a female whale shark can produce at one time. Females are ovoviviparous and produce eggs that hatch inside them. They give birth to live young and can produce around 300 babies at a time.

20 kg

Whale sharks have prodigious appetites. Don’t worry, humans are not on the menu. Instead, these sharks are plankton patrollers, needing to filter-feed around 20kg of the drifting, microscopic organisms in a single day to survive!

19,000kg

The weight of an average adult whale shark. The largest will weigh 20,000kg. That’s 20 tonnes. For all their size, they are surprisingly graceful in the water.

20,142 kilometers

The longest tracked whale shark migration (from the eastern Pacific to the western Indo-Pacific). Whale sharks navigate by detecting the Earth’s magnetic field (a sort of sixth sense or inbuilt GPS) to find their way back to favourite feeding grounds. That’s how they keep returning to Zanzibar.

Imagine coming back to this oasis of tranquillity and bespoke luxury after your hiking or safari adventures in Kilimanjaro. The four-room Amans Kilimanjaro Villa is nestled in a quiet suburb on the edge of Moshi with Africa’s highest peak looming in the distance. Guests are treated to a home-fromhome with all room’s gallery-worthy spaces filled with art and statement decorative pieces. Guests are well looked after with the opportunity to enjoy some wondrous home-cooked food prepared by the villa’s owner. Meals can be taken on the lovely colonnaded verandah that opens through an arch of bougainvillea into lush gardens and the villa’s private swimming pool. Twiga readers have the chance to enjoy this private paradise with this issue’s competition. The winner will get a night’s stay and evening meal for themselves and a guest of their choice.

Last issue’s WINNER

Congratulations to Sam Katabaazi who wins a night’s stay for two at the Blue Moon Resort. Well done and thanks for flying Air Tanzania.

WIN A NIGHT’S STAY AT AMANS KILIMANJARO VILLA

ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS

To be in with a chance, email your answers to the three questions on this page along with a photograph of yourself holding Twiga 21 on your Air Tanzania flight to competition@landmarine.org by 10th June 2024. Bahati nejema!

1 How many musical instruments can Abigail Chams play?

2 Dubai has a coastline on which ocean?

3 In which Air Tanzania international destination was this year’s Miss World competition held? COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Prizes dependent on availability

One entry per person. Entrants must be 18 years or over. The decision of the organisers will be final. The competition is not open to employees and their relatives of Air Tanzania or Land & Marine Publications Ltd and Amans Kilimanjaro Villa. The prize does not include flights to the destination. Images are for representation only.

Imge: Ally Mwasi

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE IN MUMBAI

Some of the most luxurious living in Mumbai is found within the thousands of high-rise buildings that dominate the modern skyline of India's most glamorous city. The Half Arc House is located in one of the City of Dreams' most opulent skyscrapers that features its own lavish swimming pool and gym. Twiga gets a sneak peek inside.

All images courtesy of COVET HOUSE, www.covethouse.eu

The Half Arc House gets its moniker from the quarter-circles motif that echoes throughout the apartment. The first – a textured and painted arc – is seen right where the entrance meets the main L-shaped living area, and frames that room.

In the guest bedroom, the arc presents itself within the teak wood and all black, back painted glass cupboards. And the bow appears yet again in the master suite within the pink shelving unit behind the bed.

The 130-sq-metre apartment has been specially designed for its

current single owner. The owner, a young Mumbaiker with her own business, came up with the design plan to convert the original three bedrooms into two suites with generous layouts.

The client’s brief was realised by creating an expansive master suite, complete with a master bath, a walk-in wardrobe and a dedicated

shoe room. The half arc geometries and a palette of contrasting colours add to the apartment’s quirky look and feel.

In the primary living area, next to the balcony, is a concealed television within a shelving unit with a textured brass façade, designed to stand out against the ebony, half arc shelves behind it.

The selected furniture and furnishings are all sourced from a combination of global luxury names – Boca Do Lobo, Koket, Tom Dixon, Baxter and Reflex Angelo among them – paired with local luxury

brands including Scarlet Splendor and Jaipur Rugs.

Statement pieces include the swirling metal ribbon of the Intuition Dining Table and the exquisite Lapiaz Center Table with its polished brass details and mirrored sides.

The Half Arc House is designed to offer a luxury living experience like no other. Many of the luxury details were curated by interior design service Covet House with pieces sourced from some of the world’s most renowned luxury brands. To see more of its work, visit www.covethouse.eu

THE BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS

in Dar es Salaam

With its shoreline location benefiting from the shellfishstuffed waters of the Indian Ocean as well as the rich scents and flavours of the Swahili coast’s spices, Dar es Salaam’s restaurants offer some of the world’s freshest and most flavoursome seafood dishes. Here’s our guide to some of the leading lights of this gastronomic heaven for pescetarian travellers.

Karambezi @karambezicafe

The two-tier terrace of the Karambezi Café at the Sea Cliff Hotel on the Masaki peninsula provides one of the best places to enjoy the fivestar’s majestic views over the Indian Ocean. The food on offer is just as spectacular with the seafood platter for two a super-sized headliner featuring lobster, prawns, calamari, line fish, baby white snapper, crab claws and other delicacies piled high. Other pescetarian picks include the classic fish and chips with homemade tartar sauce and grilled king prawns served with a fiery Cajun sauce.

Kalypso Restaurant @kalypso_tz

This vibey food and shisha lounge inside the Colosseum Hotel and Fitness Club in Masaki describes its cuisine as ‘Afro-Japanese’, which means there is plenty of nicely spiced seafood on the menu. Saturdays provide an ideal time to stuff yourself with sashimi as all sushi dishes are half price all-day. The tuna sashimi bathed in a citrusy ponzu sauce and sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds is highly recommended. On Fridays you can eat to the beats with regular live music nights.

Background image: Kalypso Restaurant, Dar es Salaam

Thai Kani @thaikanitz

This family-owned Thai and sushi restaurant in the Slipway – Msasani really is seafood central in Dar – is marking its 10th anniversary this year. Its longevity is testament to its menu of exemplary seafood dishes such as its exquisitely flavoured tuna and red snapper sashimi, seafood egg-drop soup and grilled calamari with green chili sauce. The restaurant has terrace seating to make the most of the bay views and also hosts regular music nights for the ultimate combination of food and mood.

Cape Town Fish Market @ctfmtz

This global chain has a pair of Tanzanian outlets that enjoy among the most picturesque locations in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar’s Stone Town – with views over Msasani Bay and Stone Town harbour, respectively – that become magical at sunset. This is where the golden hour meets gourmet dining with the restaurants’ menu of sushi, salads, tacos and tapas filled with super fresh, expertly prepared seafood. Highlights include the Tuna Cappaccio with strips of seared tuna topped with chili and a sweet soy dressing. For a quick bite, go for the deep-fried fish tacos or the almost-too-pretty-toeat sushi platters. With a nod to the chain’s South African origins, you can pair your meal with a selection of Western Cape wines.

The Fishmonger @fishmonger_dar

Another seafood restaurant enjoying views over Msasani Bay, this time from its rooftop location in the landmark Cube building. It serves up the freshest seafood the Indian Ocean has to offer in many delicious forms. Favourites include its tempura and dipping sauces with prawns, octopus and squid within the crispy, light batter, a hot and juicy seafood boil and all manner of lovingly prepared sushi. You can now pair the seafood with stand-up comedy as Tanzania’s first dedicated comedy club, The Punchline, has opened in the basement of the building. The Fishmonger has devised a special finger food menu for guests to eat at their tables.

Halima Kopwe shines at Miss World pageant

Halima Kopwe made Tanzania proud with an impressive showing at the Miss World beauty pageant in March.

Halima, crowned Miss Tanzania in 2023, finished in the top 40 of the 112 contestants that started out vying for the prestigious prize in India.

The event took place at the Jio World Convention Centre in Air Tanzania destination Mumbai.

We flew the Mtwara-born Halima to and from the event. She has proved herself an excellent ambassador for the country and for the airline, sharing the attractions of her homeland with a global audience. The maternal and child health advocate, who carries out work for My Blood My Health programme, performed especially well in the Beauty with a Purpose element of the Miss World competition. She was placed in the top ten of all contestants after her affecting speech.

Our congratulations go out to you, Halima. It was our pleasure to be a part of your landmark achievement.

For more information of Halima’s Miss World experience and her philanthropic endeavours, visit her Instagram page @halimakopwe

Miss World

Image: @pafectstudio

Image: @kellephotographer

Image: @officialkennyp

Image: @cannysophen

The five best kitesurfing spots in Zanzibar

With its steady on-shore winds, white sand beaches and smooth, bath-warm water, Zanzibar Island is a kitesurfer’s paradise. Twiga selects five of the top spots to ride the wind on Unguja.

Paje

In an island of kitesurfing hotspots, Paje is the daddy. The laidback fishing village is situated on the island’s south-east coast, which benefits from a stretch of coral reef a couple of kilometres out from the coastline which acts as a natural shelter to create calm conditions during mid-to-low tides, making this a great spot for beginners to improve quickly on the flat water and experienced riders to practice their tricks in the safe environment. The more adventurous can venture out at high tide to meet the waves as they break over the reef. With no crowds and an abundance of clean, long-interval waves of up to 2 metres in height, Paje becomes their personal playground. The long, strip of sand here is now flanked by chic bars, restaurants and hotels to cater to the influx of kitesurfers from across the world, but Paje, for all its popularity, retains its lowkey, welcoming charm.

Jambiani

If Paje is a little busy for your tastes, Jambiani just a few kilometres to the south enjoys the same protected waters while remaining largely undisturbed by tourists.

This small fishing village is a place to fall in with the rhythms of traditional life that move as gently as the swaying palms that fringe the beach and the dhows rocking on the waves. Beginners will love the lake-like placidity of the small fishing village’s lagoon and there are a few kitesurfing schools to help get them started. Experienced kitesurfers will love that the lagoon at highor mid-tide offers perfect conditions for foil kiting, which has become very popular recently and involves using a kitesurfing board with a hydrofoil attached beneath it. Once mastered, the board lifts entirely out of the water and you are riding only on the hydrofoil, giving the impression of flying over the waves.

