YOUR FREE PRECISION AIR MAGAZINE Issue 92, October - December 2018
Flaviana's foundation SUPERMODEL HELPING TO EMPOWER CHILDREN OF TANZANIA
/ WALKING SAFARIS / SLUM BALLET / STONE TOWN ARTIST / TANZANIA NATURAL WONDERS / ZANZIBAR'S 'QUEEN BEES'
Contents
Rock City - Page 26
Issue 92, October - December 2018
Features
7
3 FOREWORD
7 WALKING IN WILDERNESS
Regulars
The thrills of a safari on foot
10 ROLE MODEL
Flaviana Matata’s charity work
10
18 PAA STAY
15 PEAK FITNESS
Getting ready to tackle Kilimanjaro
20 YOGA ISLAND
Stretching out in Zanzibar
23 SLUM BALLET
23
The dance school changing lives
26 MWANZA
Sunsets and stones on the bank of Lake Victoria
Playing our part in boosting tourism Sleeping with the fishes at The Manta Resort
32 PAA DINING
Boho Eatery - the virtually vegan restaurant
32 PUZZLE PAGE
28 MEET MUZU
Artist with a passion for old Zanzibar
30 ENTEBBE BOTANICAL GARDENS
A tale of Tarzan and tree squirrels
Precision Air Info 5 Paa News
34 SUPER NATURAL
43 Paa Meet
37 QUEEN BEES
46 Route Network
Tanzania’s most amazing sights A sweet livelihood for women in Zanzibar
40 SCHOOL OF ROCK
2
Geopark gets Unesco status Paa Tanzania
45 Paa Royal Benefits 47 Paa Contacts 48 Welcome Aboard Cover picture courtesy of: Luis Quezada
Foreword Precision Air Services Plc Diamond Plaza PO Box 70770, Dar es Salaam Tanzania Tel: +255 (0)22 219 1000 Fax: +255 (0)22 286 0725 www.precisionairtz.com Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager: Hillary Mremi Email: hmremi@precisionairtz.com Paa Tanzania Magazine is published for Precision Air by: Land & Marine Publications Ltd 1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way Severalls Business Park Colchester, Essex CO4 9RA United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Email: publishing@landmarine.com
Playing our part in boosting East Africa’s tourism industry Greetings! Welcome aboard Precision Air and thank you for choosing to fly with us. On behalf of the Precision Air team, I would like to thank you, our valued customers, for your continued support and patronage. We wouldn’t be here without you so every passenger is really important to us. Here at Precision Air we recognise how important reliable and well-connected air transport is to the growth of tourism in Tanzania. To this end we have increased the frequency of our flights to some of the country’s most popular attractions such as Serengeti National Park, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, connecting more travellers to the country’s northern safari circuit and the beautiful beaches of the east coast’s island archipelagos.
www.landmarine.com
Precision Air currently operates 12 flights a day to Kilimanjaro, Arusha and Zanzibar while flying to Nairobi six times a day from both Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro.
ADVERTISING: Catherine O’Callaghan, Sales Manager Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Cell: +44 (0)7769 110343 (WhatsApp) Email: paa@landmarine.org
From October, when our winter schedule begins, we will add a Friday flight to Seronera, in Serengeti National Park, bringing the total to five flights a week, and there will also be two extra weekly flights between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro.
The contents and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy in preparing the magazine, the Publisher and Precision Air assume no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies or omissions. All submitted material is accepted on the understanding that the material can be edited, amended or abridged for publication. ©2018 Land & Marine Publications Ltd
Subscribe Request your e-version subscription by emailing: subscribe@landmarine.org
Tourism makes up about 17.5 per cent of Tanzania’s economy and making our country and tourist attractions more accessible can boost this figure. We are playing our part and by travelling with us so are you! Our aim is that you are always happy with our services, so please let us know if your recent experience has been anything short of excellent by emailing customer-relations@precisonairtz.com Don’t forget to register with our frequent flyers programme, Paa Royal, and take advantage of discounts at the best hotels and restaurants in town, with new top-class venues signing up all the time (see page 5). Do also visit our website at www.precisionairtz.com for more updates and the best offers. You can also connect with us on our social media pages: Facebook - Precision Air Tanzania Twitter - PrecisionAirTz Instagram - precisionairtz
You Are Why We Fly. Sauda Rajab Managing Director and CEO Precision Air Services Plc
www.precisionairtz.com
3
Latest from Tanzania’s leading airline Precision Air to add Dodoma and Chato to its growing network of destinations Capital
Mchiriku | Wikimedia Commons | CC-BY-SA-3.0
Nyerere Square
Image courtesy of Tsogo Sun
News
Rewards
Southern Sun Hotel
Great hotel and restaurant deals for frequent flyers Precision Air has signed a new partnership with Dar es Salaam hot spots Akemi Restaurant and the Southern Sun Hotel to reward its loyal customers. Under the agreement, Paa Royal’s ever-growing list of more than 20,000 members will enjoy discounts of up to 20 per cent at both venues. The addition of Akemi Restaurant, renowned for its rotating restaurant with panoramic views over Tanzania’s commercial capital, and the attractive Southern Sun Hotel, in the heart of the city’s botanical gardens, provides even more choice for members in how they use their frequent flyer points.
Precision Air has announced plans to add the Tanzanian capital, Dodoma, and Chato, in the Geita region, to its current 10-strong network of domestic destinations by next year. The airline believes both destinations will open up lucrative markets. The government is moving its centre of operations to Dodoma, with President Magufuli determined to see the relocation completed by 2020. Chato, with its newly modernised airport, will give Precision Air tourism passengers increased access to the popular Rubondo Island National Park, with ferries going to the island from nearby Kasenda. Precision Air’s marketing and corporate affairs manager, Hillary Mremi, said: “We have seen key developments in these two destinations. The fact that the government is moving to Dodoma [means] there is going to be a big movement of people to and from [the city]. Our flights to Chato will enable us to serve the entire Geita region, which has several potential economic activities such as mining, fishing and tourism. We wish to commend our government’s efforts to upgrade our airports. This will enable us as operators to mount more flights to open up Tanzania and speed up economic growth. Our plans are to launch both Chato and Dodoma flights in summer 2019.”
The airline’s marketing and corporate affairs manager, Hillary Mremi, said: “At Precision Air our customers come first and that is why we always make sure our customers have the best experience flying with us. Our partnership with Akemi Restaurant and Southern Sun Hotel will transform the benefits and the awards package for our Paa Royal members. This is just the start. We are going to add more exciting benefits to our programme.” Speaking on the partnership, Akemi’s general manager, Brett Mullins, said: “We are looking forward to serving Precision Air customers, one of the fastest-growing airlines in East Africa at the moment.”
Keep in touch www.precisionairtz.com www.facebook.com/precisionairtz www.twitter.com/precisionairtz www.precisionairtz.com
5
Walking safaris
Take a walk on the wild side with a safari on foot A walking safari offers a real sense of wildness far removed from the sheltered world of guides and 4x4s. David Stone, of safari and wilderness travel company Natural High, explains the attraction of getting off the beaten track and why Tanzania is spoilt for great walking safari locations.
All images courtesy of Alex Edwards www.precisionairtz.com
7
Walking safaris
T
he best walks aren’t hikes,
allow you to escape into genuine
but stalks that allow long-
game-rich wilderness.
unused senses to reconnect
One place we love for exactly that
you to the wild: the smell of fresh
reason is Ruaha – walking in the quiet
elephant dung, the sound of tick
eastern end of the park where you
birds, the alarm calls of animals
find yourself in superlative game
announcing your presence.
country before you even leave camp.
A walking safari takes you out of
Elephant feed along the river banks
the audience and puts you on the
in search of fruit from the large,
stage. When you pad softly with your
shady acacia trees and vast herds
guide along a footpath last used by
of buffalo are drawn to the water in
a five-ton elephant on its way to the
the heat of the day. Sable, greater
river, the excitement and anticipation
and lesser kudu, roan and waterbuck
is like birthday mornings as a child.
are common sights, while lion and
Surprisingly, though, many of the
A moment to treasure Alex Edwards, founder of Natural High, says his most memorable walking safari moment was finding a leopard on a walking safari in the Selous Game Reserve. The leopard was relaxing on the sand of a dry river bed in the cool of the evening and completely unaware of his presence just metres away.
leopard frequent the river banks
best walks involve sitting and not
and flood plains. The outings can be
the company of your experienced
going anywhere. Spend the heat of
day walks from camp or safaris over
guide and all creatures great and small.
the day in the deep shade of a tree,
several days supported by a mobile
have lunch, read and relax while
camp. You can expect to encounter
Walk slowly, stop often
watching a scene evolve around you.
all the major species in this part of the
By definition, the best walking safaris
Elephants coming to drink at a lake,
world and there’s a good chance of
are not strenuous. In an environment
kingfishers hovering with uncanny
doing so on foot.
precision or hippos perfecting the art of inactivity. Here are our top three reasons why
Leave the 4x4 behind
populated by large wild animals, it On track
Lion prints in Tanzania
pays to go slowly and quietly. The reasons are not entirely about safety.
When you embark on a walking safari,
The truth is that you pick up an
you’ll often find yourself in specially
enormous amount from listening
designated walking areas, which
and going as silently as possible.
means no vehicles, no vehicle noise,
The satisfaction of approaching any
Tanzania is thoroughly spoilt for great
very few people and the opportunity
animal so quietly that it has no idea
walking locations, many of which
to go ‘off radar’ for a few days in just
you’re there is really hard to beat.
we love walking safaris in Tanzania:
Get off the beaten track
Best time to go Up close
Elephants in the wild
The dry season between June and October offers the best walking safaris in many areas across Tanzania, but Northern Tanzania also offers many excellent places to walk, all year round.
An obsession with wildlife Natural High has been organising tailor-made trips to Africa and beyond for over 20 years, inspired by a lifelong obsession with wildlife and travelling to the world’s wild places. Tel: +44 1747 83095 Tel: +1 415 906 5264 Web: www.naturalhighsafari.com 8
Paa Tanzania
Flaviana Matata
Role model How Flaviana Matata is empowering young girls in Tanzania
Supermodel
Images: Luis Quezada
Flaviana strikes some poses
10
Paa Tanzania
Image: Bonnie Nichoalds
Image: Michael Mlingwa
Flaviana Matata is a supermodel, gracing magazine covers and catwalks the world over, but she has never forgotten her Tanzanian roots. The winner of this year’s ‘Most Inspirational Woman’ at the Global Women Awards has been involved in many charitable projects in her home country and set up the Flaviana Matata Foundation to inspire its young girls towards rewarding careers through education and entrepreneurship. Here, Flaviana reveals how her giving nature was instilled by her family and talks about the tragedy that struck them, growing up in Shinyanga.
