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A customer-focused approach
Welcome onboard your Precision Air flight today. On behalf of the Precision Air family and your crew, we would like to thank you for travelling with us. Safety is our top priority. Your support, trust and feedbacks on our services have enabled us to become renowned for over 30 years of service. Our customer-focused approach brings us many returning passengers who choose us for their connections across East Africa and beyond.
Despite the post pandemic challenges ongoing in the global aviation sector such as global supply chain constraints, manpower strategies and more lead time to resolve technical issues, we are proud that we have continued to offer safe and reliable service with minimal disruptions. For those occasions that we had to reschedule or cancel flights we did our best to reach out to customers to provide alternative options we had. We are grateful of your continued support over the years.
Plans are also underway to expand our fleet by acquiring additional aircraft to support our network and take advantage of the increased demand for our services. The fleet expansion project will go hand in hand with the route rationalization project, through which we will introduce new routes while increasing or reducing frequencies on some routes.
In the near future we are planning to increase our frequencies within Comoros and reopen our routes to Mbeya and Bukoba which were temporarily suspended due to aircraft availability. Our commitment is to continue offering the best services that are safe and customer-centric, living up to our motto of ‘You are why we fly’.
We are committed to improving your experience with our services and your feedback is welcome. You can always reach us through customer-relations@precisionairtz. com. We are grateful for those who have taken their time to reach out to us, and I wish to assure you that your feedback has been worked upon. You will continue to see improvements in the areas in which you have shared your feedback.
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You Are Why We Fly
Patrick Mwanri Managing Director and CEO Precision Air Services Plc
Precision Air helps raise awareness of cervical cancer
Precision Air played its part in this year’s Dodoma Marathon. The airline was one of the event’s sponsors, flew many of the competitors to the Tanzania capital for the race and even had its own team of runners taking part in the momentous event.
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More than 8,000 runners, including Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, took part in the race on July 28, 2024. The hugely popular event offers a variety of race distances including a full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km.
As well as fun-runners, the event attracts a quality field of athletes with TZS 82 million of prizes on offer. The event, now in its fifth year, raises funds to support the fight against cervical cancer and providing educational scholarships for midwives to improve maternal health.
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Cycling in style
A
girl, a bike
and a
dream: How Kenyan Alice Kivuva launched her proudly African brand of cycling wear
Cycling is a friend to freedom for African women. If you have a bicycle, you are self-reliant with access to independent travel, to a job, to education and to medical care. However, cycling is starting to become a lifestyle as well as a livelihood on the continent.
Women are riding their bikes for the fun of it. Among them is Alice Kivuva, who is the founder of FiveStars Africa, the first woman-owned cycling apparel brand on the continent. She says cycling has given her the freedom to be herself.
In 2012 the Nairobi
businesswoman put her career in marketing and communications on hold to start a family. She gave birth to twins and they became her world.
“Nothing in life ever prepares you for motherhood and the package that it comes wrapped up in,” she says. “If you are not careful it’s easy to drown and lose yourself completely as you prioritise your family’s needs over your own.
“Very soon I discovered that I needed a coping mechanism. I needed to find something to hold on to, something to centre me, something that was just for me that
I could get lost in and rediscover myself. I needed a healthy outlet for me to keep going.”
“For me that was the bicycle. It was my escape, my balance. The independence, sense of freedom, personal accomplishments and achievements that come from cycling are unmatched. I do most of my vivid thinking when on the bike. It is therapeutic.”
Alice took up the sport in 2015 heading out on regular rides that went beyond the bustle of Nairobi to take in the array of surrounding landscapes from high terrain through
verdant forests to picturesque lakes.
“When I’m looking for the safari experience, an afternoon cycling adventure at Hell’s Gate National Park is one of my favourite destinations,” she says. “It is the most beautiful, serene outdoor cycling experience.”
At the beginning, the local cycling community was small. Often alone, Alice at times felt self-conscious on her bike with the discomfort compounded by cycling apparel – often only to be found in second-hand stores – that neither looked nor fitted as she would like.
“While I liked the idea of being kitted out on my bike, I couldn’t find female-specific wear that offered the comfort, quality, and style I was looking for,” she says. “I love colour, but the designs available in the stores felt like an afterthought.”