Bwejuu

Bwejuu is the northern-most of the necklace of resorts along the classic kitesurfing locale of Zanzibar’s south-east coast. It is a relaxed and low-traffic spot to practise water sports with that isolation bringing some magic to the learning experience. And since you are right south of the Michamvi Peninsula, you can finish a perfect day with dinner at the famous The Rock

restaurant, one of Zanzibar’s most iconic sights and dining options.

Nungwi

Kiting is growing in popularity on the northern coast of Zanzibar with main beach resort Nungwi benefitting from steady winds (approximately 15-20 knots) for most of the year, level beaches and protected, shallow lagoons. The big beach here has plenty of dive personnel and boats for recovery so it’s one of the safest places to kite. For more experienced surfers who want to pop off from waves and get some jumps, big swells are common from July to September. Once the surfing is over, the renowned beach bars of Nungwi provide excellent downtime options.

Kiwengwa Beach

If you are travelling as a family and want to try kitesurfing together this east coast location should be ideal. It is beach holiday territory, and you’ll find plenty of resorts that offer group kitesurfing lessons carried out on their own private strip of beach –ideal for self-conscious newbies.

‘Deep

down inside I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A SUPERSTAR…

and I did it!’

No-one was surprised when Abigail Chams became a star – not least the supremely confident singer-songwriter herself. The prodigal Tanzanian talent started playing piano aged five, was soon proficient in five instruments and won just about every talent show going as a schoolgirl. She signed for Sony Music Entertainment Africa while still a teen and last year released her debut EP, ‘5’, on the major label. Here the ‘Milele’ singer talks exclusively to Twiga about her musical upbringing, dealing with fame and the ‘Charmers’, her devoted followers that even include the now 21-year-old’s musical hero, Beyoncé.

Q. You were raised by a musical family. Can you tell us how music played a big part in your life growing up?

A. Music has always been a huge and integral part of my life. I started playing my first musical instrument when I was five and my grandfather was a conductor in an orchestra – he was a multi-instrumentalist who showed me you never have to limit yourself to one instrument. The sky is the limit. Now I play five musical instruments and music has just all always been around me and within me. I was always in school plays, talent shows, the school orchestra and singing in the church choir. Everything I did was musical.

Q. With that classical music background, did you also love ‘pop’ music and try to make those songs work on the instruments you were learning?

A. One hundred per cent. As much as I trained classically and played a lot of classical music, I have always loved pop. Deep down inside I always wanted to be a superstar. One day I wanted to be performing on stage, to be dancing, to be that kind of star. The classical music was a foundation. I used it in my training and learning musical theory, but I always translated it into pop, into jazz and to Afropop. I listened to a lot of Afrobeats and afropop growing up and sang into the mirror holding my hairbrush like a microphone, pretending I was on stage singing to my dolls in my bedroom.

Q. You have said that music was a comfort and escape during times of anxiety growing up. Can you talk more about what caused that anxiety and how music would help?

A. Every human being has moments of anxiety and nervousness. For me I just had moments in my life when I was more anxious than the average person. So, for me music was an escape. It was a way of expressing how I was feeling and translating that into sounds, into music. Others find different ways of escape from something that it is stressing them out – like exams. For me, I was grateful that I had music when I was stressed, or someone made me angry. At school I’d say: “Bye bye, peace out” to my friends and go to the music room and just play the piano. By the time recess was over I’d be fine.

Q. Is the social anxiety still an issue now? If so, how much of a challenge is being in the spotlight as a music star?

A. Being in the spotlight as a music star will always have its ups and downs, just like any other career. But for me I just stay grounded. I’m grateful that I have my family with me – not just with me on a personal level, but also on a business level. My family is part of my management team. My manager is my sister. They keep me grounded. So even when I have tabloids and all kinds of crazy things going on I have my family. Prayer also helps. I have

God to give me peace to give me the courage and strength to deal with the pressure.

Q. You have been open about your mental health journey and have offered support for others going through similar challenges in your ‘The Talk’ series of podcasts. Why is this so important to you?

A. I founded The Talk programme for youth to raise awareness around mental health issues because I realised especially in the Tanzanian community it’s a very taboo topic. There is a huge stigma around it. It is still something many people don’t really understand so getting help and support with mental health disorders like depression and anxiety is hard. So, I started this programme to raise awareness around mental health issues, but also to create safe spaces for young people to come together, talk and give them the right intervention. Suicide in Tanzania suicide is the third leading cause of death, so it is really important that we have these programmes to show young people that it is OK to not be OK. You know I feel like a lot of young people that are in the spotlight and have this presence on social media act like everything is always OK, but I try to be open with my fans and young people that follow me and look up to me. We all have good days; we all have bad days. Even when you see us in the spotlight, on the TV you have some days when you’re feeling a ‘10’ and some days when you’re feeling a ‘1’, but you should never ever feel less of yourself. You should never feel that makes you weaker. Speaking out and asking for help is a sign of strength.

Q. It seems you have a very close relationship with your fans – or ‘Charmers’ as they call themselves. How important are they to you?

A. Charmers is the name of my fan community. They call themselves Charmers. I love it, I love them. I think musicians often neglect their fans and they don’t really maintain a relationship with them. They are

‘up there’, you know? There are many factors that play a role in the success of an artist but for me one of the most important is the love and support that I get from my fans. Without them streaming my music, without their love and support I wouldn’t be where I am today. I cherish them and I love them, and I try my best to stick close to them and interact with them. It’s hard sometimes with busy schedules and the social media has a lot going on. I started this little broadcast channel on Instagram called Charmers Web so at least I can still interact with them, and I try my best to keep them updated. They give me all this love, all this support when I release music so I try my best to show them – even though sometimes I can be a bit busy – how much I appreciate it and how much I love each and every one of them.

Q. Do you think your friends at school would be surprised by your success now or were you always a performer?

A. No, actually they aren’t surprised at all. If I am in the supermarket or somewhere, I often bump into my

I started playing my first musical instrument when I was five years old, so it represents my musical journey.

former teachers. They are like: “Oh my God, you really did it. You always said: ‘I’m going to be a superstar and you did it.’ So, a lot of people aren’t surprised they are just happy that I was able to make my dreams come true. I was always a performer. I was always singing in school talent shows. I reached a point where I won so often that the school board said I couldn’t compete anymore because everyone in the school is scared to compete because I was at a different level. I was really sad at the time but now I look back I think that’s actually kind of sweet and flattering. I was just too talented. The only thing that has changed is that I have got better.

Q. Which instrument do you usually start composing your songs on? Can you give us a glimpse into the songwriting process for you?

A. My songwriting and composing process is different each time. It really depends on the mood or vibe. Sometimes I compose the melody or music first, sometimes I have the lyric first. Sometimes I just hear a beat and vibe on that. Usually, I do start on the piano. I’ll have some chords and have something in my head to sing. It is the first instrument I started to learn, and it is still my fave. It’s that instrument I can play without even thinking. I can be half asleep and still be playing the piano.

Q. You often cite Beyoncé as your biggest musical inspiration? I believe she is aware of your work and endorsed a cover of her track ‘Brown Skin Girl’ that you released. How did that feel?

A. I have always looked up to Beyoncé for her talent and her work ethic. She is the perfect example of the type of success that I would like to achieve. When I did a cover of her song and she actually reposted it. It was such a surreal moment. It was a big moment and it just made me want to work harder. She thinks I got it so I’m going to keep working even harder.

Q. You recently release your debut EP, ‘5’. It has six tracks so what is the significance of the title to you?

A. Five has always been my lucky number. It’s just that one number that represents everything in my life that is important to me. I started playing my first musical instrument when I was five years old, so it represents my musical journey. The second reason that it represents the number of people in my immediate family – my mother, father, sister and brother. I love them. The number five also represents God as it is the number of Graces. My faith is a huge part of my life. Fast forward to today and I play five musical instruments –the piano, the guitar, the violin, the drums and the flute. Finally, it represents excellence. When something is great you give it ‘5’ stars. I’ve always been a perfectionist.

Q. Is there a theme to the album. It seems to chart the story of a first love?

A. It was my debut EP in which I was introducing myself to the world, so a lot of the songs are very personal. I wrote them by myself about things like falling in love for the first time, having fun, living your life in the moment, and making the most of our time. Just things that are personal to me. I’m not going to say too much, just let the readers go and dissect the EP themselves.

Q. How is 2024 shaping up for Abigail Chams? Can you tell us about new music and live shows you have coming up?

A. 2024 is going to be a big year. My team and I have a lot of plans – a lot of new music, a lot of live shows that are coming up. I’m not sure what I can share right now, but it is going to be a busy year, not just for me but for my Charmers as well. It’s going to be packed with a lot of great things which I can’t wait to share with each and every one of you. Stay tuned to my social media [@ abigail_chams on Instagram] where I will reveal everything I’ve got in store for you guys!

The folk-singer farmer who brought the blues to Tanzania

Singer-songwriter John Ondolo was always a bit of an outsider figure in East African music with his strippeddown sound of voice and guitar owing more to traditional American blues than homegrown big band funk and jazz. Still, more than 30 years after his death his music maintains an international following with some of his most famous recordings recently reissued. Here, Twiga looks into his equally fascinating life and music.

John Ondolo was born in the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro and like Africa’s highest peak, he shared himself between Tanzania and Kenya.

Tanzania was home. Ondolo’s parents were farmers, and he was encouraged to continue the family tradition. He showed early musical promise while attending the local Catholic school, but the school fees proved prohibitive for his parents and instead the young Ondolo taught himself and began getting his music fix by regularly travelling to Nairobi, which was the centre of the East African recording industry at the time.

He had a string of singles released back in the 1950s and 1960s on independent Kenyan record labels such as ASL, Jambo and CMS. Still, he remained a fringe figure in Nairobi

with his stripped-down songs –featuring his plaintive Swahili-sung vocals accompanied by his own rhythmic guitar – out of step with the funky, big pop sound of the time. The pull of the vivid Nairobi nightlife also seemed to have little effect with God-fearing Ondolo preferring to return to work on his Kilimanjaro farm once the recording sessions were complete.