Q. Could you give some details
to take really good care of us and we
A. Definitely. But at the time I didn’t
about where you grew up in
went to really good schools. I remem-
realise it was because of my mother’s
Tanzania and the kind of life you
ber seeing my parents helping others
influence. Looking back, I had a lot of
had there?
– it could be neighbours, relatives,
responsibilities growing up. I went to
A. I was born and raised in Shinyanga
cousins –they helped everyone. So in
school, went to college and then got
in a middle-class family. My dad used
the house it wasn’t just me and my
started as a model. I went to South
to work for the government. He’s
siblings. We had cousins, aunts and
Africa for a year and a half and started
retired now. My mom was in the
uncles. It was one big family. As kids
taking care of my family, making
medical industry, but she died in a
we used to hate it because sometimes
sure my siblings and dad were OK. I
boat accident [the ferry ‘MV Bukoba’
it’s three of you in one bed. We’d
helped my dad pay school fees for
sank in Lake Victoria, killing close
sometimes have to move to the sofa
my siblings. As far as adult influence, I
to 1,000 people] in 1996 when [my
just to accommodate someone else.
had aunties and uncles and stuff like
siblings and I] were still very young, so
But now I appreciate it. I think it really
that. But – and I’m just being realistic
I was raised by my father. He managed
helped us to be who we are to this
– none of them were able to sit down
day, especially to be humble and will-
to me and take me through life. Espe-
ing to share the little bit that you have.
cially when it came to me being a girl,
Image: Bonnie Nichoalds
a young woman. So, yes, losing my Q. Did losing your mother so
mother from a young age taught me
young teach you to be more
to be independent and always think:
independent and responsible at a
“You know what? You don’t have to
young age?
depend on anybody or let anybody
I remember seeing my parents helping others - it could be neighbours, relatives, cousins - they helped everyone. I learned to share the little bit that you have www.precisionairtz.com
11
Flaviana Matata Q. I believe you live in New York now. How often do you return to Tanzania and what is it you miss most about your home country? A. I try to go back to Tanzania three to four times a year. I’m really scared and afraid of being a stranger in my own country. I have so many things that I’m doing on the ground there. What I miss most about home? My family and food! Because I don’t have any family back in New York except for my husband. Everybody else, the Image: Michael Mlingwa
majority of family, is in Tanzania. Also,
hold you back. You have to take care
range of nail polish]. My career has
of your siblings, you have to step up
been an eye-opener for me. I’m lucky
for them as a big sister.”
and so blessed to have this opportunity to do things that, growing up, I
Back to school
The Flaviana Foundation recently presented pupils from schools in Lindi and Bagayamo with school stationery
the food is amazing! I don’t need to marinate anything, everything is fresh. What they call organic in the US is, like, the usual in Tanzania. Q. There can’t be too many models who are also qualified electrical technicians and your striking, shaven-headed look has also distinguished you from
Q. You say you were a tomboy
never wouldn’t have imagined I’d be
when you were young and into
doing. That why, now, I’m like: “Okay,
different?
soccer, science and engineering.
what about those girls back home in
A. I want to answer this question this
Did you always have a drive to
Tanzania?” They don’t have an option.
way as I hate comparisons.
learn more?
I had the option to either continue
Yes, I’m well educated and I did
A. We are all students in this life. So
with school or to pursue modelling
electrical engineering, but it doesn’t
long as you keep living on this planet,
as a career. But these girls, they just
mean I’m better than any other
you are a student. So you always
want to go to school. And that’s why I
model who didn’t go to school or
have to learn. I am still a tomboy –
started the Flaviana Matata Founda-
although people who don’t know
tion as a way of paying it forward to
me well don’t see that because I do
my community.
Giving back
Flaviana with Tanzanian schoolchildren
other models. Do you like to be
didn’t have a chance to go to school. Everyone is different. We need to embrace our uniqueness. These
appear feminine. People who see me are like: “You’re always so elegant,” but I’m dressed comfortably the majority of the time. Q. What has being a model brought to your life? A. Modelling has been a bridge for
charity and empowering Tanzanian girls through education. Also, being able to start my own beauty business [Flaviana launched Lavy, her own
12
Paa Tanzania
Image: Michael Mlingwa
I’m doing now, especially having a
Image: Luis Quezada
me to be able to do everything that
comparisons are what bring insecuri-
done amazing things. Some of our
It would be boring if we were all the same. We should embrace our differences
ties. So, with models, it’s not about the looks [only]. Yes, we are also beautiful, thank God, but we have brains. So even if somebody didn’t go to school doesn’t mean they don’t have a brain. Maybe they didn’t have
scholars are the first ones in their entire families to get into secondary school and now they have just graduated from high school and are applying for colleges or university. So this is life-changing. Maybe
an opportunity or maybe they didn’t
A. I always say you need change and
they’re not yet able to help their
want to. [Your question] is making
it has to start with you – each one
community, but definitely once they
comparisons, which I really don’t
of us. For me it’s important because
graduate they will. It’s a big change
entertain. Because it would be boring
I had an option to either continue
in their families and communities.
Home
if we were all the same. We should
Flaviana misses her family and the food in Tanzania
embrace our differences.
with school or to start a career. However, those girls back home in
Q. I believe music is also a big interest of yours. Do you have any
but can’t afford it. My dad always
future plans in this realm?
you have done lots of work for
said if you want to help someone’s
A. Most of my friends are in the
kids, just give them education. To be
music industry but I don’t have any
honest, giving back satisfies my soul.
plan to pursue it professionally. I
We’re not where we want to be yet
can’t sing. I can only sing in the
[with the foundation] but we have
bathroom!
charity and now set up your own foundation. Why is it so important to you to give back to your community?
Image: Luis Quezada
Tanzania just want to go to school Q. Since your modelling success
Getting fit for Kilimanjaro
What doesn’t Kili you makes you stronger the world’s highest free-
C
a former tour manager for
standing mountain, is one
high altitude trekking experts
of Kilimanjaro he was accompanied
of Tanzania’s greatest challenges.
Kandoo Adventures, who now
by a friend with a disability. They
Unlike other bucket-list peaks
runs a portfolio of adventure
both made it.
such as Mount Everest and the
travel websites including
Matterhorn, it requires little to no
climbkilimanjaroguide.com which
Get hiking
climbing skill to reach its 5,895
provides expert advice on getting
His point is that anyone, regardless
metre summit and you have to be
yourself physically and mentally
of age or physical condition, can do
accompanied by qualified guides.
ready for the trek.
it as long as they have the right kind
onquering Kilimanjaro,
The route to the top is essentially a
Step forward Mark Whitman,
He has a certificate for conquer-
took to it on two wheels. When Mark reached the summit
of attitude and prepare.
long hike – in fact, a very long hike
ing Kilimanjaro, but it’s not an
of up to 10 days – with no actual
exclusive club. It is estimated that
regular exercise then Mark recom-
climbing involved.
25,000 people successfully reach
mends a regime of three to six
the highest point, Uhuru Peak, each
months of training before taking
year (around 35,000 attempt it).
on the ascent. Unsurprisingly, the
Still, the rough terrain and the plunge in air pressure as you ascend
Mark tells me that an eight-year-
If you currently do not take
best kind of training is hiking.
mean taking on ‘the
old recently made it to the top
In Tanzania we are blessed with
white mountain’ is not
and there have been successful
many other mountain ranges and
attempts by double amputees, the
attractive peaks. Most of them are
wheelchair-bound and cyclists who
located in the north and east of the
to be done without preparation.
Continued
Peak fitness
Climbing Kilimanjaro
www.precisionairtz.com
15
Getting fit for Kilimanjaro period. Any physical run or walk
greatly from your starting point in
where there is the temptation to
Moshi. Even though the mountain
stop before the end builds a mental
sits on the plains of Africa, just three
resilience which is as important
degrees south of the equator, Kibo
as physical fitness in taking on
has a snow-capped cone all year
Kilimanjaro. “Being able to dig deep
round and an average temperature
and pull on your mental reserves is
of -7°C.
so important, especially when you near the summit,” says Mark.
Base camp
Acclimatising on Kilimanjaro
For relatively fit people who
Then there are the effects of
already undertake a fair share of
altitude, which the trekkable
cardiovascular exercise, Mark advo-
ascent can exacerbate. Mark says:
country and, depending on your
cates maintaining your regime until
“Kilimanjaro is a fast ascent. You
level, you can test yourself on the
one month before the climb, at which
are climbing 800 metres to 1,000
dramatic crater of Mount Meru, the
point you should up the duration, but
metres a day. An Everest hike is
active volcano of Ol Donyo Lengai
not intensity, of your exercises.
longer, but the gradient is more
or with tamer options such as the
adjust to the change in air pressure.
comparatively gentle slopes of the
to their training. Mark says: “It will
Going fast to high altitude will
Crater Highlands.
be a ported expedition [men from
affect everyone, no matter their
the local Chagga tribe will carry
age, fitness or gender.”
provisions and set up camp] so you will never be carrying more than
greater risk. “The fitter you are,
long-distance hikes, ideally of more
a day pack. So it’s not too hard on
the faster you tend to go,” says
than five hours. “If you can do back-
your core or back, but some light
Mark, “so they will often get more
to-back days, that would be even
leg strength training in the form of
severe altitude sickness. On the
better,” he says. “For most people,
squats, lunges and reverse lunges,
ascent you’ll hear your porters say
going down is often more gruelling
even a regular spinning class,
in Swahili ‘Pole, pole’, which means
as your knees and joints can take a
will help.”
If the most vertiginous climb you
No matter how physically prepared you are, climbing Kilimanjaro is going to be
can find is your local gym’s treadmill
a test. Climbers will pass
with its incline ramped up, then so
through five distinct vegeta-
be it. Mark says the focus should
tion zones, so while there
be on long-distance walking or
is plenty to look at, there is
running for 6 to 12 km at least three
also constantly changing terrain to
times a week. These runs or walk
navigate. The
should be fairly tough, especially
climate will
towards the end of the training
also change
“Kilimanjaro is a fast ascent. You are climbing 800 metres to 1,000 metres a day…”
Paa Tanzania
In fact, the very fit are often at
Mark recommends at least two
your hiking boots – very important!