The born entrepreneur saw a gap
in the market. In 2017 she launched FiveStars Africa, a Kenyan cycling clothing brand that prioritises all-weather comfort with colourful designs that reflect the company’s African heritage. Sleek lycra skinsuits are streaked with the Kenyan flag tricolour while short-sleeved tops come in tie dye and leopard print patterns. The range includes warmer sleeves, gloves and wind breakers to combat the extremes
“While I liked the idea of being kitted out on my bike, I couldn’t find femalespecific wear that offered the comfort, quality, and style I was looking for”
of Nairobi weather. While the city gets plenty of sun, at 1,660 metres in elevation mornings and evenings here can get chilly.
Alice, who came up with many of the designs herself, says: “We are a sports brand that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and art of the African continent through sport. Our active wear captures the authenticity of our culture in bold beautiful prints inspired by nature and life.”
Proud to be seen
Alice wears FiveStars Africa on a ride in Hell’s Gate National Park
The bold colours of the FiveStar Africa apparel increased Alice’s visibility as a cyclist. She was happy to be seen. Not only was she proud of how she looked and felt on the bike – “What you wear when working out has a huge impact on your confidence levels and performance,” she says – but she now wanted to stir others to join her and be active in their community. “I want to be an inspiration for the next generation of girls to follow their dreams down whatever path it takes them,” she says.
Nairobi is slowly becoming a cycling city. While the city is notorious for its car-clogged streets and rush-hour traffic jams, Alice points out that among the city’s close-to
five million inhabitants, “nearly 50 percent of all daily trips are made by walking and cycling.”
Recreational cycling is increasing. Alice says more cycling clubs are being launched to cater to all levels of riders. Each with a common goal to grow the sport in cycling in Kenya. FiveStars is behind an annual ride on January 1 that aims to get more Nairobians on their bikes to help them reach their new year fitness goals. “It’s a tradition we started back in 2018 and have been consistent with ever since,” says Alice. “The joys of achievement and the thrill of collaborative effort is amazing and inspirational, an awesome way to set the pace for the new year.”
Fitness boost
Alice now describes herself as “an avid cyclist”. Her journey is testament to how the sport can improve your fitness. Her first 100km bike trip in 2017 took her over eight hours to complete. Now 100km is a typical weekend ride and it now takes her half the time. “Dedication, passion, consistency, and various improvements on performance and what I wear has significantly improved my
performance,” she says. Her longest ride was achieved in 2021 during the Covid outbreak. “We went on a team ride and clocked 250.24km from Nairobi to the Tanzanian border,” she says.
Spreading the word
FiveStars Africa has raised its profile at sporting events in Kenya. It has kitted out the Kenyan athletes at the Commonwealth Games and the UCI Paralympics Championships. It is also the current kit sponsor for the Kenya National Mountain Bike team and this year was among the sponsors of the All-Africa Games in Accra, Ghana.
From such powerful platforms, FiveStars Africa is motivating Kenyans to get on their bikes with some very famous names among those mounting up. “We have had the honour and privilege to provide apparel for the First Lady of Kenya Rachel Ruto when she took up cycling and I had the opportunity to cycle with her excellency. Kenyan politicians Esther Passaris and Ababu Namwamba were also kitted out when they took up the sport. Alice adds: “We are in partnership
discussions with several international athletes and influencers who love what we do and are interested in representing an African homegrown brand and we shall be sharing soon.”
Alice believes there is huge potential for growth of the brand locally and internationally.
FiveStars Africa is working towards setting up a production base in Nairobi – currently only its streetwear range is made in Kenya – and looking to create more employment for Kenyans. It has been quite a ride – all because of cycling. “The trajectory of my life changed when I took up cycling for fitness and health. It has morphed into this amazing journey of self-discovery, transformation, impact, growth and inspiration that I would have never realised were it not for the love of two wheels.”
To check the full range of FiveStars Africa apparel, go to fivestarsafrica.com
“We have had the honour and privilege to provide apparel for the First Lady of Kenya Rachel Ruto when she took up cycling and I had the opportunity to cycle with her excellency
K-Zungu: singeli’s
voice of hope to people with albinism
Emerging singeli artist K-Zungu stands out due to impressive freestyle skills on the mic and his albinism. The hereditary condition still attracts superstition and prejudice in Tanzania, but the Tanga-born singer, who is set to release his debut EP, says music has given him a platform to be himself and inspire others to follow.