Distinctive sound

The songs Ondolo composed and recorded had a distinctive sound that has stood the test of time. A compilation of some of his best-known songs from those Nairobi sessions of the 1950s and 1960s, ‘Hypnotic Guitar of John Ondolo’, was reissued in 2022 on the Mississippi Records label. The 12-track album’s title references the

‘Hypnotic Guitar of John Ondolo’ is available to order on Mississippi Records

Image: Mississippi Records

full, bluesy sound Ondolo achieved by open-tuning his guitar. The result is a resonant bass thrum that skulks beneath Ondolo’s skilful finger-picking in an echo of the earlier techniques of pioneering US blues guitarists such as Robert Johnson, which would go on to be used by major artists such as US singer-songwriter Bob Dylan.

For the most part, Ondolo sings solo accompanied by his own adroit guitar work, but some tracks, such as ‘Kenya Style’, ‘Wasazi Musile’ (‘Thank God’) and ‘Yunie Mpenzi Wie’, employ flute and scratchy percussion to flesh out the music’s hypnotic swirl while there are backing vocals on ‘Olalekanga’ and ‘Siri ya Vijana’ (‘The Secret of Youth’) with the latter’s conversational call-and-response style especially effective.

In common with much blues

John Ondolo

music, Ondolo’s songs have spiritual and storytelling elements. The songs are often morality tales, guiding listeners to trust God and beware the devil. In ‘Siri ya Vijana’ a troubling story about a young woman who leaves her baby in a ditch and turns to prostitution has a chorus of “There’s the traitor/Beat her. There’s the traitor/Jail her”. In contrast, ‘Safari ya Kilimanjaro’ is far more upbeat and extols the wildlife wonders of Ondolo’s homeland.

Jazz ensembles

Ondolo continued to record music into the 1970s but put down his acoustic in favour of an electric

guitar as part of jazz ensembles the Jolly Trio and the Jolly Quartet. He then founded the legendary muziki wa dansi (Swahili ‘dance music’) band the Vijana Jazz Orchestra in Dar es Salaam. He also put his storytelling talent to a different use a documentary film-maker, producing, composing and touring Tanzania with a mobile cinema truck screening educational and propaganda films in villages. The itinerant role slotted in around his Vijana Jazz performances at first, but sadly Ondolo was involved in an accident while driving the mobile cinema which led to the loss of his left hand and the end of his guitar playing.

Though his music career was over, he continued the cultural enrichment of East Africa with his film screenings. His full and memorable life ended in 2008 when the devout Catholic died during a church service. He left behind two wives, 11 children and some of the most beautiful and individual of all African music.

‘Hypnotic Guitar of John Ondolo’ is available to order on Mississippi Records at Mississippi.net as bandcamp.com

The album can also be streamed and downloaded on most major music streaming platforms.

Tanzanian musical historian John Kitime

The musical historian saving the sounds of Tanzania’s past

Mississippi Records had the recordings of John Ondolo, but the label knew little of the man himself. To source those biographical details they put Tanzanian musical historian John Kitime on the case.

Kitime, a Dar es Salaam-based singer and guitarist, is a popular musician in his own right with a career spanning five decades. He is a regular on the Tanzanian live music circuit either performing solo or with his Calypsotinged John Kitime Band. He was also part of an African acoustic musical showcase that toured the US and featured Tanzanian illimba (thumb piano) master Ananaia Ngologa and multiple Grammy award-winning banjo player Bela Fleck.

Ondolo link

From 1989 until 1994 he was a member of the Ondolo’s Vijana Jazz Orchestra, but by this time its founder had moved on to other projects. Still, as Kitime recounts to me from his office at Dar creative hub Nafasi Arts Space, Ondolo’s music was a formative part of his youth and the older musician would become a mentor of sorts as Kitime set out on his own musical journey.

The office is the base for the Tanzania Heritage Project – which Kitime launched in 2009 with the then Nafasi director Rebecca Corey – and which aims to collect and ultimately digitise an audio reference library of the country’s diverse traditional music. Every available space is crammed with cassettes, vinyl and other music paraphernalia that Kitime has been sent or has collected as part of his

travels across the country. You can get a chance to hear some of the rarest and most interesting tracks on Kitime’s weekly three-hour radio show that goes out every Sunday from 8pm on E-FM Radio.

Radio show

Ondolo is often on the play-list. Kitime plays kindly dedicates the track ‘Kilimanjaro’ on the show after we first meet. The song showcases the attractions of Ondolo’s country. In the same vein is ‘Tanzania Ye Tu’, a song commissioned by the Tanzanian Tourism Board and which Air Tanzania used to play over their aircrafts’ cabin audio systems as passengers boarded and disembarked.

Kitime tells me that hearing these two tracks as a young boy made him realise for the first time that Ondolo was a Tanzanian musician. “We thought he was Kenyan when we first heard his music because it all came out of studios in Nairobi,” he says.

Ondolo’s renown in his home country continued to grow when he was entrusted with setting up a women’s jazz band in Dar es Salaam in 1966. “The Guinea President came here on an official visit and brought an all-women jazz band, called The Amazons, along with him,” Kitime says. “Tanzanian authorities were impressed and Ondolo was tasked with launching a homegrown version. The success of this band and the Vijana Jazz Orchestra that followed established Ondolo in Dar after his humble upbringing in Kilimanjaro.

“He was given a large plot in the Shekilango area of Dar,” says Kitime,

Every available space is crammed with cassettes, vinyl and other music paraphernalia that Kitime has been sent or has collected as part of his travels across the country

“where he built himself a house for his family. He also built a school for higher education teaching the arts. He became famous in the area”.

Kitime’s own admiration for Ondolo had begun much earlier. The budding musician grew loving the Kenyan Omutibo acoustic guitar movement that Ondolo. The fan would go on to know one of his heroes personally when Ondolo was made chairman of the Tanzanian Musicians’ Union. “He offered me an office in his building,” Kitime says.

The personal history between the two meant that Kitime was able to connect with some of Ondolo’s 11 children when researching for the ‘Hypnotic Guitar of John Ondolo’ album sleeve notes. “His eldest daughter is now a pastor and one of his sons is a famous DJ,” he says. “Talking to them I was able to trace the family and get some stories about his past.”

Digital archive

You can trace a lineage between Kitime’s sweetly sung Swahili stories to East African acoustic singer-songwriters such as Ondolo. However, Kitime says his biggest musical debt is to his father. Francis Kitime was a prolific musician, yet he never got the big break of a studio release (It was not for want of trying – Kitime’s archives include stacks of rejection letters his father received). His son has kept his music alive by digitising the family recordings of his songs and by still performing his father’s work – often with updated arrangements – in his live shows. “When I play people recordings of my father’s music, they say: ‘Where was he?’. They cannot believe he was not better known.”

As he has done with the music of John Ondolo, Kitime hopes his archiving and research will bring a new audience to sounds of the past that deserve to be heard.

Princess Salme: Zanzibar’s

REBEL PRINCESS

A heroine to some and a traitor to others, Princess Salme – youngest daughter of the first Omani Sultan of Zanzibar – fled her homeland in the mid 19th century in fear for her life. Later, in European exile, she wrote an autobiography that revealed a life struck by scandal, tragedy and intrigue while challenging the popular perception of women at that time. Twiga traces the life of Zanzibar’s royal rebel.

Princess Salme

When ‘The Memoirs of an Arabian Princess’ was first published in 1888, it was thought to the first known autobiography of an East African woman and certainly the only one by someone of royal blood. That it was written at all is close to a miracle. Its author, Princess Sayyida Salme, grew up one of the 36 children of Said bin Sultan, the first Omani Sultan of Zanzibar who ruled from 1806 to 1856 and was responsible for turning the Indian Ocean archipelago into East Africa’s maritime trading capital. As the youngest daughter, Salme had a privileged but cloistered early upbringing at Bet il Mtoni, at the time the largest palace in Zanzibar located around eight kilometres north of Stone Town. The death of her father when she was 12 years old and her mother’s passing three years later secured her an inheritance of four plantations and US$ 6,856 (the equivalent of a six-figure sum today) and financial status, but as a young woman in a traditional Omani household she was taught sewing and embroidery for the future, but writing was for the boys.

Not that the spirited Salme – who could ride horses and hunt like her brothers – let that stop her. She taught herself to write in secret by copying calligraphy from the Quran onto the bleached shoulder blade of a camel. Her penmanship led her to becoming the secretary for her brother Barghash, corresponding with chiefs who sided with Barghash when he challenged the rule of his older brother Majid as the new Sultan. The revolution was ultimately quashed and Salme promised allegiance to Majid. The surrender put her at odds with the majority of her siblings. Perhaps it was her increasingly isolated position that sparked the princess’s interest in life outside the family, specifically to the Europeans who had arrived to be a part of Zanzibar’s burgeoning trade empire. One of them, a young German merchant called Rudolph Heinrich Ruete, lived next door to Salme’s new home in Stone Town. The towering neighbouring buildings were so close together that you could hop between the rooftops. It was here above the streets of Stone Town that Salme and Ruete began a clandestine relationship.

The relationship wasn’t a secret for long. The scandal soon spread through Stone Town with the unmarried couple outraging the royal family while international businesses were concerned the fall-out from the relationship would put their trade agreements in jeopardy. When rumours reached Sultan Majid, he called for Salme and readied his executioner. His stepmother managed to placate him, saying the reports were only hearsay at present, but there was little doubt when Salme’s pregnancy began to show. Majid ordered Salme to travel to Saudi Arabia. The princess had her suspicions that Majid intended the trip to be the last one she would ever take so she gained passage on

Princess Salme in an image taken in Germany at the time her memoir was first published

Image courtesy of Michael William Werner Said-Ruete Bauer

a British ship sailing to Aden, a port city in the Yemen which was at that time under British control.

She arrived safely in Aden, but while there she gave birth to, and tragically lost her child. Ruete joined her a few months later, they married, moved to Germany and had three other children. But tragedy was to strike again when, shortly after the birth of their youngest child, Ruete died when he was hit by a tram when crossing the street.

Heartbroken, destitute and looking to support her three children in an unfamiliar country, Salme decided to write a book about her life. It was written in German –which, along with Turkish, Swahili and Arabic she had become fluent in – and was published under her married name of Emily Ruete. The money did start coming on with the book first published in Germany and then translated for editions abroad.