16
gradual, so there is more time to
should also add a strength element
battering. And you get to wear in
Camping
Budding Kilimanjaro trekkers
Usambara Mountains and the
Make training tough
A night under the stars
Take it slow
‘Slow, slow’. You want to dawdle your
way up. Your body needs time to acclimatise to high altitude.” It is also wise, if it’s your first ascent of Kilimanjaro, to take the slowest route. There are six ways up, ranging in duration from five days to 10 days. Mark says the former is to be avoided, with the most popular routes taking between six and eight days. No matter how slow you take it, your body will struggle with the
Fitness tips for a fun trek Aerobic training Aerobic exercise builds the cardiovascular system, which is key when training to climb Kilimanjaro, as a strong cardiovascular system will help you process limited oxygen in a more efficient way.
test the body,” says Mark. “There is less
Long-distance walk or run for 6 to 12 km three times a week. Set a consistent pace and take on some hills or vary the incline on a treadmill.
oxygen available per breath as the air
Strength training
change in altitude, especially as you near the summit. “Once you push beyond 3,500 metres it really starts to
pressure decreases as you go up.” The greatest test is the hike from highest base camp (4,600 metres) to the top. It’s known as ‘Summit Night’ as you usually set off at around 11 pm to allow 16 hours for a painstaking ascent to snow-capped Kibo and a 2,500 metre descent before reaching a lower base camp for a well-earned dinner and rest at around 4 pm. “On that last ascent you are going very slowly,” says Mark. “Every step is like a workout. The descent is epic as well. It’s very long and very painful on the legs. It’s important you get to a lower base camp to sleep. The climber’s maxim is ‘climb high, sleep low’. Sleeping at a lower altitude gives your body more chance to recover.” So climbing Kilimanjaro is not going to be easy, but that will make the satisfaction of receiving your certificate for reaching the summit so much the sweeter. Just remember to prepare yourself for the challenge. It will make it all the easier to enjoy this once-in-alifetime moment.
In addition to aerobic exercise you should also be doing light strength training, particularly for your legs.
Exercises to try include: • Lunges • Squats • Front and reverse leg-curls (thigh muscles and hamstrings) • Step aerobics Information from climbkilimanjaroguide.com
Now that’s what I call a water bed By Mark Edwards
P
erhaps I’ve seen too many cheesy organised crime films, but when someone makes
you an offer to sleep with the fishes, it doesn’t usually end well. However, such an invitation at The Manta Resort on Pemba Island is definitely one to be taken up, because it means a stay in its spectacular and unique Underwater Room. This ingenious three-tiered
Precision Air will soon be offering flights again from Dar es Salaam to the island of Pemba. Among the island’s mosaic of forests, swamps, mangroves, hidden beaches and lagoons is one of the world’s most unusual and breathtaking hotel rooms.
floating structure, just offshore from the unspoilt island, has an open air shaft to a bedroom below sea level, located in a large marine cavern or ‘blue hole’ in the middle of a living coral reef. Through panes of tempered and hardened glass, the room provides guests with an almost 360 degree view of untouched coral reefs, cobalt-blue waters and shoals of all manner of iridescent fish. It’s a magical experience to lie back on the luxurious double bed and see rare examples of marine life darting past such as bat fish, cornet fish, trumpet fish and bigeye trevally. Some of the fish even seem to be putting on a show for lucky guests. Coral is already establishing itself on the anchoring lines and around the underwater structure. Brightly coloured Spanish dancers, one of the world’s largest sea slugs, flapping their gills in an underwater flamenco dance, are drawn to the glass panes and octopi will often attach themselves.
Underwater views The crystal-clear waters of Pemba have some of the best visibility in East Africa, stretching 30 to 40 metres almost every day. And then, at night, spotlights beneath each window of the Underwater Room attract shyer and more unusual marine life. Don’t
Paa Stay / The Manta Resort 18
Paa Tanzania
All images courtesy of The Manta Resort
be surprised to see squid momentarily made luminescent in the nighttime waters as they dance by. The imaginative touches of the Swedish-engineered structure continue on the two levels above water. Built with local hardwood, the landing deck, at sea level, has a lounge area and bathroom as well as its own stocked mini-fridge. Guests can use a mobile phone to call the resort, just 250 metres away on shore, with meal orders, which will be delivered by boat.
Getaway
The floating hotel
Sleep under the stars A ladder leads up to the roof, which has a lounging area for sun worship-
diving spots in the world. If you fancy diving deeper than
ping, while at night you can lose your-
the confines of one deep breath, the
self in a sky teeming with stars. With
resort has a scuba diving school with a
no light pollution for miles around,
training pool in two levels, professional
the sky over Pemba becomes darker
dive instructors and multilingual staff.
than you’ve ever seen it, framing
There are other reasons to head
celestial sights such as the Milky Way.
back to land as the resort, which won
The Manta Resort’s communications
the Travellers’ Choice Small Hotel
manager, Jessica Saus, says: “I have
Award this year, has 18 beachside
never seen as many shooting stars as
lodges, a restaurant, a poolside
I have on a clear day on the top deck
cocktail lounge and spa facilities.
of the Underwater Room.” There’s a
This property is managed by the
Underwater view
The coral reef teems with marine life
1 km of coastline in front of the resort into a nature reserve, protecting the
lounge bed up there, too, so you can
Swedish company Kwanini and owned
choose to sleep under the stars to a
by Resort Investor AB, a specialist
there’s always plenty to see through
lullaby of ocean murmurings.
management company which has
your underwater hotel windows.
The landing deck and roof have platforms for, respectively, sedate and more spectacular dives into
built a portfolio of high-end properties
fish population offshore and ensuring
Should you want to venture outside your personal paradise, Pemba’s fertile
in and around the Indian Ocean.
landscape awaits – a place of verdant
The beautiful cove on a northern
the crystalline waters, which rarely
promontory of Pemba was chosen
valleys covered with plantations of
dip below 26°C, to snorkel amid the
as the perfect place to launch its
clove (the island’s number one export)
reef and its kaleidoscopic denizens.
Underwater Room concept in 2007.
as well as coconut, mango and other
The location offers some of the best
Since then the company has turned
Hotel guests
Underwater visitors
This ingenious three-tiered floating structure, just offshore from the unspoilt island, has an open air shaft to a bedroom below sea level
fruit. Pemba is hilly compared with neighbouring Zanzibar, offering a chance to explore the heights before plunging below sea level for another night’s sleep in the Underwater Room.
For more details, visit www.themantaresort.com
www.precisionairtz.com
19
Tanzania yoga
Dives, dancing and downward facing dogs in Zanzibar
T
his is how all yoga classes
which she describes as one of the
should be. Imagine stretch-
most beautiful spots in the world.
ing out into a downward
“With our modern lifestyle we have
facing dog position, your hands
become very removed from nature,”
and feet warmed by the stone
she says. “Practising yoga in such
decking of your hotel roof terrace
a beautiful, natural setting is very
which has absorbed the heat of
peaceful.”
another blissfully sunny day on the island of Zanzibar. As you
Love at first sight
manage your breath, you feel the
South African-born Marisa came
flutter of a breeze from the ocean,
to the island in 2003 and has made
so close you can hear it rolling
it her home, running yoga breaks
onto the powdery vanilla sands
combined with other pursuits – such
just below you.
as diving, paddle boarding and
As you flow through your yoga
safaris – that make the most of the
poses, you watch the hot African
wonderful natural surroundings.
sun go down and see the turquoise
“I fell in love with the place as soon
ocean turn blood-red. Night arrives
as I arrived,” says Maria. “It has such
almost instantly here and the final
natural beauty and I embraced the
stretches of your sunset yoga session
simple lifestyle here – yoga, travelling,
are performed under a sky teeming
the ocean, dancing, playing drums
with more stars than you’ve ever
and painting.”
Two to tango
Dance classes
I fell in love with the place as soon as I arrived,” says Maria. “It has such natural beauty and I embraced the simple lifestyle here…”
seen. Lying on your back at the end of the session, your eyes swim with the
Marisa has been practising yoga for
dazzling constellations overhead. The
11 years and offers retreats to share
experience is heavenly.
her skills in Dynamic Hatha, based on Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow and Kundalini
If your experience of yoga classes begins and ends in airless municipal
Yoga.
gyms, then this must seem an impos-
She puts together seven-night packages, with guests staying at
Marisa Van Vuuren runs such yoga retreats in Nungwi Village, on the northern tip of Zanzibar,
20
Paa Tanzania
Image: Gal
sible dream. But it’s very real.
Flame Tree Cottages, a beachside hotel which lends its roof terrace to yoga sessions. Two sessions are
Image: Javed Jaferrji
inquisitive dolphin checking out your
of time for you to explore Zanzibar’s
paddle boat moves.
other attractions or to just relax. For
Sunset serenity
Yoga in Zanzibar
Marisa loves exploring the
to open-water dives of 12 metres and then 18 metres. Recently, Marisa has been combin-
those on a budget, accommodation
abundant marine life here. She is a
ing yoga with fitness sessions, using
can be arranged at the nearby Casa
PADI dive master and co-founder of
TRX suspension equipment and short
Umoja, with the yoga sessions still
the Divine Diving centre in Zanzibar.
bursts of high-intensity training and
held at Flame Tree Cottages.
She offers combined yoga and diving
even tango classes for her retreats.
retreats and believes the pursuits
“We have an Argentine teacher,” she
share a meditative quality.
says. “We are trying to establish a
The meditation of diving Other retreat options include yoga
Controlled, calm breathing is
tango community on the island.”
with extra stand up paddle board
important in yoga, she says, and
(SUP) yoga sessions. Marisa says: “The
you also need it if you want a calm,
SUP boards are a great way to enjoy
relaxed dive. “Diving can give you
our beautiful ocean and discover how
a natural sense of relaxation and
Tanzanians. When I first came here
to use the energy locks – known as
be quite meditative as you are
about 15 years ago I don’t think
bandhas in Sanskrit – and to learn
submerged in another element.”
anybody knew what it was. Now
how to move from our core centre.