Ramadhani Idrisa Muhando grew up loving music. Like many teenagers he would sing along with friends to the latest Bongo Flava pop hits that dominated radio play. There was a different music, though – characterised by frenetic electronic dance beats – that he also heard being played by DJs at weddings or from the speakers of ‘boda boda’ taxi riders in town.
This was singeli: an urban dance movement born on the streets of Dar es Salaam, but with a growing pan-Tanzanian appeal that had reached around 300km north up the country’s coastline to Ramadhani’s hometown of Muheza in the Tanga region. Since its underground beginnings in the mid2000s – when maniacal rappers trying to keep pace with 300 beats per minute (bpm) backing tracks predominated – singeli has become more mainstream. Key to this has been the rise of singeli radha, an offshoot that favours singers rather than rappers and takes the bpms down a notch.
Singeli radha spoke to Ramadhani. He loved the music and found it suited his sweet-toned singing voice. “I was impressed by singeli radha,” he says. “It made me very happy, and I loved it and when I tried to sing I was able to and people enjoyed hearing me very much.”
Rising profile
As evidence of the rising profile of singeli in Tanzania, Dar singeli music studio Sisso Records and its talent agency, Singeli Movement, organised a series of talent shows across the country to find a new generation of artists beyond the commercial capital. Ramadhani took part in the show in Tanga and won it.
“There are still communities here that believe superstitions that the body parts of people with the condition can bring wealth or cure illness, which has led to attacks and killings”
His performance impressed the judges, among them Abbassi Jazza, the managing director of Sisso Records and founder of Singeli Movement. “He has the talent to compose songs with a message and he has the ability to sing freestyle. He is a very confident performer and has a gentle, respectful way about him.”
Winning
a talent show in Tanga was K-Zungu’s big break
Ramadhani was announced onto the stage as his singeli name, K-Zungu. “The ‘K’ is for my grandfather’s name on my mother’s side,” he explains. “He is called Kaniki and Zungu is because of my appearance. Here in Tanzania a white person is called mzungu, so I am called Zungu.” Ramadhani is white, but he is not a caucasian mzungu. He has albinism, a genetic condition that causes people to have very light skin, hair, and eyes due to a lack of melanin.
Tanzania can be a difficult and dangerous place for those with albinism. There are still communities here that believe superstitions that the body parts of people with the condition can bring wealth or cure illness, which has led to attacks and killings.
Except for some vision problems,
most people with albinism are just as healthy as anyone else and Tanzania has what is thought to be the highest population of people with albinism in Africa. Despite these factors, many with the condition here live limited lives: either excluded in isolated communities such as on Ukerewe Island in Lake Victoria or facing daily stigma and discrimination on the mainland.
Ramadhani says he was lucky to avoid much of this prejudice growing up. His protective parents sent him to
a boarding school to ensure he got a good education. “When I reached the third grade that’s when I realised that I am different,” he says. “However, growing up I have not really experienced any prejudice.”
Singeli has brought a sense of belonging. The dance genre has championed outsider music from its bedroom studio beginnings.
K-Zungu is not the first singeli artist with albinism – Jazza remembers a female rapper called Princess HB – but he knows he has a rare
opportunity to represent others like him. “In Tanzanian communities, there are still some people who continue to hate people with albinism, I feel very free to express myself in our singeli music,” he says.
Debut EP
K-Zungu’s mission to “educate and entertain” will soon take an important step forward with the release of his debut EP on Sisso Records. “There will be love songs, songs opposing the killing of albinos and others explaining the challenges of life,” he says.
Many of the songs were honed during a six-month residency at the ‘Singeli School’ run at Dar’s Alliance Française in collaboration with Singeli Movement. K-Zungu was awarded a place among the first influx of students as part of his prize for winning the talent show in Tanga. Here he honed his songwriting and studio skills to take his music career to the next level. “I was taught how to record, perform, improve my communication skills, and recognise myself as a modern artist,” he says.
K-Zungu has a talent for freestyling at live shows
On the back of the EP release, K-Zungu is planning for a series of concerts that spread singeli’s spell across the country in the same way the music reached him and changed his life in Tanga. He is already a regular on the Dar live music scene. Recent shows have included the Singeli to the World concert in Coco Beach. The artist says he has yet to see many people with albinism at his shows, but he hopes that will soon change. “As the voice of people with albinism, I say they should not give up hope and be confident and be free to do whatever they want.”