Memoir revelations

The memoir only alludes briefly to her scandalous affair, instead focusing on her royal Zanzibari upbringing. Nuggets among her revelations include the princesses riding their donkeys to the clove plantations while slaves ran alongside with large parasols to protect the riders from the sun.

Salme was given her own African slaves as personal attendants. At bedtime, one slave would massage her, while another fanned her gently, until the princess fell asleep, still fully dressed. Slaves would continue to fan the princess all night.

Baths were filled with fresh spring water while clothes were scented with jasmine and orange blossoms overnight and amber and musk before they were worn.

Salme also provides a fascinating outsider’s appraisal of life in Europe. It also traces how, as a German citizen with links to Africa, she became something of a diplomatic bargaining chip in diplomatic

battles over world trade and the new imperialism scramble for Africa. Throughout her outlook is a socially conscious one championing cross-cultural awareness, solutions to child hunger, appropriate health care, literacy and education for women.

Salme died in Germany in 1924, aged 79. Even though her Zanzibar years represented just over a quarter of her life span, and she was never allowed to return, she cherished her homeland.

She was buried with a small bag of sand from a beach in Zanzibar, which she reportedly always carried with her.

At bedtime, one slave would massage her, while another fanned her gently, until the princess fell asleep, still fully dressed

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about the life and work of Princess Salme during your time in Zanzibar, visit the Princess Salme Museum within the Emerson on Hurumzi hotel in the heart of Stone Town. Within the historic town you can find organised tours that guide visitors to places the princess frequented and which were of importance to her.

Image courtesy of Michael William Werner Said-Ruete Bauer

Msiba wa Kujitakia

The Self-Desired Tragedy Na Sharifa B. Nyanga

The latest short story for Twiga provided by Tanzanian writers’ collective Uwaridi is the first published work by Uwaridi’s latest member, Sharifa Nyanga. The writer and poet has written several manuscripts of novels and poems that she hopes to publish.

Ni Mwandishi na Mshairi ambaye licha ya kuwa hajachapisha kazi zake rasmi, ameshaandika miswada kadhaa ya Riwaya na Mashairi ambayo anatarajia kuichapisha. Yeye ni mwanachama mpya kabisa wa Uwaridi.

“N

imeolewa na nina Watoto watatu hivi sasa,” ulisomeka ujumbe wa WhatsApp ambao Lulu alimtumia Selemani aliyetaka kufahamu zaidi kuhusu undani wa maisha yake tangu watengane mwaka 2010.

“Hakika mimi sina bahati... nimekukosa. Najuta sana! Watoto hao walipaswa wawe wangu. Sijui kwanini sikukutafuta,” Alijieleza Selemani akijibu ujumbe wa Lulu.

Hakuamini kama muda wa miaka nane unatosha kuleta mabadiliko makubwa katika maisha ya kiumbe hai yeyote.

Hakuamini kama mwanamke aliyekupenda anaweza pia kuukabidhi moyo wake katika huba jipya na kukusahau kabisa.

“Bado ninakupenda sana Lulu. Ninakuhitaji. Nina imani wewe ndio ulipangwa kuwa mke wangu” Selemani aliendela kulalama.

“Mbona unazungumza kama maisha yalisimama kwako. Hukumbuki kuwa hata wakati nakutana na wewe ulikuwa kwenye ndoa yako? Hukumbuki kama ndoa yako ndio ilisababisha mimi kuachana na wewe?” Lulu aliandika huku akisistiza kwa emoji zinazoonesha kukasirika.

“Usiseme hivyo mke, bado tunayo nafasi ya kuanza upya. Ninaomba nafasi ya kuonana nawe ili tuyajenge,” Selemani aliujibu ujumbe wake.

Walikubaliana kukutana siku ya Ijumaa saa sita kamili adhuhuri katika Hoteli ya Star Light iliyopo Mnazi Mmoja.

Selemani alikuwa akiishi Bagamoyo ambako ndiko alipokuwa anafanya kazi kama Meneja katika Kampuni moja ya Usafirishaji na usambazaji bidhaa katika maduka ya rejareja ya mji wa Bagamoyo.

Sele, kama wengi walivyozoea kumuita, alikuwa kijana machachari mwenye umri wa miaka 37. Alisoma hadi ngazi ya stashahada katika Fani ya Utawala wa Umma katika Chuo cha Utumishi wa Umma. Kutokana na ugumu wa ajira hakubahatika kupata ajira katika fani yake. Kwa kuwa alikuwa kijana aliyependa kujifunza aliomba kufanya internship katika kampuni kadhaa hadi alipobahatika kuajiriwa katika kampuni hiyo ya usambazji.

Lulu alikuwa na Shahada ya Ukatibu Muhtasi kutoka Chuo hicho hicho, na alikuwa na miaka miwili pungufu kwa Selemani. Walikutana kwa mara ya kwanza akiwa anamalizia masomo yake ya Ukatibu Muhtasi wakati huo Sele akiwa anafanya kazi ya kujitolea kama Afisa Utawala pale chuoni.

Mapenzi yao yalidumu kwa miezi kumi na moja, kwani yalivunjika baada ya Lulu kubaini kuwa Selemani alioa na ana mtoto mmoja wa kiume.

“Sikutegemea kama ungenificha juu ya hili… nia yako ilikuwa nini? Bora ungeniambia ukweli ili niamue mwenyewe kukukubali katika hali hiyo ama la… umeniumiza sana moyo wangu. Umenisababishia jeraha moyoni,” yalikuwa ni maneno ya Lulu kwa Sele akizungumza naye kwenye simu

mara baada ya kuona picha ya Mwanamke iliyowekwa katika mtandao wa Facebook ambao kwa kipindi hicho ulikuwa ndio umeanza kushika kasi nchini.

Watu wengi hasa waliokuwa wakifanya kazi maofisini kwa kompyuta ndio waliutumia sana mtandao huo. Haukuwa mashuhuri kwa watu ambao hawafanyi kazi maofisini kwani hata kwa kipindi hicho simu za vishkwambi hazikuwa zimeanza kutamalaki. Yumkini hata Play Store haikuwa katika simu za wakati huo, sembuse Facebook.

Ulikuwa ni ujumbe uliopostiwa mtandaoni na mwanamke alieitwa AnnaDianna, uliosomeka “Hongera kwetu kutimiza miaka mitatu ya ndoa yetu, si kwa uwezo wetu bali kwa uwezo wake Yehovah” ndio uliobadili mustakabali wa uhusiano wao.

Ule ujumbe uliambatana na picha mbili: ya kwanza ilikuwa picha ya familia akiwemo Selemani, mke wake na mtoto mwenye umri wa makadirio ya chini ya miaka miwili. Na picha ya pili ilikuwa ni picha yao ya siku ya harusi wakiwa wanalishana keki.

Picha ya harusi ilionekana kuwa ni ya zamani ya karatasi ambayo ilipigwa picha kwa kamera ya simu ikiwa katika album ya picha. Haikuwa katika ubora mzuri ila ilitosha kuwatambua waliokuwa katika picha hizo. Picha ya pili ya familia ilipigwa Studio na ilihaririwa ili kuwapendezesha kwa kubadili mandhari ya nyuma ya picha na kuwa bustani nzuri ya maua yenye kuvutia.

Lulu hakumpa Selemani nafasi ya kuzungumza. Alimwambia “Usinitafute tena,” kisha akakata simu huku akibubujikwa na machozi kimyakimya mithili ya mtu aliyekumbwa na simanzi wakati wa akitazama sinema zenye kuhuzunisha.

“This too shall pass… it’s a matter of time. Siwezi kutoa chozi langu kumlilia mtu ambaye hakuniheshimu wala kunijali. Acha kulia. Be Strong!” Alijiambia kujipa moyo wa kukabiliana na hali iliyomkuta.

Baada ya miaka miwili kupita Lulu alibahatika kupata mpenzi ambaye walifunga ndoa na kuishi pamoja. Waliishi kwa amani hadi alipojifungua mtoto wake wa tatu ambapo alianza kuonja “joto ya jiwe” kwenye ndoa yake.

Mume wake hakuonesha kufurahishwa na uzao wa mtoto huyo kwa madai kuwa hakufanana naye. Hivyo alihisi mtoto yule si wake. Tangu wakati huo ndoa yake na mumewe ilikuwa ya misukosuko. Licha ya misukosuko hiyo Mumewe hakuwa tayari kutengana naye hivyo iliwabidi kuendelea kuishi pamoja huku kila mmoja akiwa na hamsini zake.

Miaka minane ilipita tangu Lulu atengane na Selemani. Lulu alikuwa akijishughulisha na biashara ya ufugaji wa kuku wa mayai na nyama na alikuwa na tenda ya kusambaza mayai na kuku katika hoteli kubwa kubwa za jijini Dar es Salaam. Biashara yake ilikuwa inalipa na hali yake ya uchumi ilikuwa nzuri hasa. Alikuwa akiendesha gari aina ya Toyota Wish ambayo kwa wakati huo ilikuwa ikibamba mjini.

Selemani alipata habari kuhusu changamoto ya ndoa ya Lulu kutoka kwa

Hadija ambaye ni rafiki kipenzi wa Lulu tangu wakati wanasoma chuo. Alikuwa akisoma Fani ya Uhasibu katika Chuo cha usimamizi wa Fedha.

Selemani alikutana na Hadija Bagamoyo kwenye ufukwe wa bahari ya Hindi ambako

Hadija alikwenda kwa mapumziko mafupi.

Hadija hajaolewa hivyo mara nyingi wakati

wa weekend hupendelea kupumzika katika fukwe na maeneo mbalimbali ya starehe. Siku Hadija alipokutana na Sele walizungumza undani wa maisha ya Lulu tangu aachane na Sele.

Hadija alimpatia Sele namba ya simu ya Lulu kwani baada ya kuhadithiwa kuhusu changamoto za kindoa anazopitia, alijipa moyo kuwa utatumia udhaifu huo kurudiana nae. Na zaidi aliona kuwa Lulu hatokuwa mzigo kwake kwa kuwa ni mwanamke mwenye kipato.