There are courses for experienced
It’s a nice, playful but challenging
divers and for beginners, who
variation on the usual yoga.”
practise in Zanzibar’s crystalline
If you’re lucky, you might find an
shallow waters before progressing
Marisa has certainly seen a yoga Teacher
Marisa Van Vuuren on the beach
Image: Ilan Zvuluni
Image: Ash
Image: Marisa van Vuuren
scheduled each day, leaving plenty
community growing in Zanzibar. “Yoga is fairly new for most
the island is opening up to yoga. I see studios opening up in Stone Town and I see people practising on the beach.” www.precisionairtz.com
21
Tanzania yoga In her own way, Marisa has played
Stretch
A class at Flame Tree Cottages
each year. It’s a way to give
a role in the growing popularity
something back to an island that has
of yoga among Tanzanians. She
inspired her own yoga journey. “I was
also teaches the Art & Science of
practising yoga before I arrived here,”
Yoga 200 hour Teacher Training
she says, “but the island inspired me
programme at Zanzi Yoga School
and soon I was practising every day.
and awards a scholarship for a
Who wouldn’t in these beautiful
Zanzibari to complete the course
surroundings?”
Further details
Image: Flame Tree Cottages
For more information about Marisa and her yoga retreats, visit www.yogazanzibar.com For details about the diving school, visit www.scubazanzibar.com Maris is also part of an online yoga community offering yoga video classes. To get a taste of the classes, visit www.bemoreyogic.com
Slum ballet
Dancing to a new destiny Images courtesy of Bee Gilbert
Kibera, Kenya and Africa’s largest ‘informal settlement’ , boasts its own ballet academy. As Mark Edwards finds out, it is producing worldclass dancers and providing its underprivileged pupils with an outlet for their imaginations.
A
mong Nairobi’s poorest communities, one of the world’s most elite art forms
is flourishing. Every week in Kibera, the city’s largest slum and home to some 250,000 people, there are ballet closes organised for local children. They have been run since 2009 by Mike Wamaya. He grew up in another of Nairobi’s ‘informal settlements’, Kuwinda, where drug deals and muggings were a daily occurrence and he lost friends killed on its lawless streets. His love of dance was the only escape from the horrors around him. Mike’s talent was spotted at a chance audition with the visiting Kenya Performing Arts Group. He had no ballet clothes to perform in so he danced in Continued
www.precisionairtz.com
23
Slum ballet his boxer shorts. Still, he impressed. He
photographer Bee Gilbert after the
was awarded a scholarship and soon
death of her 20-year-old son, Anno, in
he was dancing on far-flung stages on
a car accident.
international tours. While many of his fellow dancers in
The charity has more than 800 children taking part in its creative
the group pursued careers overseas,
workshops and, under the tin roofs of
Mike could not forget those he had
slum schools in Kibera and Mathare,
left behind. Dancing at a youth festival
Mike’s weekly classes became hugely
at the Pangani hall in Mathare, Nairobi,
popular.
he was spotted by representatives of charities Anno’s Africa and One Fine
Classes breed confidence
Day, who were looking for someone to
Like pupils at many other schools
lead ballet classes as part of a scheme
the world over, the young children
to offer an alternative, arts-based
at Spurgeons Academy can’t wait for
education to young children in some
the day’s lessons to finish. But at this
ping pupils with something far
of the city’s poorest communities.
small school in the heart of Kibera,
more important: confidence. Mike
Mike was taught the ballet curricu-
Safe space
Pupils at the ballet class, which takes place amid the slums of KIbera (above)
ballet lessons can begin. There are no ballet shoes or barre rails, but the classes are equip-
the last bell signals the start of more
combines the teaching of dance
lum by Anna Nygh, head dance
learning. Desks and chairs are packed
with that of social skills, providing
teacher at Anno’s Africa, which was
away and the dusty floor is sprinkled
a safe space for the pupils to grow.
set up in 2006 by film director and
with water and swept clean so the
He says most young people in these
communities have little choice but to take menial jobs, still as children, to provide for their families and never have a chance to explore their own creativity. Taking his own life as an example, Mike says performing was always within him – his greatgrandmother was a renowned dodo dancer – and working with the Kenya Performing Arts Group gave him the chance to express that part of his personality, rather than have it sealed
Inspiration
in the hardness of spirit required to
Mike Wamaya takes a class
survive in such a harsh environment. “I dance to save myself from crime and create an identity,” he said.
He was discovered as a 13-year-old
Mike’s championing of pride and
with raw talent and a prodigious leap
self-awareness among his students
at a ballet class in Kuwinda. In three
has also helped to markedly reduce
years under Rust’s tutelage he is now
the number of dropouts and teenage
seen as one of the leading lights of
pregnancies among those attending
Kenyan ballet and has won a place at
his lessons.
the English National Ballet School.
Star pupils
will not reach such heights, but he
At the same time, impoverished
believes their time at the school will
children within the programme have
have been just as transformative.
Most of Mike Wamaya’s students
gained scholarships, enabling them to
They will have discovered a way to
finish their studies, and artistic careers
Centre Kenya, a private school set up
have become unprecedented options.
by American ballet dancer Cooper
Scholar
Mike with rising ballet star Joel Kioko (right) and dance teacher Anna Nygh
express their own story in grace, elegance and freedom even amid the
Mike has seen former pupils go
Rust in Nairobi’s leafy, affluent suburb
on to work as journalists for Kenyan
of Karen. Rust was inspired to set up
newspapers, become dance teachers
the school after a couple of months’
Africa. Last year he set up Project
working in international schools
volunteer work running dance classes
Elimu to provide the best teachers
and even become leading dancers
for Anno’s Africa in Kibera. Now, on
to lead extra-curricular activities in
themselves.
top of her paying customers, she
schools for children living in Kenya’s
offers scholarships to the charity’s
informal settlements.
Some of his more promising pupils have been picked up by Dance
privations of life in Nairobi’s slums. Mike no longer works for Anno’s
best dancers, among them Joel Kioko.
Share your skills If you’re a university student or
Star-studded support Krista Kennell / Shutterstock.com
Keeping Anno’s Africa classes running requires a great deal of fundraising. Since it began it has attracted a great deal of star-studded support, with some of the biggest names in show business offering their help. Among the list of the charity’s patrons is Tom Hanks, Daniel Craig (pictured), Dame Judi Dench, Lana Del Rey, Sir Elton John and Benedict Cumberbatch.
teacher willing to share your skills in the project, get in touch at projectelimu.org If you would like to provide equipment or financial aid to the projects run in Kenya by Anno’s Africa, including the building of its new arts centre in Kibera, visit Anno’s Africa.org/donate
www.precisionairtz.com
25
Mwanza
Not dancing to rock – just ‘dancing’ rocks
By Amy Laubach
Mystical boulders of Mwanza offer a unique spectacle Even for East Africans, Mwanza, with its exotic location by the mysterious blue waters of Lake Victoria, is deemed a magical place. But that’s not all. The north-western town has been nicknamed Rock City – and we’re not talking electric guitars and drum kits…
T
he reason why Mwanza is
the bustle of Dar es Salaam, the port
years ago in the earth’s crust and has
known as Rock City becomes
city is best known for its abundance
been slowly pushed to the surface.
apparent as you enter the
of fresh fish and fish markets. Owing
Thousands of years ago these rocks
town. Huge boulders, kopjes and
to its location on the south-eastern
would have been sharp fragments
rock formations cover the uneven,
shore of Lake Victoria, it has long been
that simply broke away, but over time,
rough ground and even extend
a fishing, mining and trading centre.
the granite has been worn down by
offshore.
In more recent times, the tourism
natural exposure and friction and
industry has grown rapidly, with visi-
today its sharp edges appear more
total population of over 2 million,
tors eager to explore the lake islands,
rounded. Perhaps in the distant future
making it – perhaps surprisingly – the
taste the fresh tilapia and, of course,
these magnificent rocks will become
country’s second-largest city. Lacking
discover the exquisite rock formations
nothing more than sand – a sad
Mwanza, founded in 1892, has a
that give the city its unique topography. Most of the
thought indeed.
Geological balancing act
numerous rocks in
Located just a short distance from
Mwanza are made
the Mwanza shoreline, the Bismarck
of granite which
Rock is probably the most admired
formed millions of
granite rock formation in the area, and it’s easy to see why. It takes the form of a unique geological balancing act caused by long periods of wind and wave erosion. At a height of 10 metres
26
Paa Tanzania
Image: Molly Grove
Image: Molly Grove
above the lake’s surface, the Bismarck
World War but was later removed
Rock has become an iconic symbol
under British rule.
Rock stars
Scenes of Mwanza
have managed to stay in place for thousands of years without rolling
of the city, with visitors arriving from
Another intriguing and popular
across the world to marvel at it. The
formation is Jiwe Kuu (meaning ‘Big
formation gained its name from
Rock’) located north of Bwiru town
Otto von Bismarck. A statue of the
Also known as the Dancing Rocks,
Surrounded by myths
19th-century German Chancellor was
it consists of large, round boulders
Not all rocks found in Mwanza have
erected at the site during the First
that sit above a rocky outcrop and
such a large formation, however;
off. Like Bismarck Rock, this formation attracts many visitors each year.
many of them are smaller, stand-alone items, scattered throughout the city. The presence of these rocks has made land relatively cheap to buy and as a result many Tanzanians have built their homes close by. The rocks are surrounded by history – as well as myths – linked to the tribes who once lived beside Lake Victoria.
How to get there Precision Air flies direct from Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport to Mwanza twice a day. For customers in the western region, there is the option of a 40-minute direct flight from Bukoba Airport every day. Bismarck Rock is easily accessible from Mwanza and it can be reached by a short 10 km drive to the Kamanga Ferry Terminal. Located some two hours from Serengeti National Park, Mwanza is a great place to either start or complete your safari trip.
www.precisionairtz.com
27
Muzu Sulemanji
Artist captures the sensory overload of Stone Town, his beloved childhood retreat
A
rtist Muzu Sulemanji, now
Mumbai, India, then completed a
charcoal, watercolour and pen-and-
67, was just a baby when he
postgraduate degree in graphic
ink. It was a success and the following
left Zanzibar, but the island
design in Basel, Switzerland.
year his paintings were on display at
runs deep within him and his
From college he joined his brothers
the People’s Palace in Zanzibar for
work, which has been exhibited
in Dar es Salaam, where they had set
an international conference on the
around the world as well as in
up a photographic studio. Muzu’s
history and culture of the island.
galleries in Tanzania. His oil
keen eye for composition – evident in
paintings of Stone Town vividly
his paintings – made him a talented
the East Africa Art Biennale, in Dar es
capture the life of its labyrinthine
addition to the family team.