Secrets of the Serengeti
Serengeti is one of the world’s most famous wildlife parks. Its wealth of lions and the Great Migration may grab the headlines, but there are many more wonders to be found amid this ancient wilderness. Paa reveals some of its lesser-known attractions.
Serengeti’s pristine ecosystem is a link to life unchanged for over a million years…
The Serengeti is one of the oldest and most scientifically significant ecosystems on earth. The weather patterns, vegetation and animal inhabitants over its 30,000 sq km are thought to have changed little over the course of a million years. Diverse life here is sustained by ancient rhythms. For example, the Great Migration of the herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope disturbs the earth, which helps with seed disbursement and germination, ensuring the regeneration of the grasslands.
Serengeti’s expanses of grasslands are not just pristine works of nature. Recent studies have shown that early human civilisations in the area contributed to the amazing biodiversity. Scientists of Washington
University in the US found evidence that dung from livestock corralled in overnight pens by Stone Age nomadic herders provide hotspots of nutrients in otherwise barren grasslands, enabling much richer ecosystems to evolve.
Another reason for the Serengeti’s fertile fields is the presence of Ol Doinyo Longo on its borders. Known to the Maasai as the ‘Mountain of God’, this rare volcano oozes black natrocarbonatite lava when it erupts. How rare? Well, if you wanted to
Klipspringer keep to the kopjes
find another volcano that does the same, you’d have to get yourself to the planet Neptune. The active Ol Doinyo Longo ejects a regular stream of ash and minerals that fertilise which, during the rainy season, are washed down onto the plains, fertilising it and supporting new life. A guided night climb of the volcano summits at daybreak for unforgettable views as far as Mount Kilimanjaro.
Keep up with the kopjes…
Kopjes are a dramatic feature on the Serengeti horizon, peppering the vast expanses of savannah. These piles of ancient granite rocks have been around for hundreds of millions of years and were revealed by the erosion of softer volcanic rock and ash that comprise the soils of the Serengeti. Kopjes support life in the Serengeti. The fertile volcanic soil supports plant life in and around
the kopjes while the rocks form caves for dwelling. There are many animal species that only live on kopjes because of these plants, the rocky habitats and hiding places they offer. The rock hyrax, a super-cute herbivorous furry mammal, lives exclusively in the kopjes, where food is plentiful. Small antelope such as klipspringer also call kopjes home. The rocks also form an ideal vantage point for Serengeti’s many predators with kopjes at their most iconic crowned with a pride of lions warming up in the morning sun.
A sanctuary for endangered species…
While the Serengeti is home to thriving numbers of wildlife, including the largest number of lions to be found in the wild and huge herds of elephant, the park also protects animals whose future is more precarious. Among its most famous residents are the black rhino and the African wild dog, both classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The park is one of the last remaining strongholds for the black rhino, with efforts aimed to limit the poaching and habitat preservation that have caused the plunge in numbers. The
Serengeti Rhino Repatriation Project is aimed at boosting the small rhino population here with black rhinos being introduced from wildlife parks around the world.
Serengeti also plays an important role in for cheetah conservation. The park is home to one of the largest populations – around 550 at last count – of the fastest animal in the world providing a rare chance to see them in their natural habitat. Cheetahs are commonly found on the southeastern plains.
Birds are the Serengeti specials…
Serengeti’s bird life is often overshadowed by the park’s Big Five land mammals. However, birding enthusiasts will find a paradise of feathered life to observe with more than 500 species recorded among the park’s diverse landscapes of savannah, swamps, forests, and kopjes. They range from the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, and the heaviest flying bird, the Kori bustard, to the park’s smallest, the Fisher’s lovebird, which, despite being only 14cm in length catches the eye with bright green and orange plumage.
Serengeti also contains many birds that are found nowhere else on earth. Endemic species include the
grey-breasted spurfowl, the Rufoustailed weaver, and the Usambiro barbet. Additionally, the park is an important site for migratory birds, who stopover in the Serengeti on long journeys, adding to the park’s rich bird-watching experience.
Tribes living close to nature…
The Maasai are synonymous with the Serengeti. The semi-nomadic pastoralists pursue a centuries-old way of life grazing their cattle on the plains. Conservation measures have put limits on the Maasai’s room to roam, but tourism has brought new avenues for income with visits to Maasai settlements a popular excursion for visitors.
