Paa Tanzania – issue 92

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.