Salaam, the Cultural Heritage Centre
streets in all their chaotic colour,
Although Muzu’s artistic talent had
filtered through happy childhood
been recognised from an early age,
memories.
he didn’t take up painting seriously
His renown grew with exhibitions at
in Arusha and shows abroad in Britain and the United States.
His parents had moved to Dar es
until he was approaching his forties.
Studio
Salaam, but they returned to Zanzibar
He held his first one-man show at the
Now you can also see Muzu’s work
with Muzu and his siblings for regular
National Museum in Dar es Salaam
at his own studio, Art ‘n’ Frame,
family holidays.
in 1992, showcasing work in oils,
located in the Oyster Bay district of
The faded majesty of the old town
his adopted city, along with work by
and its sights, smells and sounds were
other Dar artists. At the gallery, visitors
an unforgettable sensory experience
can purchase a Zanzibar street scene
for the young Muzu, who was already
captured in oils, with the artist’s skilful
showing artistic promise. “Art has
evocation of dazzling sunshine and
always been my passion,” he says. “I
deep shade, of exquisitely carved
was fascinated by the narrow streets.
doors amid peeling plaster and rusty
I would stare at the cracks in the walls
drainpipes, of festooning electricity
and the tall buildings. Some of them
wires and washing drying on balconies
didn’t even seem to be straight.”
and people going about their daily
Childhood inspiration His mother constantly encouraged
chores. It’s a Zanzibar moment frozen forever on your wall. The artworks are selling well.
him to paint and express himself,
Tanzania, has a growing arts scene,
despite his father’s preference that
says Muzu, and more Tanzanians are
he should continue in the family hardware business that his own father had set up on his arrival in Dar es Salaam in 1874. His mother won out because, after completing secondary school, Muzu went to the Sir J.J. School of Art in
28
Paa Tanzania
‘Zanzibar is a paradise for artists. The old town, the people, the fruit, the sunsets – there is so much to paint’
Faded majesty
All images courtesy of Muzu Sulemanji
Zanzibar’s Old Town captured on canvas
looking to decorate their homes with
relationship between the crumbling
original pieces. He is delighted to be
Old Town and the brash new city
able to catch on canvas the sights
that is taking it over. Another book of
that first entranced him as a child and
photographs is on the way that will
is keen to see the traditional charms
document a series of trips Muzu took
of Stone Town retained for future
to some of Tanzania’s less heralded
generations.
attractions.
“Stone Town is very dear to my heart,” he says. “I don’t want it to be
Multi-skilled
knocked down and replaced with
The multi-skilled artist also sculpts,
modern buildings. There is nowhere
offset prints, runs a desktop publish-
like it. Barcelona has its old town, but
ing and picture-framing service at his
even that is not comparable to what
gallery and sells antique-look furniture
Zanzibar offers.”
imported from India.
The post-impressionist-style stud-
He has also recently been experi-
ies of Zanzibar may have made his
menting with quilling or paper filigree,
name, but Muzu has experimented
in which rolled newspaper is used to
far beyond his oils palette. “I get
create detailed artworks. His mother,
bored doing the same thing,” he says.
now 92 and unable to see, loves to
He has continued his photography
roll the paper for her son to use. She
and recently brought out a book of
is still encouraging her son’s artistic
images entitled ‘Contemporary Dar
talent that she recognised in those
es Salaam’ that illustrates the uneasy
childhood trips to Zanzibar.
Sculpture
Muzu explores many branches of visual arts
More information For more information on Muzu’s art, visit: www.muzusart.com www.precisionairtz.com
29
Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Visit the gardens where Tarzan made his name
I
f you are to believe local legend,
are packed with tropical trees, plants,
in the 1930s the Entebbe
flowers, birds, monkeys and butter-
Botanical Gardens not only
flies, but not people. Visitors can feel
resounded to the calls of its 115
as if they have this oasis of verdant
species of birds, but you could also
tranquillity almost to themselves and
hear the distinctive ululating yell
it’s a wonderful place for a peaceful
of Johnny Weissmuller as he swung
stroll or a picnic.
from vine to vine during the filming of the first Tarzan movie. Chances of sighting a former
Guides can offer their local knowledge in the medicinal garden and explain the therapeutic qualities of the plant
You can believe that the dense rainforest zone was the backdrop to the early Tarzan film. It’s home to
Verreaux’s eagle owl. The botanical Tarzan
Johnny Weissmuller in 1932
gardens are a dream for birdwatchers. Its multi-coloured denizens include
Olympian in a loincloth are now slim,
black and white colobus monkeys –
palm nut vultures, African grey
but these lush and tranquil gardens
who are under threat worldwide, but
parrots and great blue turacos while
on the shores of Lake Victoria still
live in abundance here – as well as to
bat hawks can be seen swooping
offer a huge span of wonderful sights
tree squirrels.
above the trees at sunset. Other
for nature lovers at a reasonable price.
Also to be found among the tall
vibrant visitors include orange-tufted
The gardens, which were estab-
trees of the subtropical zone, if you’re
and red-chested sunbirds and orange
lished in 1898, cost $0.20 to enter and
very lucky, is Africa’s largest owl – the
weavers. The latter breed in the
30
Paa Tanzania
bushes on the shores of Lake Victoria
one about birds will soon determine
along with all manner of weavers.
their level of knowledge and whether
The rocky headland along Lake
they will be useful to you on a tour.
Victoria makes an ideal observation
Just be aware, the guides are far
point for birding. The lake also offers
easier to interest than get rid of, so
park to explore its treasures, there
long-tailed cormorants, common
be firm if you decide you don’t want
are guided 4x4 tours that take in its
squacco and black-headed herons,
their services and negotiate a price at
main sites.
hamerkops, African open-billed
the start if you do.
storks, yellow-billed ducks and three types of kingfisher. If you’re a fledgling birdwatcher,
Wildlife
Kingfishers and colobus monkeys can be seen at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
hibiscus, which is used to lower blood pressure; and canarium, which can be burnt to ward off mosquitoes. If you don’t fancy wandering the
Local knowledge
What you need to know...
As well as pointing out birds, guides
Entebbe Botanical Gardens Berkeley Rd, Entebbe, Uganda
you may struggle to identify the rare
can offer their local knowledge in
and colourful specimens on display,
the medicinal garden and explain
so it may be a good idea to invest
the therapeutic qualities of the
in a guide. There’s no shortage of
plants there. The garden is home
Entry: $0.20
self-appointed guides at Entebbe
to Astorokia elegans, whose seeds
Botanical Gardens and chatting to
can be used to combat malaria;
Call: +256 701 567881
Hours: 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
www.precisionairtz.com
31
By Mark Edwards Images: Sarah Saleheen
Bohemian rhapsody
Stars can’t get enough of vegan-friendly restaurant in stunning garden setting
M
ost Kenyans are
restaurant, bar and occasional music
enthusiastic carnivores
venue with a small but carefully
– check out the country’s
crafted menu of fresh, Instagram-
unofficial national dish of nyama choma, in which bloodied hunks
ready dishes.
The local focus extends to the dazzling décor, with furniture and
of meat are chosen by weight to
Sustainable living
be chopped and barbecued before
Sarah says: “I started the restaurant
your eyes – so vegan diners may
out of a desire to change the way
find themselves struggling for
people think about vegan and
ate hit and it’s wise to book ahead if
tasty options on arrival in Nairobi.
vegetarian food. Our ethos is based
you want a table or to commandeer
around conscious and sustainable
the delightful swing chairs on the
of Boho Eatery, a vegan-friendly
living and 80 per cent of our produce
patio for your meal or drinks. Recent
restaurant in the leafy suburb of
is sourced locally. We will always opt
visitors have included Oscar-winning
Karen, just 40 minutes’ drive from the
to buy a Kenyan or East African prod-
actor Colin Firth and his wife. Other
city centre. Owner and chef Sarah
uct, supporting local farmers and
Saleheen has converted a house with
small businesses, often at a higher
a large garden into an indoor/outdoor
cost than an imported variety.”
However, last year saw the opening
Paa Dining / Boho Eatery 32
Paa Tanzania
even the crockery made by local craftsmen. Boho Eatery has proved an immedi-
Fresh
Boho Eatery’s ingredients are locally sourced
recent A-list guests have included actress Portia de Rossi and her wife and US TV chat show Ellen DeGeneres.
Boho Eatery has proved an immediate hit and it’s wise to book ahead if you want a table or to commandeer the delightful swing chairs on the patio for your meal or drinks the eye include Love At First Sight (a
cream) and the vegan blueberry
and ginger) and Green Goddess (a
cheesecake (without cheese and with
cleansing blend of pineapple, celery,
its biscuit base made from nuts, seeds
cucumber, parsley and lime). The
and more blueberries).
restaurant bar also mixes a mean
Healthy
The Boho Wellness Bowl
The restaurant is vegan-friendly
chocolate mousse (made without
mix of beetroot, carrot, apple, lime
cocktail, with the watermelon mojito
Dinner parties
and tamarind margarita deserving of
The restaurant is open daily from
special mention.
8.30 am to 5 pm and it occasionally opens in the evenings for group
rather than strictly vegan, so if you’re
Popular starters include tostones
scanning the tables looking for a star
(twice-fried discs of plantain served
reservations of 12 or more. Sarah says:
of the big screen on a neighbouring
with home-made guacamole and
“We have a separate dinner menu
table, don’t be shocked if you see
chilli sauce) and the falafel platter,
which we email out to clients for
someone, famous or otherwise, tuck-
which comes with beetroot hummus
them to choose from which enables
ing into a burger oozing out strands
and bhaba ghanoush (cooked
us to ensure that we can order in the
of pulled beef.
aubergine with spices).
freshest produce and waste as little as
The menu has a few dishes for
possible. We would like to start happy
carnivores afraid to branch out; but,
Healthy and tasty
in addition, there are plenty of dishes
Healthy mains include the virtu-
familiar to meat eaters but given a
ous Boho Wellness Bowl, with its
vegan makeover that may convince
mix of crispy tofu or poached egg,
the food can take its time in arriving,
them to go over to the plant side. A
sautéed greens, golden hummus,
but the setting is so agreeable –
classic cooked breakfast becomes
roasted pumpkin, edamame, pickled
whether you’re in the inside dining
the far more adventurous three-egg
cabbage, avocado, and spicy peanut
area, festooned with natural light and
omelette with sun-dried tomatoes,
sauce. A fierier option is the spicy
potted plants, the shaded patio or
goat’s cheese, olives, salad and toast;
black bean tacos served with cool
the charming garden – that you’ll be
while among the lunch dishes is a
guacamole.
content to let the time drift by.
vegan version of fish and chips. The kitchen has just been
Given the popularity of Boho Eatery,
Zoodles made up of courgettes spiralised into noodles, coated with
widen the menu; but already there
a pesto sauce and accompanied by
is plenty to delight vegans here with
grilled halloumi. Vegans don’t have to skip dessert
the menu, from welcoming drinks to
here, thanks to mouth-watering
finishing desserts.
sweet treats such as coconut cream
Cold-pressed juices that catch
October onwards.”