Fewer travellers may be aware of the Hadzabe and the Datoga tribes that also live in the Serengeti. Like the Maasai, the Datoga have had to restrict their nomadic herding lifestyle and settle in more permanent villages. Visits will reveal the tribe’s creative skills with brass from which they make necklaces and wrist and ankle bracelets. This jewellery creates a percussive accompaniment to their ritual dancing.
The Hadzabe are one of the last remaining hunter-gather tribes. They number only in the hundreds now, spread among populations in designated land around the Lake Eyasi basin and the Serengeti Plateau. They live entirely off the land. Why the women and children forage for plants, honey and berries, the men hunt animals armed with bows and arrows made from strips of antelope or buffalo ligament and with the arrowhead dipped in a plant poison. Excursions to meet the Hadzabe reveal an ancient, fragile and fascinating way of life that is almost unique in the world.
The rock hyrax
Explore Maasai culture and crafts
The giantsgentle of Mafia Island
Often seen as among the ugliest creatures of the deep sea, whale sharks might seem frightening at first glance. However, they are anything but dangerous. Contrary to the typical image of sharks, these gentle giants are harmless and captivating, defying the usual shark stereotypes.
Confused? Hold on a while longer, more fascinating facts are listed below.
Despite their name, whale sharks are sharks, not whales. They are the largest fish in the ocean, with some growing up to 18.8 meters long, and potentially reaching 20 meters. This size is comparable to a large school bus. Whale sharks are filter feeders, which means they don’t use their thousands of small teeth to bite or chew. Instead, they feed on plankton, small shrimp, and fish. To collect their food, they
swim with their mouths open, filtering up to 6,000 litres of water per minute. A juvenile whale shark can consume about 21 kilograms of food daily.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a whale shark can extend up to 70 years, though fewer than 10% of them survive to adulthood. They reach reproductive maturity at around 30 years old. Despite their size, whale sharks are slow swimmers, moving at about 4.8 kilometres per hour. Nevertheless, they are capable of long migrations, traveling thousands of miles to find food or suitable conditions for reproduction.
Whale sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning their eggs hatch inside the female’s womb, and she can give birth to approximately 300 young sharks. The
babies are independent from birth. These creatures are found in all temperate and tropical oceans except the Mediterranean Sea. They migrate based on food availability and reproduction conditions.
In terms of weight, a fully grown female whale shark can weigh up to 26 tonnes. Despite their size and appearance, whale sharks are significant for marine tourism. They are playful and often attract tourists, particularly around Mafia Island (Kilindoni Bay), where they are present from October to February. November and December are especially popular months for swimming with these giants. Whale shark tourism contributes over TZS 80 million shillings
@Chris Rohner
annually to the local economy, creating jobs for tour guides, boat operators, and hoteliers.
Mafia Island is an important habitat for whale sharks due to the abundant food resources in the area. It is the only place in Tanzania where whale sharks are found. When food is scarce, the sharks may move slightly away from the island or dive deeper. Acoustic tracking has shown that whale sharks in the Southwestern Indian Ocean often remain in Mafia Island waters for extended periods, with some returning for decades.
Extinction
Sadly, whale sharks are threatened with extinction, where they are hunted for their gills, blood, and meat. Globally, their population has declined by about 50% in the past 75 years, with fewer than 100 individuals reported in Mafia Island waters in 2012.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified whale sharks as endangered. In response, Tanzania has implemented protective measures. Fishermen are now more vigilant about avoiding accidental captures, and laws protect whale sharks from exploitation.
WWF Tanzania, in collaboration with the government, is working to enhance whale shark management and boost their numbers. Efforts include raising awareness
about the importance of protecting these species among local communities, including schools, fishers, tour operators, and other stakeholders. This has led to the development of a whale shark management strategy and a code of conduct as well as the establishment of whale shark clubs in schools.
Research continues to monitor whale shark populations, particularly during the low season when they migrate away from Mafia Island. In collaboration with the Marine Megafauna Foundation, annual studies are conducted to track their
movements and health. It is exciting that the population around Mafia Island has increased to 250 individuals. Now that you know, will you be ready to swim alongside these epic giants? Remember to keep a respective distance as you two swim together so they are not getting nervous and leave you alone. But most importantly become a partner in the protection of the whale sharks by taking just a few actions: reducing the use of plastics as these usually end up in the ocean, take time to share and raise awareness with your colleagues.