Kwa Lulu haikuwa hivyo. Alikuwa na shauku ya kuonana na Sele ilia toe dukuduku lake la moyoni kwa hali aliyopitia baada ya kuachwa na Sele. Alitaka pia Sele amuone namna Lulu alivyonawiri na kuzidi kuwa mrembo ili azidi kumtia jaka moyo. Alitaka Sele aishi akikumbuka siku yao hiyo watakayokutana ili naye ayasikie maumivu aliyoyasikia yeye pindi alipomuacha.

Siku ya miadi na Selemani iliwadia, ambapo Lulu ilimbidi aondoke mapema sana kutoka kwake Chanika alipokuwa amejenga nyumba yake na kuishi huko na familia yake. Alifika Mnazi Mmoja kituo cha Baridi na kupaki gari pembeni. Akampigia simu Selemani ili kufahamu kama ameshafika ama la. Hawakuweza kusikilizana kutokana na sauti za kelele katika daladala alilokuwa amepanda Sele.

“Ninakaribia kufika. Nipo kituo cha Red Cross,” Sele alimtumia Lulu SMS.

Kwa kuwa Lulu alipata uhakika kuwa Sele anakuja alijisogeza hadi Hoteli ya Star Light ambayo ilikuwa mkabala na kituo cha Baridi. Akaenda hadi mgahawani ambapo aliagiza juisi freshi ya embe.

Punde Selemani alitokea. Akataka kumkumbatia Lulu, ila lulu alimpa mkono na kulipotezea kumbato lile.

Ilikuwa ishara mbaya kwa Sele. Alihisi kuna jambo. Mwanzo alidhani kukubaliwa miadi ile na Lulu basi ni dalili za Lulu kukubali

kufufua penzi lao.

“Nina muda mchache wa kuwa hapa. Ingawa wewe ndiye ulitaka miadi hii, ila naomba unisikilize kwa umakini,” Lulu alimwambia Sele huku akimuita mhudumu kwa ishara ili kuja kumsikiliza Sele. Sele aliagiza maji ya kunywa. Kwa mapokeo yale hakuwa hata na hamu ya kitu chochote.

Nimepatikana.

Selemani alitafakari.

“Sikiliza Selemani! Mimi na wewe imebaki stori. Kuwa katika mahusiano na wewe kipindi kile hakukupi nafasi ya kudhani kuwa unaweza kuzitawala fikra zangu sasa hivi. Mimi nilishakusahau na kuendelea na maisha yangu. Kuwa na namba yangu hakukukupi sababu ya wewe kujiliza kwa meseji zako za ulaghai ukitegemea nitategeka.

“Siwezi kuwa na wewe! Siwezi kuwa na mahusiano nawe! Jua kwamba nilikutoa akilini na moyoni miaka nane iliyopita. Mimi sio tena Lulu yule uliyekuwa unamfahamu kipindi nasoma.” Lulu aliongea kwa sauti ya juu yenye ukali huku Sele akimuashiria apunguze sauti akichelea watu waliokuwepo kwenye mgahawa wa hoteli ile kusikia mazungumzo yao.

“Weka hilo akilini. Huu msiba ulijitafutia mwenyewe! Ulishindwa vya kuchinja, vya kunyonga utaweza! Futa namba yangu na usinitafute milele!” Alimwambia, kisha akafungua pochi yake ya kinainai, akatoa noti tano za elfu kumi, akanyanyua gilasi ya maji aliyokuwa anakunywa Selemani na kuigandamizia zile noti ili zisipeperuke.

Selemani alimkodolea macho kwa mshangao mkubwa.

“Utalipa bill na itakayobaki itakurudisha utokako.” Alimwambia.

Kisha akainuka na kuondoka huku akizungusha ufunguo wa gari lake kidoleni, akiwa amebinua midomo.

Mwisho.

Cooking with Belinda Mkony

A BREAKFAST WITH A TURKISH TWIST

Yoghurt for breakfast gets a Turkish twist with this latest recipe from Twiga food columnist Belinda Mkony. Follow her Sucuk with Çılbır at home for a perfectly decadent start to the day.

Most people think yoghurt for breakfast is something sweet topped with fruit or a few tablespoons of granola. But if you’re ready for something new, this savoury yogurt breakfast from Turkey is worth trying! I first encountered Çılbır in Bomonti, Istanbul, in 2022. This eggs recipe was a surprise for me. I feel like I’ve seen and done many things in my young life so you can only imagine my shock at finding a new way to prepare eggs. This simple, quick dish requires just a few ingredients – eggs, yoghurt, garlic, olive oil (or butter), chili flakes, paprika, and beef sausage –for a perfectly decadent breakfast. I added spiced beef /choma sausage along with cumin, salt, paprika and pepper flakes for some extra fire, Tanzania-style.

These Turkish eggs are best served on toasted bread to wipe up every last bit of the rich and silky yogurt!

Ingredients

Yoghurt Spread:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

(made with whole milk at room temperature)

1 to 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)

1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 pinch salt

2 ½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill/parsley/coriander leaves

Spicy beef sausage:

½ stick unsalted butter

1 tablespoon of leeks

1 tablespoon chile flakes

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon ground cumin

2 to 3 beef choma sausage

1 pinch salt

Parsley and chili oil (optional):

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 to 2 fresh green chilis

2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

1 pinch salt (optional)

Poached /lightly fried eggs:

1 tablespoon white vinegar, or as needed

4 large eggs

1 pinch of sea salt

Directions

To make the yoghurt spread. Place yogurt in a medium bowl, grate in garlic and combine. Season with pepper, salt, lemon juice and cayenne. Add herbs and mix thoroughly. Set aside at room temperature.

To make the spicy beef sausage. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until the bubbles begin to burst. Add the sausage, leeks, chili flakes, paprika and cumin. Stir until the colour is uniform. Turn off the heat and let spices infuse.

To make the parsley and chili oil. Grind the parsley and diced fresh green chili together in a mortar. Drizzle in olive oil and season with salt. Stir to combine.

Make poached eggs. Fill a large saucepan with two to threeinches of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat

to medium-low, add vinegar and keep water at a gentle simmer. Crack an egg into a small bowl, then gently slip the egg into the water, holding the bowl just above the water’s surface. Repeat with remaining eggs. Cook until whites are firm and yolks are thickened but not hard – this should take between twoand-a-half and three minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, pat dry on a kitchen towel and place onto a warm plate. Another option is to light fry the eggs without turning for two minutes.

Dollop the yoghurt mixture onto serving plates. Use the back of a spoon

to spread the yogurt, carving ridges into the top to catch the oil. Drizzle some parsley chili oil. Top with the spicy sausage, eggs, and one to two spoonfuls of chili oil butter from the cooked sausages. Sprinkle sea salt and fresh herbs on top and serve quick!

FOLLOW BELINDA

To keep up with her latest recipes and events, visit Fork.Ur.Munchies on Instagram

All images courtesy of Belinda Mkony / Cooking with Belinda Mkony

A SAFARI FROM THE SKY

A hot-air balloon is the ultimate safari vehicle – soaring silently at sun rise above wild animals that are at their most active at this ‘golden hour’. Miracle Experiences is a balloon safari company offering trips in the Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks and here it reveals more about the extraordinary adventures on offer.

In the heart of Africa, in a land where nature’s wonders know no end, Tanzania stands as a dream destination for adventurers seeking a safari like no other. A hot-air balloon safari offers an extraordinary adventure and a unique perspective on this untamed wilderness, teeming with wildlife.

The journey kicks off at the crack of dawn as the first rays of sunlight caress the African landscape. As the sky gradually brightens, so do the hearts of intrepid travellers embarking on this remarkable odyssey. They are on the brink of witnessing the magic of the African dawn from a vantage point most can only dream of.

Sunrise scenes

In the early morning silence, hot-air balloons ascend gracefully, gently lifting their passengers into the sky. Whether it is over the vast Serengeti Plains or the rugged beauty of Tarangire, the experience is enchanting beyond words. From this elevated perspective, they are gazing down upon the untamed wilderness sprawled beneath them.

As the balloons drift silently above,

the passengers watch African wildlife in its natural habitat. Graceful giraffes roam the plains, majestic elephants amble through the grasslands and lions lounge in the warmth of the morning. It is a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur, and the balloon's vantage point offers photographers images of a lifetime.

Breakfast with bubbly

The adventure doesn’t conclude in the sky. After a safe and graceful landing, a bottle of champagne is uncorked to toast this unforgettable journey. Guests can enjoy some bubbly in the bush in a tradition passed down through generations.

Soon after, a sumptuous breakfast is served in the wild. As adventurers relax and reminisce about their unique safari, they get to savour the rich flavours of Tanzania. It is a blend of adventure and tradition that etches this safari into their memory.

Other post-balloon ride options include a deep drive into the African bush for more outdoor dining far from the crowded picnic sites. The bush meal of traditional Tanzanian cuisine is a chance to connect with

All set up for a bush breakfast

nature and savour the essence of the land.

Then there is the visit to Manyara Kibaoni on the banks of Lake Manyara where travellers get the opportunity to mine and dine with a hot lunch and a visit to the world’s largest Tanzanite mine museum. There is also an on-site gift shop where you can buy jewellery featuring the gemstone – the perfect souvenir for their loved ones.

If you want to make sure you are ‘spotted’ while up in your balloon, you could opt for the exclusive Leopard Print Flight. The balloon’s canopy is covered with a leopard spots motif and the trip is ideal for celebrating special occasions such as honeymoons, engagements, anniversaries and birthdays.

Whichever trip you choose, your journey will be a blend of luxury, wildlife, culture and natural wonders. Whether soaring above the landscape in a hot-air balloon, savouring a bush lunch in the wild, shopping for Tanzanite treasures, or embarking on an exclusive Leopard Print Flight, each moment is a precious chapter in your Tanzania adventure.

A family of elephants seen from a sky-high vantage point

It is a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur, and the balloon's vantage point offers photographers images of a lifetime

MINDFULNESS in Mkomazi National Park

Entrenched poaching and habitat degradation took their toll on Mkomazi reserve, but an extraordinary restoration project has won the area national park status and intrepid travellers now know it as one of Tanzania’s wildest adventures. One of the most fragile and beautiful parts of Africa has been reborn. Nathalie Mgonja seeks to channel that sense of rebirth in the mindful retreats her Tanzanian events management company, Backyard Ventures, organises in the park. Here, she shares the sense of sanctuary she gets from a stay amid the untamed plains.