Also worth a try is the Zucchini
extended and there are plans to
light, energising options throughout
hour and dinner twice a week from
panna cotta, carrot muffins,
Boho Eatery 60 Ndovu Road Karen, Nairobi Tel: +254 727 502416 Web: www.facebook.com/ bohoeaterynairobi
www.precisionairtz.com
33
Tanzania wonders
SUPER NATURAL: Tanzania’s most amazing sights Beautiful natural scenery isn’t hard to find in Tanzania, but some of the country’s landmarks are so unusual they have to be seen to be believed. Here is our pick of Tanzania’s weirdest wonders.
Underground pools Kuza cave
A volcano like no other Ol Doinyo Lengai Ol Doinyo Lengai is the coolest volcano in the world. Not in the sense that it is seen at all the right parties and has a huge Instagram following, but rather that when this 2,890 metre high crater in Tanzania’s Arusha Region erupts, the temperature of the lava that bursts from it is far lower than any other volcano on earth. The lava never exceeds 510°C, which may still seem pretty warm, but is half the temperature of the world’s most common lava types. It’s so ‘cold’ that the molten lava appears black in sunlight rather than having the red glow common to most lavas. Scaling Ol Doinyo Lengai (‘Mountain of God’ in the Masai language) is a real adventure, with the rumblings and belchings of ash and gas sound-tracking the steep scramble of the climb – about six hours for the ascent and four coming down. The reward is magnificent views across the Rift Valley and Lake Natron. You’ll need an experienced guide who is aware of the volcano’s level of activity. Scientists have been predicting an imminent major eruption for the past two years.
34
Paa Tanzania
The waters that reflect the stalactites and stalagmites of Kuza Cave are so crystal clear it can be difficult to see where the water ends and the cave walls begin. You can swim in these pristine pools, while dozens of red colobus monkeys look on. These ancient caves, a 10-minute walk from the beachside village of Kibigija in Zanzibar, reveal a fraction of the countless underground rivers in this part of the island. They have long been a sacred space for local people and are still a place of religious worship. When ceremonies are in progress, the caves are closed to the public, but this is rare and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming tours and musical events, providing a surreal, peaceful glimpse into a wondrous underground world.
Ancient art
Ernst G. Ulz | Wikimedia Commons | CC-BY-SA-4.0
Hidden in caves and under overhanging slabs of rock along the East African Rift Valley is one of Tanzania’s most underrated and unusual sights. The rock paintings of the Kondoa region are estimated to be over 1,500 years old and are the work of hunter gatherers from the Sandawe tribe. Using plantbased oils, animal fat, iron oxide and even blood, they created scenes of dancing, hunting and the community with striking elongated human figures and wild animals such as elephant, eland, kudu and giraffe. Getting to them requires some rugged travel. The tiny village of Kolo is about four hours’ drive from Arusha and the second half of the journey is over rough roads. Once there, you’ll need a guide to lead you up the steep, rocky slopes to locate the best of the many hundreds of painting sites. But the dramatic location just adds to the power of the paintings once you’re there. They provide a glimpse into the lives of ancient Tanzania culture and are still used to hold rituals of healing and initiation today by local tribes.
Vero.Lova | Wikimedia Commons | CC-BY-SA-4.0
Rock paintings of Kondoa
Sandstone towers Isimila Stone Age Site Between 60,000 and 100,000 years ago the Isimila site – a 40-minute drive from Iringa in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands – used to contain a small lake that was the perfect hunting ground for the tribes of Stone Age man who lived there. In the scorched valley that now remains, archaeologists in 1955 found ancient tools, hammer stones, axe heads, flints and scrapers that would have armed the men for the hunt, as well as fossils of animals such as an extinct hippopotamus and something similar to the modern-day giraffe but with a shorter neck. It is considered one of the most significant Stone Age finds ever identified. Erosion since the time of the lake has also revealed one of Tanzania’s most bizarre natural sights – gigantic towers of sandstone, like the femurs of some tottering beast. Walking among them is a wonderfully weird experience.
www.precisionairtz.com
35
Tanzania wonders
Out of this world The Mbozi Meteorite
Christiaan Zeelenberg | Wikimedia Commons | CC-BY-SA-2.0
There are plenty of ‘out of this world’ sights in Tanzania, but none lives up to the description as literally as the Mbozi Meteorite. This chunk of interplanetary matter plunged into Marengi Hill, 70 km west of Mbeya, more than a thousand years ago. It’s the world’s eighthlargest known meteorite. Officially discovered in 1930, it has been known for centuries by local people, who call it Kimwondo. Originally, the meteorite was almost entirely submerged in rock with only its top ridge visible. Now it has been dug away and lies complete on a stone plinth in the very spot it fell. The meteorite’s high iron content and heat-scorched entry to earth have given it a dark, burnished look and it has the tactile qualities of the world best’s sculptures. Some have done more than touch it, with many of the irregular notches on its top the result of souvenir hunters hacking off a chunk. To see this amazing sight you’ll need your own transport or be part of a guided tour. From Mbeya, head for Tunduma, then take a dirt road the remaining 13 km to the meteorite. In the wet season you’ll need a 4x4.
Beekeeping
Queen bees of Zanzibar
Learning to make top-quality honey is a life-changer for island women
I
t’s rather apt that beehives, in which a female is pivotal, are being used by the Barefoot College, a not-for-profit organisation that champions the skills of women, to provide a sustainable living for some of the poor-
est, yet most talented, mothers and grandmothers in Zanzibar. The international organisation set up one of its colleges in Kinyasini, on the island of Unguja, part of the Zanzibar archipelago, in 2015. It aims to share rural skills to make some of the poorest and remotest communities in East Africa more self-sufficient. All the students are women and mostly middle-aged. The college calls them ‘mamas’. Barefoot College founder Sanjit ‘Bunker’ Roy believes that, despite their lack of formal education, the Continued
www.precisionairtz.com
37
Beekeeping
mamas are not only smarter than
a year to settle in the hives – placed
men but are more likely to pass on
among the nectar-rich plants of the
their new knowledge within the
mangrove jungles – then the mamas
community rather than taking it to
can expect a honey yield that will
the city to start a new life.
almost double their yearly take-
A sought-after delicacy
home pay. The honey they produce is a
Beekeeping can bring in a decent
sought-after delicacy, infused
living in Zanzibar – especially
with the complex flavours of the
welcome when a third of the 1.3
mangrove, fruit and spice trees
million people who inhabit the
prevalent on the islands and a source
islands live on less than USD$1 a day.
of forage for the bees. Its popular-
So far, Pierre Cavenet, the Barefoot
ity allows the college to pay more
College’s beekeeping manager, has
than double the going rate per kilo
led 52 mamas through the Zanzibar
fetched by honey from mainland
courses. Every student is provided
Tanzania.
with at least two beehives, each of which can produce about 10 kg of
Distinct flavour
honey per year. The college buys the
“We sell the honey in our B. Barefoot
sought-after honey at USD$12 per kg,
Honey range and we can’t keep up
creating an income of USD$240 a year
with demand,” says Pierre. “Many of
for each woman.
the top hotels on the island have
The beekeeping is not a full-time
bought it to serve to guests for
activity, says Pierre, with just three
breakfast and it is available at the
to four hours a week required to
college’s own shop in Kinyasini. The
tend to the top-bar hives supplied
quality is amazing. We find the honey
by the college; and then the bees
harvested on Pemba, which has many
The bees may swipe the nectar
do the rest. As such, it can supple-
cloves plantations, has a very distinct,
from the flowers of these trees, but
ment the women’s current work
strong taste which people love; but
and income. Once the wild Zanzibar
there are many other varieties from
bees have been caught and given
hives that are placed among the
New skills
The ‘mamas’ tend to a hive
Island honey
Heading to the hives in the mangrove jungle
mangroves, citrus or mango trees, even coconut trees.”
they give plenty back in return. They pollinate trees – in particular, the fruit and spice trees that farmers are increasingly growing as a more climate-change-resilient alternative to monocrops. This is vital on an archipelago where deforestation claims nearly 2,500 acres of trees each year, prompting the government to ban chainsaws in 2016. “Beekeeping has a positive effect on the island,” says Pierre. “Many communities use trees as firewood and see the mangrove jungle as just a place to get wood. If we can show them the trees are an important part of the ecosystem and can sustain lucrative income streams through skills such as beekeeping, we give
38
Paa Tanzania
All images by Pierre Cavenet
The honey they produce is a delicacy, infused with the complex flavours of the mangrove and spice trees more value to the environment for
cut into trees, but here more modern
every stage so they would not have
people.”
methods were taught. Top-bar hives,
to depend on others to sustain their
which are far easier to access and
beekeeping business. They learned to
taken the Barefoot College beekeep-
examine as they can be lowered
make the hives themselves and even
ing course understand this; and the
down from the tree tops and each
to sew their own beekeeping clothes.
hope is they will pass on their skills
comb can be lifted out and examined
and the importance of maintaining
individually, were used, as well as
In tune with the islands
the forest to future generations. The
protective clothing to guard against
Now the ZABA trainers are no longer
students come from some of the
bee stings.
needed and recent courses have
Certainly, the 52 mamas who have
poorest regions of Zanzibar, Unguja
Still, the mamas were involved in
and Pemba as well as Tarakea, a town near Kilimanjaro which has its own deforestation problems.