Tower of the future
Why the size and structure of Burj Zanzibar – set to be the world tallest timber tower in the world –could be the secret to the island’s sustainable success.
The Fumba Peninsula is a 14km by 3km promontory south of Zanzibar’s capital flanked on both sides by pristine coastline. Sebastian Dietzold compares it in size and shape to the island of Manhattan in New York.
The urbanisation of Fumba over the past decade – overseen by the German-led engineering firm CPS Dietzold founded with wife – has advanced the similarity. Launched in 2015, Fumba Town is Zanzibar’s first eco city with already over a thousand state-ofthe-art apartments and villas housing a cosmopolitan community supported by on-site schools, universities, shops, health centres and even an organic food delivery service.
If Fumba Town is Zanzibar’s Manhattan, then the Burj Tower looks set to be its Empire State Building. At 96 metres in height, the 27-storey timber tower will be an iconic addition to the Fumba skyline. Dietzold describes the development – which will include a Canopy by Hilton luxury hotel on the first six floors, topped by 187 sea-view apartments and top-notch amenities throughout – as Fumba Town’s “flagship building”.
Currently all that exists are some mouth-watering artist’s impressions of the tower – including its ultra-luxury penthouse suites with roof gardens and spectacular public spaces such as the roof bar, pool and gym – with the ground-breaking ceremony scheduled to take place early next year and completion anticipated in 2028
Already the building’s headlining height has attracted global media attention. If Burj Zanzibar was built today it would be the tallest timber tower in the world.
The scale of the Burj and the natural materials used to build it are integral to the Dietzolds’ vision for sustainable urban development in Zanzibar and beyond.
Development landmark
“The tower will be our landmark,” Dietzold says. Not because it’s a glamorous highlight but because it will promote responsible, sustainable buildings and trigger a whole new industry in Tanzania, from agroforestry to the production of engineered wood products.”
“The Burj Zanzibar tower is part of our mission to meet the massive housing demands in Africa in a responsible way. We want to support a technology that protects our planet.”
Tanzania has one of the fastest rates of population growth in the world with the number of citizens projected to reach 100 million by 2035. That’s more than a 50 per cent rise on the current figure. When working with mother nature, Dietzold believes high rise buildings can be the answer.
“60,000-plus new homes are needed in Zanzibar Town over the next 15 years,” he says. “Space is
limited on Zanzibar. We have to go up.”
The Zanzibar government is aware of the housing shortage and gave permission to CPS to create an inclusive urban development. Across its 149-acre site that fringes 1.5km of coastline, Fumba Town is already more than a third of the way towards building 3,000 units with the emphasis of the last stage of development – known as Phase 3 – on more high-rise properties with Burj Zanzibar at the pinnacle.
“Fumba Town has been designed for two to three million people in the long run,” Dietzold says. “Phase 1 began with two-storey buildings, now there are three-storey and four-storey buildings. Phase 3 will be predominantly high-rise and will give the development more of a city character.”
As well as the raised height of its new buildings, Fumba Town is featuring increased use of cross-laminated timber (CLT). Dietzold describes it as “the concrete of the future” and is so sold on its benefits that when we connect on Google Meet for this interview, he appears on my screen from the office of his timber-built villa in Fumba Town where he lives with his family. “We feel like this is home now,” he says.
CLT is an engineered product consisting of layers of wood boards stacked in alternating directions and glued together. The result is a solid, durable panel that has the load-bearing qualities of concrete, without its heavy carbon footprint. Conventional concrete construction is responsible for around a quarter of global CO² emissions while CLT absorbs carbon during the building’s lifetime.
Measures that can stem the march of climate change on the fragile ecosystem of Zanzibar Island
“We have moved from construction to production. Our mass-made timber homes are an important development if we are to keep up with demand.”
are crucial. Building a sustainable future here is a goal shared by CPS and the Zanzibar government. Currently, the wood is sourced from Austrian spruce forests and fabricated as CLT panels in the same country by Binderholz, a global leader in timber construction.
Safe and sustainable
Global attention
Burj Zanzibar has attracted buyers worldwide
The panels are then shipped to Zanzibar where they are kitted together Lego-like by local construction company Volks.house. Dietzold is proud that the 160-strong Volks. house team is predominantly made up of neighbouring villagers trained to assemble the timber-based homes in super quick time.