Mkomazi National Park is something of a hidden treasure in Tanzania. Its vast, untamed plains on the Kenyan border are shrouded from the south by the Pare and Usambara mountains. Most tourist traffic stays away, side-tracked by the Northern Circuit headliners of Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Those that do make it here are rewarded with a crowd-free communion

with spectacular wildlife and one of the most unusual ecosystems in Tanzania.

This is the southern tip of the Sahel region, so the landscape is predominantly dry – Mkomazi means ‘little water’ in the local Pare language – but there are also woodland habitats and an impressive array of flora and fauna. It is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers with over 400 bird

species recorded. Of the 1,500 plant species identified more than half do not occur anywhere else. There is also now plenty of larger wildlife. Rangers and air patrols have dissuaded the poachers while projects such as a rhino sanctuary and wild dog programmes are ensuring the rehabilitation and reintroduction of its endangered species.

Mkomazi then seemed the perfect place of escape for the

A lilac-breasted roller from the region

Hideaway retreats my company Backyard Adventures organises.

Our most recent retreat was organised to close out 2023 at the Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat, one of the park’s four accommodation options. There were nine of us in the group seeking solace in the heart of Mkomazi. Located on the top of Dindira Hill with a view that includes the park’s largest watering hole as well as the

summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on the horizon, Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat proved a transformative escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Our three-night retreat guided participants towards rejuvenation through internal and external exploration, leveraging the power of nature and the serenity of Mkomazi’s wilderness.

The journey to Mkomazi was not just a physical one but a dive into

the park’s intriguing history. Littleknown to many, Mkomazi was once on the brink of demise. The challenges it faced were mirrored in the struggles we encounter personally –burnout, exhaustion and depletion. Yet, through intentional efforts and the dedication of conservationists, Mkomazi underwent a remarkable revival. The resurrection of the park is a testament to the potential for revival and rejuvenation, both in

The remote beauty of Mkomazi National Park

nature and within ourselves.

Mkomazi’s period of decline was due to factors including neglect, poaching and environmental degradation. The black rhino and elephant populations had been decimated by heavy poaching, while overgrazing, deliberate burning, and illegal hunting had further exacerbated the challenges. Responding to the crisis, the Government of Tanzania enlisted Tony Fitzjohn, a conservationist driven by a lifelong passion for the wild, to lead habitat restoration and reintroduction efforts. Through extensive measures, including clearing roads, establishing a rhino sanctuary, implementing a captive-breeding programme for African wild dogs, and upgrading Mkomazi Game Reserve to National Park status in 2008, the government aimed to safeguard this ecosystem and its endangered species for future generations.

Afternoon safari

On our second day of the retreat, we began with a session on inner exploration, focusing on the fundamentals of breathing to calm the nervous system and gentle hatha yoga to energise us for the day ahead. After enjoying a nourishing breakfast at the camp where we discussed Fitzjohn’s journey at Mkomazi, we ventured into the park for an afternoon safari, followed by visits to the black rhino sanctuary and wild dog conservation area. During our trip, it was almost surreal to think that this park, now thriving with diverse species and lush vegetation, once suffered a dramatic decline in wildlife and a loss of more than half of its natural vegetation. Mkomazi, now teeming with life, is home to the big five and rare species such as the gerenuk and the oryx. While the park offers a sanctuary for its diverse wildlife, our time there proved that it is also a haven for those seeking rest from the demands of everyday life. The park’s relative obscurity means fewer crowds and more intimate

Mkomazi, now teeming with life, is home to the Big Five and rare species such as the gerenuk and oryx

encounters with nature, providing a unique opportunity for personal restoration.

As visitors, we have the privilege to not only bask in its unspoiled beauty but also contribute to the conservation efforts that make the park a haven for both wildlife and those seeking a retreat into the wilderness. Mkomazi is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, offering a sanctuary for the soul and a lesson in the interconnectedness of nature and personal well-being.

Above, the rare Gerenuk and right, the rare Oryx

Rare black rhinos are protected in Mkomazi’s sanctuary

A parent’s guide to mastering stress-free Air travel with children

Twiga has teamed up with Sema – Tanzania's only magazine written by and for children – for some tips on how to ensure air travel is an exciting adventure for the whole family. So, buckle up and let the fun take flight.

1Sky-high entertainment for your tiny travellers:

Flying doesn’t have to be a bore. Load up a phone or tablet with child-friendly movies and apps such as Khan Academy, BrainPOP Jr or Kidlo Land. YouTube channels like Gracie’s Corner are also a fun way to pass the time.

Or you can take advantage of Air Tanzania’s in-flight entertainment systems with cartoons for children. For extra-long flights, assemble a travel-friendly play kit filled with colouring books, puzzles and small toys. Let your child’s creativity flow and watch the hours fly by.

You can also turn the flight into a storytelling extravaganza; pack a few favourite books or try interactive story apps like the ones mentioned above. Encourage your little one to be the storyteller too, this is a fantastic way to fuel their imagination and keep them engaged. Who says the sky's the limit?

2 Snack hacks for healthy travel

The journey is just as important as the destination, especially when snacks are involved. Think of a snack buffet but make it healthy. Fill a lunchbox with items such as fruit slices, mini sandwiches/wraps, mixed nuts, dark chocolate and yoghurt. Air Tanzania is there to help with free water or juice to keep little ones hydrated as well as a range of snacks such as locally grown cashews.

3 Navigating layovers like a pro

Ah, layovers, the pitstop of family adventures. By now you might have realised that young children especially toddlers, are not very patient. Thus, they need to be entertained from time to time. You can have story time on the move, by bringing a favorite storybook or

creating an impromptu story as you walk through the terminal.

If your child is fascinated by airplanes, a plane-spotting challenge could be an educational and exciting way to pass the time. Identify different aircraft models, airlines, or even colours of the planes landing and taking off the runway.

Don't forget about stretch breaks, even the tiniest airport explorers need to burn off some energy.

Find a quiet spot near the gate and engage in child-friendly stretches. They can stretch like a giraffe or balance like a flamingo, regardless, it’s a fun way to stay active during the layover.

4 What about nap time?

Dress your child in comfy, breathable layers for the flight. An extra cosy blanket or khanga can provide

Make the most of the in-flight entertainment

Flying can be an exciting experience for young flyers

that touch of comfort to create a conducive nap environment. If you have the flexibility, choose a seat configuration that allows your child to lie across your lap or stretch their legs comfortably and if available opt for seats with extra legroom. Check with the airline in advance about the feasibility of this arrangement.

5 Battling jet lag?

The key to overcoming jet lag is a gradual adjustment. Align your child's schedule with the destination's time zone a few days before takeoff by adjusting bedtime and wake-up time. This helps reset the body's internal clock and eases the transition. Research shows that staying hydrated is crucial in combating jet lag. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water during the flight and upon arrival. Hydration supports the body's adjustment to a new environment

and helps prevent fatigue. Once you touch down and depending on the time of arrival, embrace the outdoors and encourage active play. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or a game of tag, physical activity promotes alertness and aids in adjusting to the new time zone while sunshine and fresh air work wonders in aligning your child's internal clock. Making it the ultimate jet lag remedy.

6 Preparing your mini-travellers for takeoff

First flight jitters? Not on our watch! Take your child through the flight process, from check-in and security to departure. Familiarising them with the airport routine can help alleviate anxiety on the actual travel day.

About C-Sema

Sema (the title is the Swahili for ‘Speak’) magazine is published by C-Sema, a non-profit organisation dedicated to championing the rights of children in Tanzania. At the heart of their mission lies the National Child Helpline (116), a transformative initiative that connects them with over 5000 individuals every day. Accessible tollfree and staffed by a dedicated team available 24/7, the 116 National Child Helpline offers expert guidance on a spectrum of child protection issues serving as a beacon of hope, assistance and support to ensure the well-being and rights of children across Tanzania.

Who can resist a countdown calendar? Turn the days leading up to the flight into an exciting countdown by creating a colourful calendar where your child can mark off each passing day. The anticipation and involvement in the countdown will provide a sense of control and excitement for the trip.

Run your way into the treasures of Tanzania

Faysal Alao is a vlogger and tour operator from Tanzania living in Arusha. He uploads regular videos about his experiences and everyday lifestyle on his YouTube channel, ‘Lifestyle of Faysal’. You can also keep up with him on Snapchat @faysal_alao and Instagram @callmefays

Imagine the crisp morning air at the Kilimanjaro Marathon. Each breath doesn’t just provide a rhythm for your run but is also a communion with the untamed beauty of the Tanzanian landscape. The pounding footsteps echo against the majestic silhouette of the tallest free-standing mountain in Africa. It’s a symphony of determination against a backdrop of awe-inspiring nature.

My friends and I took on the challenging course in February. We couldn’t help but feel a connection with the diverse ecosystems that make our beautiful country a treasure trove for adventurers. The marathon wasn’t just a race; it was a journey weaving through the mountain’s forest zone, where curious monkeys chattered from the treetops. The run was challenging, but we had been preparing for weeks and were ready. The start was steep, but the last eight to 10 kilometres were more manageable. Passing through villages, we relished the breath-taking views and engaged with locals who generously offered water and bananas to keep our energy levels up. The organizers also arranged pre- and post-marathon concerts showcasing the local culture and traditions. These events were opportunities to interact, discuss business and share insights on various topics.

Intertwining the thrill of marathons with the allure of tourism, creates unforgettable journeys. What better way to ease those post-marathon muscles than by relaxing on the sandy shores of Zanzibar or experiencing the animal adventures of the Serengeti?

Fancy mimicking my marathon adventure? There are more races coming up in Tanzania. You can embark on the Serengeti Marathon in mid-November, a unique experience in which you traverse the world-famous national park amid migrating wildlife. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of city marathons, seamlessly blending in as a local. I extend a challenge to you to embrace these opportunities. The participation in these marathons transcends a mere test of physical endurance. Instead, consider it an exclusive passport unlocking the natural wonders of Tanzania. Each step taken becomes more than a stride toward a healthier lifestyle; it evolves into a profound appreciation for the captivating beauty inherent in this East African jewel.