‘The Barefoot Way All the women have learnt the art of beekeeping in what Pierre calls “the Barefoot way – learning by doing”. When the college programme began in 2015 it was led by trainers from the Zanzibar Beekeepers’ Association (ZABA). Bees have been kept on the islands for centuries using log hives
been led by Pierre along with three former students who now act as
Getting there
assistant trainers. Once the mamas
For Precision Air passengers who would like to see the work of the Barefoot College – and taste some of the amazing honey – Kinyasini is just under an hour’s drive from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
and the trainers will support them
For more information on Barefoot College Zanzibar, visit barefootcollege-zanzibar.org or go to its Facebook page.
beekeeping courses to Madagascar,
have completed the course, Pierre with regular visits. Together they are building a sustainable way of life in tune with the islands and its people. The model is working so well that Barefoot College plans to take Burkina Faso and Fiji. As in Zanzibar, local women will be the queens of the movement.
www.precisionairtz.com
39
Advertising Feature
Ngorongoro now a Unesco Geopark Ngorongoro Lengai Unesco Global Geopark aims to boost tourism while preserving the wonders of the Arusha region All images by Walter Mairo
I
n April, Tanzania became the first
to be supported by the 10th European
sub-Saharan African country to contain
Development Fund, will prime its attractions
a Unesco Global Geopark. The status
for tourists - who should come in even
Area Authority (NCAA), which will manage
greater numbers.
the Geopark, are also keen that the benefits
was granted to a 12,000 sq km geologist’s and palaeontologist’s dream in the
Conservator of Ngorongoro Dr Freddy
Arusha region in the north of the country
Manongi says: “Geo tourism is very popular
festooned with breathtaking natural
[around] the world. This is an opportunity for
features, including fossil remains of our
Tanzania to tap into the world economy.”
earliest ancestors and an active volcano that fires out black lava.
A boon for tourists and scientists The Ngorongoro Conversation Area has been
opportunities in the tourism market.” Unesco and the Ngorongoro Conservation
extend to the 200,000 human inhabitants who call the region their home.
‘Guardians’ role of the Maasai
As well as the tourists, the geologically
The geopark lies just south of Lake Natron in
diverse region should garner more scientific
the Rift Valley, in the heart of Maasai country.
interest, attracting more studies to unearth
For the Maasai the region is a sacred place.
even more startling finds.
The park takes its name from two of its most
Engineer Joshua Mwankunda, head
striking sights - the Ngorongoro Crater and
given the international status and expanded
of the Cultural Heritage Department in
active volcano Ol doinyo Lengai - which
to create The Ngorongoro Lengai Unesco
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority,
mean ‘Gift of Life’ and ‘Mountain of God’
Global Geopark. The hope is that endorse-
says: “Researchers will come into our country
respectively in the Maasai language. The tribe
ment from the United Nations Educational,
to carry out geological and cultural studies
keeps vigil over the region’s wonders while
Scientific and Cultural Organisation will
that will bring in foreign currency to Tanzania.
herding cattle amid its verdant grasslands.
corral the area’s stand-out attractions such as
Such research will undoubtedly unveil
Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake
other attractions that will surely become
The NCAA is keen to encourage the role of the Maasai, and other pastoralist
Natron as an ideal tour itinerary in this remote area on the way to the Serengeti National Park or Lake Manyara National Park. The financial injection that comes with the status, the geopark is the first of its kind
Know the earth better - what the Geopark will bring to the region • Educational lectures to help visitors understand the earth better, such as how craters were formed and human evolution. • Build local tourism economy by purchasing traditional artefacts from the communities. • Protect the environment and local culture. • Interact with Maasai people and learn about their lives. • Beautiful views across the volcanic ranges and craters. • Trek some of Tanzania’s highest peaks, including Oldonyo Lengai and Mount Lolmalasin. • Fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting.
40
Paa Tanzania
More great wildlife spotting is to be had at Lake Natron. The soda lake’s 120-degree waters make it inhospitable to most, but Lesser Flamingos love the algae it produces and flock there in their millions. An incredible sight. These attractions already have a considerable touristic cache in Tanzania, but the size of the Unesco Geopark means many more worthy attractions within its boundaries will benefit by association. communities in the region such as the
The Olduvai Gorge, a steep-sided ravine
Among the huge list are the Empakai and
Datoga and Hadzabe, as guardians of the
in the Rift Valley, is one of the most famous
Olmoti craters, Maasai manyattas, the River
geopark and involve them in decisions on
palaeontological sites in the world. Its
Munge, the elephant caves of Karatu, the
sustainability and conserving these areas of
exposed volcanic beds have yielded fossils
Olkarien Gorge, Nasera Rock, the Eyasi warm
geological heritage.
of early man as well as Middle and Late
water spring, Lerai Forest and the Leaky
Stone Age artefacts.
Museum.
Visitors will see why the Masaai so venerate the land the geopark covers. It is
Just 45 km south of the gorge is Laetoli,
twice the size of the already established
another key palaeontological site. It was here
Ngorongoro Conservation World Heritage
the earliest traces of mankind’s existence
Site, stretching to the Serengeti National Park
were found in a set of footprints 3.6 million
in the north, Lake Natron to the east, Great
years old and preserved in volcanic ash.
Rift Valley to the south and Maswa Game
The Ngorongoro Crater was caused
Reserve to the west, and is packed with
three million years ago by a super volcano
awe-inspiring features.
erupting with a blast so ferocious that it
Among them is Oldonyo Lengai,
caved in on itself. Over the next millennia
Tanzania’s only active volcano. When it
the resulting caldera caught rain water and
blows it is the only volcano to produce an
lush vegetation developed and then came
almost silicone-less natro-carbonite lava
the animals. Now the area is a colosseum of
which can appear black in sunlight rather
diversity with all the Big Five and the rare
than the glowing red of usual eruptions.
black rhino to be seen.
Conservator of Ngorongoro Dr Freddy Manongi
More information For more information on the work of the NCAA and questions on tourism or scientific study in the Geopark, email cn@ncaa.go.tz
www.precisionairtz.com
41
Next issue / The kanga
Magdalena Paluchowska / Shutterstock.com
Look out for the next issue of Paa Magazine where we’ll be looking at an East African signature look, the kanga. This woven cloth with its proudly loud patterns bordered with proverbial wisdom and sayings is, quite literally, a fashion statement. We’ll take a look at some of the region’s designers who have put a modern twist on this most traditional of garments.
In-flight Magazine
TANZ ANIA
GET NOTICED GET VISIBLE GET ON BOARD!
BOOK NOW FOR THE NEXT ISSUE News / Reviews / Entertainment www.precisionairtz.com facebook.com/precisionairtz
ARE YOU READING THIS? Then potentially so are 120,000+ Precision Air passengers each issue
The most effective form of print advertising: in-flight magazines E-version also available online to 134,000+ Precision Air followers as well as on their website: www.precisionairtz.com Don’t forget to book your advertisement to promote your company, brand, products or services Generous discounts available for series bookings
To advertise please contact: Catherine O’Callaghan – email: paa@landmarine.org Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 / +44 (0)7769 110343 (WhatsApp) Payment is required prior to each edition’s publication date via bank transfer and payable to Land & Marine Publications Ltd. Bank details can be found on the invoice. Card payments can be made Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or JCB and are subject to a handling fee of 1.75%.
Puzzle page
Paa Puzzles Test your brain power with our fun puzzles and games!
Shape Puzzle
Which two pieces were used to produce the pattern 5? 1
2
3
4
5
Maze challenge
Find your way out of the maze 6
7
8
9
Fish word search ANEMONE COD CORAL REEF CRAB DOLPHIN FLYING FISH
Sudoku
44
Paa Tanzania
HALIBUT MORAY EEL MUSSEL OCEAN OCTOPUS OYSTER
SALMON SCUBA DIVING SEABED SEAHORSE SEAWEED SHARK
SHELL SQUID TUNA TURTLE URCHIN WHALE
Paa Royal Benefits
Benefits that will make you feel like royalty Precision Air is always looking to give its customers an exclusive and memorable service experience; and the Paa Royal benefits programme is part of that mission. The membership categories* are as follows:
Jade Member benefits
Silver Member benefits
Upon enrolment, members will be given their unique Paa Royal number, which they must always show whenever they buy tickets as well as during check-in at the airport. After flying three times or more, members will be given a Jade membership card. With the card, they will be recognised as members of the Paa Royal Programme.
After attaining Silver membership level, the member will be issued with a Silver membership card which he (or she) must show at all Precision Air point of sales in order to receive the recognition that he deserves. Should a member book online by logging into Paa Royal Pages, he will automatically receive points earned to his account.
Other benefits of Jade membership:
Members will be entitled to special treatment and priority treatment whenever they travel.
• Priority membership baggage tags to ensure tagged bags will be handled with special care and delivered first on the conveyor belt at the passenger’s arrival destination • An opportunity to get a free ticket within the Precision Air’s network after accumulating enough points in their account. *Please note that, in each membership category, if a member is unable to maintain the required number of flights in a year, he or she will be downgraded to their tier level achieved in that current year.
Other benefits of Silver membership: • Free 5 kg baggage every time member travels on a PW operated flight • Priority membership baggage tags to ensure tagged bags will be handled with special care and delivered first on the conveyor belt at member’s arrival destination • Opportunity to obtain a free ticket within the Precision Air network after accumulating enough points in your account • Priority telephone reservation in those times when you want to make your reservation and cannot visit our office or travel agent. Booking is a call away through our Paa Royal helpdesk line.
Gold Member benefits After attaining the Gold membership, members will begin to experience royal and exclusive treatment whenever they fly. Members will be opened up to a new world of opportunities and experiences and, of course, receive more rewards. Should a member book online by logging into Paa Royal Pages, he (or she) would automatically receive points earned to his account. Other benefits of Gold: • Free 10 kg baggage every time member travels on a PW operated flight • Priority membership baggage tags to ensure tagged bags will be handled with special care and delivered first on the conveyor belt at member’s arrival destination • Opportunity to obtain a free ticket within the Precision Air network after accumulating enough points in your account • Priority telephone reservation at times when you want to make your reservation and cannot visit our office or travel agent. Booking is a call away through our Paa Royal helpdesk line • Priority waitlist/airport standby each time you want to travel and your selected flight is full.