Sound and vision

Mark Edwards rounds up the latest releases to stream, screen and read DAH! / Nandy featuring Alikiba

Tanzanian musical royalty teams up on this super-sweet romantic ballad. Originally a hit for Moshi-born singer-songwriter and actress Nandy, the track returns remixed with the self-styled ‘African Princess’ now sharing the vocals with Bongo Flava master Alikiba. The pair’s honeyed vocals entwine divinely. Alikiba is already having a big 2024. He celebrated 20 years in the music business and has just launched his own radio station broadcasting across the country. This track is a fitting showcase for both musicians’ talents

FILM REVIEWS

MUSIC REVIEWS BOOK REVIEWS

TO KILL A TIGER / Writer, Director: Nisha Pahuja

This India-set release was shortlisted for Best Documentary Film at the recent Academy Awards. It tells the true story of the fight for justice of a small-scale farmer in the east of the country after his 13-year-old daughter is viciously attacked at a local wedding. His support for his daughter is unwavering in spite of opposition from the deeply patriarchal village community they live in. At first, he is told to drop the complaint and marry off his daughter to one of the assailants, but soon his own life is under threat. A powerful and important film.

WOMB CITY / Tlotlo Tsamaase

In far future Botswana, babies are crafted in government labs and some people live in repurposed bodies called “shells’ that are monitored by AI technology. Nelah inhabits a body that once belonged to a criminal – a former life that means she is monitored with microchips to ensure the lawless behaviour doesn’t return. Her husband – a policeman – does the monitoring and Nelah is fearful it will reveal her own misbehaviour. This debut novel reveals a brave an original talent in Tsamaase, who draws on local culture and folklore in creating her dystopian vision.

Arts column

GOGO HIP / Sinaubi Zawose

The legacy of the musical Zawose Family lives on with this new album that connects the traditional Gogo music the family is famous for with a more modern sound. Sinaubi is the son of the late Hukwe Ubi Zawose – the internationally acclaimed singer and multi-instrumentalist who headed the Bagamoyo-based clan – and was taught by his father to play ngoma, the traditional hand drums that along with other homemade instruments such as limba (thumb piano) and zeze (bowed/plucked lute) the family use to get their unique sound. The album was recorded at Wanene Studios in Dar with a live six-piece band reimagining two generations of Zawose Family recordings, giving each a modern twist.

THE BRICKLAYER / Director: Renny Harlin

A former CIA agent who has swapped murdering for masonry is coaxed out of retirement when a rogue insurgent starts assassinating foreign journalists and making it look like the agency is responsible. With bullets flying, car chases and plenty of hand-to-hand combat, this film does little to change the architecture of action cinema, but with the source novel for the film part of a series The Bricklayer may well lay the foundation for a future franchise in the mould of blockbusters such as Taken or John Wick.

PEPONI / Abdulrazak Gurnah

Gurnah left his native Zanzibar for the UK when he was 18. His 10 novels were written in England yet most focus on the human stories of Tanzanian lives under colonial rule as well as the sense of guilt and displacement of being an exile. International acclaim for his work culminated in him being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Now, thanks to Dar es Salaam-based publishers Mkuki na Nyota, one of his best-known works, Paradise, is available to read in Swahili. Retitled ‘Peponi’, it tells the story of 12-year-old Yusuf who is sold by his father in repayment of his debt and embarks on an epic journey across Tanzania with his mysterious merchant uncle.

Lilian Hipolyte is the executive director of Dar es Salaam creative community Nafasi Arts Space. In her latest column she reveals how women artists are becoming agents of change through their thought-provoking work.

Impact of Tanzanian women artists goes beyond the canvas

In Tanzania’s blossoming contemporary art scene, a powerful movement is underway. Not only are female artists in this nation painting on canvases, but they are also rewriting stories, questioning norms and changing the fundamental fabric of the art landscape. These women are bringing about change as well as expressing themselves artistically.

At the heart of this movement are artists such as Mwandale Mwanyekwa. Popularly known as ‘Big Mama’, this multidisciplinary artist has captured the spirit of Tanzanian Makonde culture with a modern twist through her bold sculptures. Her work, often depicting scenes of everyday life with a touch of surrealism, has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the world.

Another trailblazer is Safina Kimbokota, whose sculptures highlight the social pressure facing young women in Africa. Her work honours the contribution of women and acknowledge the key role maternal bonds play in society. The pieces are stories of resilience and hope, using metal to create stunning works of thought-provoking art.

These women are not just artists; they are entrepreneurs, carving out spaces for themselves in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Through their art, they are also creating economic opportunities for themselves and their communities. By showcasing their work in local and international galleries, they are not only gaining recognition but also creating a market for Tanzanian contemporary art on a global scale.

The impact of these female artists goes beyond the canvas. They are role models for aspiring artists, showing that creativity knows no bounds. They are also agents of change, using their art to address social issues and spark conversations.

As we celebrate these women and their contributions to the contemporary art scene, we are reminded of the power of creativity to inspire, empower and transform. Tanzanian women artists are not just painting; they are creating a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.

Kids’ fun and puzzles

ADVENTURE MAZE

Can you help the starfish find their pearl? Help them get across the maze! Octopus Snail Whale Dolphin Squid Crab Starfish Seahorse Oyster Turtle WORD PUZZLE

DOT TO DOT

Follow the dots to finish the image of the seahorse

There’s never been a better time to take advantage of Twiga Miles, Air Tanzania’s loyalty programme, with all new members who sign up before May 19 this year getting a welcome pack of 1,000 points as soon as they take their first flight.

And that’s just the beginning of your savings as every subsequent flight you take will earn you more points, which can all be redeemed towards future free flights across Air Tanzania’s domestic and international network of destinations. The amount of points you will earn depends on your ticket type, fare class and destination.

As a Twiga Miles member each flight you take will also help you climb through the ranks of our tier system. With each tier upgrade, you’ll get access to even more varied and valuable benefits.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up at www.airtanzania.co.tz now.

FAQS

How do I enrol?

Visit airtanzania.co.tz or contact our call centre on +255 748 773 900

Will I get a membership card?

Cards will be issued to Silver Selous and Gold Serengeti members.

How long does it take for my points to be transferred to my account?

Your points will have been transferred

Member Benefits

BLUE

Start earning points towards a free flight with Air Tanzania.

SILVER SELOUS

Members will earn 25% more points than Blue members on each flight they take.

Free extra 5kg baggage allowance on all flights

Priority check-in at Dar, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar airports

Priority membership baggage tags that ensure your bags are first on conveyor belt at your destination

GOLD SERENGETI

Members will earn 50% more points than Blue members on each flight they take.

Free extra 10kg baggage allowance on all flights

Priority check-in at Dar, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar airports

Priority membership baggage tags that ensure your bags are first on conveyor belt at your destination

to your account no later than 72 hours following your flight.

How long do my points remain valid?

Until the end of the third calendar year following the date you earned them. For example, points earned in June 2021 remain valid till the end of 2024.

How can I spend my points?

You can spend your points by clicking

on “Use My Points to Buy” section under the payment options tab for the tickets you are going to buy on our website at www.airtanzania.co.tz

Twiga Miles is only for passengers aged 18 and above. The scheme applies to all Air Tanzania destinations. Air Tanzania reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions of the campaign. All users participating in the campaign are deemed to have read and accepted these rules.

Travel information

Before take-off

Taking your first flight is certainly exciting, but can also become a source of stress for those who are unfamiliar with the rules, procedures and customs of flying. To prepare yourself for your first flight, it is therefore important to get information on everything you need to do before and during your journey. Here is a useful pre-departure checklist.

1 Before departing, it is important to check the airline’s website for its hand luggage rules: weight, sizes and types of objects you can take on board. For example, as regards liquids, you are advised to carry these in your hand luggage, only in transparent, reseal able, plastic containers, not exceeding 100 ml. If you have connection flights, we advise that you also check the websites of other airlines.

2 Arrive at the airport in advance (at least two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights).

3 Check in online, if possible. If travelling with hand luggage alone, you can check in online and print or download your boarding pass which you must take with you directly to security checks.

4 Set your mobile to flight mode, as well as other devices connected to the internet that you are taking on board. Cabin crew will remind you of this step before take-off. With flight mode set, you can still take photos of your unforgettable journey and you can also enjoy the in-flight entertainment system!

AIR TANZANIA FLEET

DE HAVILLAND CANADA DASH 8-Q400

Number of aircraft available:

5 De Havilland Canada

Seat capacity: (3 De Havilland Canada) Business Class 6, Economy 70, (1 De Havilland Canada) Business class 10, Economy 68

Number of flight-deck crew: 2

Range: 2,063 km (1,362 Nm)

Typical cruising speed: up to 360 knots (414 mph or 667 km/hr)

Wingspan: 93 ft 3 in (28.4 m)

Length: 107 ft 9 in (32.8 m)

For Booking & Enquiries: +255 748 773 900 www.airtanzania.co.tz

5 To prevent sickness from ruining your first flight on a plane, we advise you to take natural remedies, such as, for example, ginger tablets or gum to chew.

6 Enjoy the view! By choosing a seat near the window, you will see breath-taking landscapes and you can take photos of the exquisite white clouds you will be flying above.

7 Try to take a nap. Sleeping on the plane will make time pass faster and you will arrive at your destination calm and rested.

8 Lastly, especially during take-off and landing, the change in pressure inside the cabin may cause discomfort in your ears. Chew gum or wear earplugs to combat this.

National carrier Air Tanzania is justifiably proud of its revamped six-strong fleet. Here we take a close-up look at our aircraft with technical data and specifications.