Tanzanite Member benefits When members reach Tanzanite member they attain ultimate royalty. We will always strive to give these royal members an exclusive and memorable flight experience. At this level, members will already be used to royal treatment; royalty will be their way of life. Other benefits of Tanzanite: • Free 15 kg excess baggage every time the member travels on a PW-operated flight • Opportunity to obtain a free ticket within the Precision Air network after accumulating enough points in your account • Confirmation on any flight if a member is prepared to pay Y class fare, regardless of the flight booking status • Priority waitlist/airport standby whenever you want to travel and your selected flight is full • Priority telephone reservation at times when you want to make your reservation and cannot visit our office or travel agent. Booking is a call away through our Paa Royal helpdesk line. • Priority membership baggage tags to ensure tagged bags will be handled with special care and delivered first on the conveyor belt at member’s destination.
www.precisionairtz.com
45
Route Network
Precision Air route map UGANDA Entebbe Bukoba Mwanza Kahama Tabora
KENYA Nairobi Seronera (Serengeti) Kilimanjaro Arusha
Zanzibar
Dar es Salaam
TANZANIA Mtwara UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UGANDA
KENYA
TANZANIA
46
Paa Tanzania
COMOROS
COMOROS
Paa Contacts
Your nearest Precision Air office anywhere in the world TANZANIA DAR ES SALAAM HEAD OFFICE
Diamond Plaza, 1st Floor, Plot no 162 / 38, Mirambo Street / Samora Ave, Dar es Salaam Tel: +255 (0)22 219 1000 Contact Centre (Reservations): +255 (0)787 888 409 / 408 / 417 Email: pwreservations@precisionairtz.com
DAR ES SALAAM SALES OFFICE
NIC HDQ Building, Samora Ave / Pamba Road, PO Box 70770, Dar es Salaam Tel: +255 (0)22 213 0800 / 212 1718 Fax: +255 (0)22 211 3036 Email: pwdar@precisionairtz.com
E-COMMERCE
(For users of VISA and MasterCard) Diamond Plaza, 1st Floor, Plot no 162 / 38, Mirambo Street / Samora Ave Dar es Salaam Tel: +255 (0)686 177 458 / (0)689 669 446 Fax: +255 (0)22 211 3036 Email: pwreservations@precisionairtz.com
ARUSHA
Boma Road, opposite TTLC, Safari Hotel Building, PO Box 1636, Arusha Tel: +255 (0)27 254 5489
BUKOBA
Bukoba Office-GSA, Bukoba Machinery and General Supplier, Bukoba Centre Kawawa Road Tel: +255 (0) 28 222 0545 / 222 0204 Mob: +255 (0) 713 316 806 / (0) 787 616 806
MOSHI
KNCU Building, Ground Floor, Old Moshi Road Tel: +255 (0)272 753495 / 753498 Mob: +255 (0)787 800820
MTWARA
Tanu Road, Posta Building, PO Box 1066, Mtwara Tel: +255 (0)23 233 4116 Mob: +255 (0)787 818 442 / 767 818 442
MUSOMA
Kivukoni Road PO Box 211, Musoma Tel: +255 (0)28 262 0713 Mob: +255 (0)787 792 336
MWANZA
Along Kenyatta Road, Plot no 002, Mwanza Tel: +255 (0)28 250 0819 / 250 0204 Fax/Tel: +255 (0)28 250 1054 Mob: +255 (0)784 402042 Sales Office Mobile: +255 (0)784 968427
AUSTRIA
NETHERLANDS
AUSTRALIA
SPAIN
Argentinierstrasse 2/4 A-1040 Vienna, Austria Tel: +43 1 585 3630 Fax: +43 1 558 536 3088
Suite 1302, 109 Pitt Street Sydney, Australia Email: helpdesk@apg-ga.com.au
BELGIUM
Beechavenue 104 1119 PP Schiphol, Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)20 520 0280 Fax: +31 (0)2 6 23 0151
Bravo Murillo 101, Planta 6 Oficina 3, 28020 Madrid, Spain Tel: +34 (0)91 458 5560 Fax: +34 (0)91 344 1726
Park Hill, J.E Mommaertslaan 16B 1831 Diegem, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 712 0584 Fax: +32 (0)2 725 8392 Mobile: +32 (0)47 770 9971
SWEDEN
ZANZIBAR
FRANCE
SWITZERLAND
KENYA
GERMANY
NAIROBI
MUNICH OFFICE
SHINYANGA
NSSF Building, opposite CRDB Bank PO Box 858, Shinyanga Tel: +255 (0)282 763 737 Mob: +255 (0)282 763 737 Mlandege, Muzammil Centre PO Box 961, Zanzibar Tel: +255 (0)24 223 4521 Fax: +255 (0)24 223 4520 Email: pwznz@precisionairtz.com
Barclays Plaza, 7th Floor, Loita Street PO Box 50990-00100, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 327 4282 / 4290 / 4297 Mob: +254 (0)724 76 0736 / (0)20 236 7684 / +254 (0)736 046 595 Airport: +254 (0) 733 934 795 / 731 530 000 Email: pw-nbo@kenya-airways.com
SOUTH AFRICA
OR Tambo International, International Departures Terminal A, AVIAREPS Counter Johannesburg, South Africa Tel: +27 11 783 6415
THE COMOROS
Rogers Aviation Tel: +269 (0)77 38799 Mob: +269 (0)333 9512 / 340 0279
UGANDA KAMPALA
C/o Kenya Airways IPS Building, Jubilee House Ground Floor, Parliament Square Tel: +256 (0)312 360 000 Fax: +256 (0)414 256 472 Mob: +256 (0) 782 992 911 / 725 99211 / 772 760 268
Precision Air, 11 rue Auber 75009 Paris, France Mob: +33 (0)6 21 824 908 Reservation: +33 (0)1 534 35397 Fax: +33 (0)1 5343 7919
Josephspitalstrasse 15 80331 München Germany Tel: +49 (0)895 525 3373 Fax: +49 (0)895 450 6842
FRANKFURT OFFICE
Kaiserstrasse 77 60329 Frankfurt / Main Germany Tel: +49 (0)69 770 673 010 Fax: +49 (0)69 770 673 235
GREECE
7 Stadiou Street Athens 10562 Greece Tel: +30 (0)210 9341 500 / 501 Fax: +30 (0)210 934 1620 Email: precisionairsales@tal-aviation.gr
IRELAND
Precision Air GSA APG Ireland 27 Lower Ormond Quay Dublin, Ireland Reservations: +353 (0)1 804 5100 Email: info@apg-ga.ie
Riddargatan 17 114 57 Stockholm, Sweden Tel: +46 (0)8 55 5 69100 Fax: +46 (0)8 24 1888
Badenerstrasse 15, 8004 Zurich Switzerland Tel: +41 (0)44 286 99 01 Fax: +41 (0)44 286 99 00
USA
The Chrysler Building 405 Lexington Avenue, 26th Suite 2620, New York, NY 10174, USA Tel: +1 (0)201 484 8036 Fax: +1 (0)201 526 7846
UNITED KINGDOM
APG Global Highbridge House, 581 Bath Road Longford, West Drayton Middlesex, UB7 0EW Reservations: +44 (0)844 482 2313 Email: info@precisionair.co.uk
OVERALL GSA CONTACT LILIAN MUSYOKA
Tel: +254 (0)786800640 +254 (0)20 3274297 / 82 / 90 Email: imusyoka@precisionairtz.com / lilian.musyoka@kenya-airways.com
ISMAIL ISMAIL
Tel: +255 (0)22 2860701-9 Email: iismail@precisionairtz.com Precision Air Services PLC
www.precisionairtz.com
47
Welcome Aboard
Safety and well-being on board PASSENGER SAFETY Precision Air takes passenger safety very seriously. Aviation safety isn’t just the pilot’s or the cabin crew’s job – it takes all of us. It is easy for our natural sense of caution to be dulled in our modern environment, where things don’t go wrong very often. Whether in the air or on the ground, your life and the lives of your family members could some day be saved if you make it a point, in every situation, to create a mental plan of action in case of emergency. Here are some important tips to help you enjoy your travel experience with Precision Air – in flight and around the airport.
EXIT ROW SEAT A passenger who is allocated an emergency exit seat: A. Must be both willing and physically able to open the exit doors in an emergency B. Must completely understand the printed emergency evacuation techniques C. Must be 16 years old and above.
PAY ATTENTION TO PRE-FLIGHT BRIEFING Although the information seems repetitious, the locations of the closest emergency exits may be different depending on the aircraft that you fly on and the seat you are in.
CARRY ON BAGGAGE There are strict rules about what you can bring on board an aircraft. Because:
Carry-on bags must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Please confirm with Precision Air rules before your travel to avoid delays. *Remember: All carry-on baggage must be left behind in an evacuation.
SAFETY ONBOARD Boarding and leaving an aircraft requires your full attention. As you move to and from the aircraft, you may be in a busy area with many other passengers and cargo, moving vehicles, other aircraft, slippery walkways and/or stairs.
RESPECT YOUR CREW AND FELLOW PASSENGERS Everyone has the right to safe and secure travel. That is why Precision Air employees and the aviation authority will not tolerate any behaviour that interferes with the flight or puts the safety of passengers and crew at risk.
SEATBELTS Seatbelts must be fastened during take-off, landing, during turbulence and any time the crew deem it necessary. Keeping the belt on when you are seated provides that extra protection you might need in case of emergency. If you are responsible for an infant or a child, you must first ensure that your own seatbelt is properly fastened, then secure the child and, if it is an infant, secure the child’s or the infant’s restraints.
A. Not all aircraft have space to store your carry-on baggage.
Important note: There are a number of events involving air turbulence that highlight the importance of keeping seatbelts fastened throughout the flight.
B. In an accident, baggage in the aisles makes it harder to get out of the aircraft quickly.
Though rare, in-flight turbulence is the leading cause of injuries to both passengers and crew.
48
Paa Tanzania
It’s a good idea to keep your seatbelt fastened even when the seatbelt signs are not on.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND PREGNANCIES If you have a medical condition and may need assistance during your travel, kindly ask the Precision Air offices or agents about procedures before your flight. If you are pregnant, you will need to fill a Precision Air medical form, to be signed by your doctor, to confirm that you are OK for travel. For further details, kindly ask while booking your ticket from our sales offices and/or customer services.
PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES Use of portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, MP4 players, iPads, etc are not allowed during take-off, landing, taxiing, descent and climb. Precision Air prohibits the use of some electronic devices during flight because they emit signals that can interfere with the aircraft's instrumentation. Some of the items prohibited include cellphones, radios, remote-controlled games/toys, laser pointers, iPads or tablets that transmits frequencies, portable printers, walkie-talkies, scanners and laptops. These items need to be stowed away for these phases of the flight to avoid injuries in case of an emergency.