AIRBUS 220-300 (CS300)

Number of aircraft available: 4

Seat capacity: Business Class 12 and 120 Economy Class

Number of flight-deck crew: 2

Range: 6,112 km (3,300 Nm)

Typical cruising speed: 470 knots (541 mph or 871 km/hr)

Thrust per engine at sea level: 23,300 lbf / 103.6 kN

Wingspan: 115 ft 1 in (35.1 m)

Length: 127 ft (38.7 m)

Interior cabin width: 129 inches (3.28 m)

BOEING 737-MAX 9

Number of aircraft available: 2

Seat capacity: Business Class 16 and 165 Economy Class

Number of flight-deck crew: 2

Range: 6,570 km (3,550 Nm)

Wingspan: 117 ft (35.9 m)

Speed: 853 km/h

Length: 138 ft (42.1 m)

Fuel capacity: 25,800 litres

BOEING 787-8 DREAMLINER

Number of aircraft available: 2

Seat capacity: Business Class 22 and 240 Economy Class

Number of flight-deck crew: 2

Range: 13,621 km (7,355 Nm)

Typical cruising speed: 488 knots (561 mph or 903 km/hr)

Thrust per engine at sea level: 64,000 lbf / 280 kN

Wingspan: 197 ft 3 in (60.12 m)

Length: 186 ft 1 in (56.72 m)

Interior cabin width: 18 ft 0 inch (5.49 m)

FREE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Air Tanzania has a free allowance for passengers’ baggage across economy and business class. For full details and rates please see our website www.airtanzania.co.tz or contact booking enquiries

+255 748 773 900

Passports and visas

A valid passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months is required to enter the United Republic of Tanzania.

Visitors will also require a valid visa upon arrival. There are a range of visas available depending on the nature and frequency of your visits, but a single entry visa can be obtained on arrival in Tanzania subject to the fulfilment of all immigration requirements. There is a US$ 50 charge for the visa.

For a full list of visas available and for countries for which special terms exist, visit the Air Tanzania website.

Check-in

Check in online, if possible. If travelling with hand luggage alone, you can check in online and print or download your boarding pass, which you must take with you directly to security checks. You should check in two hours ahead of your flight time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.

Family travel

Fares for infants and children

BUSINESS ECONOMY

route need to be booked as adults for the entire journey.

Expectant mothers

Our priority is always your safety and that of your unborn child.

To avoid unnecessary risks to you and your baby, we recommend that all expectant mothers consult a doctor before booking their ticket and inquire about their fitness to fly the length of the trip they intend to take.

contact us to book the flight and the service.

Infant fare checked baggage allowance

Infants travelling on an infant fare are allowed 10 kg as baggage allowance.

Child fare baggage allowance

Children and infants travelling on a child fare are eligible for the same baggage allowance as adults.

Wheelchairs

BOEING 767-300F CARGO

Number of aircraft available: 1

Seat capacity: N/A

Range: 6,025 km (3,253 Nm)

Typical cruising speed: 488 knots (561 mph or 903 km/hr)

Cargo volume: 438 cubic metres

Cargo weight: 52.7 tonnes

Thrust per engine at sea level: 60,600 lbf / 270 kN

Wingspan: 156 ft 3 in (47.57 m)

Length: 180 ft 3 in (54.94 m)

As a general rule, children up to two years old are not required to have their own seat and are allowed to travel on parents’ lap. An infant tickets costs 10 per cent of the regular fare. Depending on the destination, taxes and fees may apply. Please note that only 1 baby per adult is accepted. You can choose to buy a seat for your baby at the reduced rates for children if any children’s rate is applicable.

If your child is older than two years or turns two while you are travelling, you will have to book a separate seat for him or her and book the children fare for the entire journey. If a child travels with an accompanying adult in the same class of cabin, the child should be seated in the same seat row as the accompanying adult. Where this is not possible, the child should be seated no more than one seat row or aisle away. Reduced rates apply for children aged two to 11 on most routes, depending on the travel class. Children turning 12 years en

Depending on the stage and circumstances of your pregnancy, you may be required to present certain medical forms before flying. For your own safety and the well-being of your child, Air Tanzania will not accept expectant mothers who are pregnant from their 34th week or beyond.

UMNR (children travelling alone)

If you’re planning for your child to travel alone, we’re here to make sure they enjoy their trip and that they are well taken care of throughout their journey.

When you book our unaccompanied minor service, your child will be received at the originating airport, taken care of during transit and while on board the aircraft. He or she will be handed over to the person designated by the parents/ guardians upon arrival at the final destination.

Cost

To avail the unaccompanied minor service, an adult fare needs to be purchased for the child. Please

If you need wheelchair assistance at the airport, you must advise Air Tanzania of this at the time of booking. You can request wheelchair assistance through our Call Centre or at Air Tanzania Sales offices.

Inflight Wi-Fi

On board Wi-Fi

Enable Wi-Fi on your laptop, tablet or smartphone, and select AirTanzaniaWifi

You will need to launch your web browser, which will display the log-in web portal. From the portal, simply select your preferred price plan.

Portable electronic devices (PEDs)

You can use your e-readers, tablets and smartphones from gate to gate – including taxiing, take-off and landing – without a risk to safety.

Note that on-board Wi-Fi is only available on certain aircraft. Please follow cabin crew instructions at all times.

Dar es Salaam Salaam

Zanzibar

Mwanza

Geita

Kilimanjaro

Mbeya

Songea

Kigoma

Dodoma

Bukoba

Tabora

Katavi

Arusha

Pemba

Mtwara

UK

London

CHINA

Dubai UAE

Muscat OMAN

Mumbai

Guangzhou

INDIA

Lagos

Goma DRC

Juba

Entebbe Entebb

Kinshasa DRC

Lubumbashi DRC

Kigali RWANDA ZAMBIA

Bujumbura

Ndola

Lusaka

Harare

Dar es Salaam

Comoros ilongwe

Johannesburg

TANZANIA

UGANDA

Nairobi KENYA

BURUNDI

ZIMBABWE

Dzaoudzi MAYOTTE

SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTHERN SUDAN

Lilon ilon MALAWI

NIGERIA

WHERE TO CONTACT US

CONTACT CENTRE

Location: ATC House, Ohio Street.

Email: info@airtanzania.co.tz

+255 748 773 900

Tel: +255 22 2117500

International customers: +255 222 113 248

AIR TANZANIA CONTACTS

DAR ES SALAAM (HQ)

Location: ATC House, Ohio Street PO Box 543

Office (JNIA) Tel: +255 222 117 500

Email: darairport.station@airtanzania.co.tz

ARUSHA

Location: Old Moshi Road, NSSF Mafao House

Email: arusha.station@airtanzania.co.tz

Tel: + 255 272 520 177 / +255 739 787 500

MBEYA

Location: Mbeya Mjini

Email: godfrey.Samanyi@airtanzania.co.tz

Mob: 0714 800 080 / 0737 800 090

COMOROS

Location: Immeuble MATELEC Moroni, Grande Comores

Email: com’airgsaatc@gmail.com

Tel: +269 3312570 / +269 3322058

BUKOBA

Location: Jamhuri Road, NSSF Building

Email: airtanzaniasalesbukoba@gmail.com

Tel: 0767351336 / 0735351336

KILIMANJARO

Location: KIA

Email: arusha.station@airtanzania.co.tz

Mob: +255 735 787 249

DODOMA

Location: Hatibu Road, Tofiki Street, CDTF Building

Tel: + 255 262 322 272 / 0735 787 241 (mobile)

0683 776 744 (mobile)

Email: dodoma.station@airtanzania.co.tz

MWANZA

Tel: +255 735 787 239 / +255 28 2501059

Email: mwanza.station@airtanzania.co.tz

TABORA

Email: tabora.station@airtanzania.co.tz

SONGEA

E-COMMERCE

Location: ATC House, Ohio Street.

Email: tce-commerce@airtanzania.co.tz

Follow us on:

For the latest flights, information and to book online, visit: www.airtanzania.co.tz

@AirTanzania @airtanzania airtanzania_atcl Air Tanzania ATCL

Location: African Benedict Office

Hanga- opposite TRA Songea

Email: songea.station@airtanzania.co.tz

Mob: +255 712 796 421

KIGOMA

Location: Lumumba Road, opp. Mambo Leo Pharmacy

Email: kigoma.station@airtanzania.co.tz

Mob: +255 742 580 580

IRINGA

Location: Asas House, Dodoma Road, opp. TCC.

Email: Iringa.station@airtanzania.co.tz

Mob: +255 753 574 986

ZANZIBAR

Location: Postal Building, Kijangwani

Email: zanzibar.station@airtanzania.co.tz

Mob: +255 785 452 585

ZIMBABWE

Location: 24 Shamwari Complex, 157 Sam Nujoma Street, Ext Belgravia, Harare

Email: hresalestc@airtanzania.co.tz

Tel: +263 424 796 286 / 7

Mob: +263 773 119 462

ZAMBIA

Barnetts Building, Shop 3, Hailie Selasie Avenue, Longacres, Lusaka.

Mob: +260 956 610 250

Email: support.lusaka@airtanzania.co.tz

LUBUMBASHI

Avenue Lomani N 548, Laurent Desire Kabila Moulacom building.

Mob: +243 830 538 008/9

Email: ops.fbm@airtanzania.co.tz/sales.fbm@ airtanzania.co.tz/marketing.fbm@airtanzania.co.tz

KAMPALA

Location: Park Royal Mall, Room 208, Buganda Road.

Email: uganda.station@airtanzania.co.tz

Email: bbesalestc@airtanzania.co.tz

Tel: +256 414 289 474 / +256 393 517 145

ENTEBBE

Location: Entebbe International Airport, Room no 095.

Email: uganda.station@airtanzania.co.tz

Email: bbesalestc@airtanzania.co.tz

Tel: +256 716 680 250

BURUNDI

Location:  Bujumbura-Mairie, Boulevard de la Liberté, Galerie Alexander, No 10

Email: fantasticvoyage1@gmail.com

Tel: +257 610 139 48

INDIA

001 Midas, Sahar Plaza Complex, near Chakala Metro Station, Andheri – Kurla Road, Andheri East, Mumbai 400 059.

Email: res.bom@airtanzaniaindia.com

Tel: 022 49790108 / 49790109 / 49710208

JOHANNESBURG

Location: West Tower, 2nd Floor, Nelson Mandela Square, Maude Street, Sandown, Gauteng, South Africa 2146

Email: southernafrica@airlinepros.com

Tel: +27 11 881 5945

NAIROBI

Location: Applewood Adams, Ngong Road, Kenya 8th Floor, Suite 812

Reservation & Ticketing: +254 702 247 000 +254 704 197 197 / +254 739 101 277

Email: Kenya.reservations@airtanzania.co.tz

Sales: +254 703 197 197 / +254 736 101 277

Email: Kenya.sales@airtanzania.co.tz