“We have moved from construction to production,” he says. “Our mass-made timber homes are an
important development if we are to keep up with demand.”
The team’s work is so finely tuned now that its latest project, the three-storey timber homes that make up Fumba Town’s new Vizazi collection, was completed in just seven weeks earlier this year.
“We have around eight years’ experience with timber homes,” says Dietzold. “Our team is becoming internationally recognised for its expertise. We have had recent requests from German buyers wanting to make use of our workforce.”
These smaller projects are priming the team for the big one: Burj Zanzibar. The design by OMT architects features timber columns and beams as well as cross laminated timber slabs to form the tower’s honeycomb-like outer structure. This will be built around a steel-reinforced concrete tube at its centre.
The inclusion of conventional materials at the building’s core is to ensure all required fire and life safety standards are met. While there are all-timber towers in Norway – including the 85.4-metre-high current record holder in Mjøstårnet – and Switzerland, they are not
permitted in Zanzibar.
While he accepts the ruling, Dietzold points out that CLT is renowned for its inherent fire resistance.
“It’s funny that people think timber is more combustible, but it is the opposite. Engineered timber structures are safer than concrete – we know how they react under fire. We have been working with [fire safety service] Ingnis running thousands of fire tests. If you heat timber walls to 1,200º they just crust and that crust is a heat insulator –the temperature doesn’t rise more than 10 degrees inside.”
Dietzold adds that CLT remains structurally stable when subjected to high temperatures and – fond as he is of a Big Apple-analogy – he references one of the most tragic moments in New York’s modern history to power his point: “If the World Trade Centre was a timber construct it would not have crashed to the ground.”
The chance to own a part of such an iconic building and to enjoy elevated living has meant apartments in Burj Zanzibar are selling fast. Dietzold says over half of them have already been snapped up. As with the rest of the Fumba Town development, buyers and investors have proven to be a cosmopolitan crowd. “We have had buyers from around 60 countries, including the US and UK” Dietzold says. “Many are Africans. Zanzibar is a safe haven on the continent and now you can get residency for US$ 100,000.”
The majority, though, are Tanzanians with Dietzold saying it was always in the CPS plans to target the country’s rising middle class with their pricing. Apartments in Fumba Town start at just under US$ 38,000 while you can get a studio in Burj
Zanzibar from US$ 108,442
The influx of these young professionals is helping to build a vibrant culture in Fumba Town. The fine homes are attracting fine minds. Last year the Indian Institute of Technology opened its first international branch in Fumba while the eco city is also home to the African School of Economics, which has 5,000 students.
“There is a culture of innovation growing. Fumba is transforming. We are trying to make a change here,” says Dietzold.
The Burj is a symbol of that change, but I ask Dietzold whether any of the early Fumba Town residents are concerned that their homes will soon be in the shadow of a gigantic neighbour.
“There has been some criticism, but most people are excited,” he replies. “Everybody who bought into Fumba knew this was growing community and it would evolve over time. The Burj is already attracting investment and all Fumba homes are appreciating in value as a result.”
With residents onboard with the changes charted for Fumba Town, the city moves forward with the sustainable future of Zanzibar at its heart. Construction of the Burj will require a huge increase in timber, which CPS is hopeful it can begin to source from Tanzanian forests. “It will simulate a lot of investment in the Tanzanian timber industry,” says Dietzold. “Tanzania has huge pine forests in the south. Pine is fast-growing so you can sustain the lumber stock for a long time and create a circular supply chain.”
The CPS website singles out a forest development in central Tanzania near Iringa. Its size? Twice that of New York.
Sunsets by the sea Fumba Town living
Ocean views Burj Zanzibar apartments will have amazing views
Future is bright for sunflower oil production
Tanzania is Africa’s leading producer of sunflower oil with much of the production focused on smallholder farms around Precision Air destination Dodoma. Paa takes a look at the country’s plans to step up production and how the hardy crop can support farmers to build resilience against extremes of weather.
Rangy sunflowers stretch upwards in phototropic thrall to the fierce central Tanzanian sun overhead. The yellow crop fills the fields of Dodoma as far as the eyes can see. This region is one of the hotspots of sunflower oil production in Tanzania, a country that is Africa’s leading producer and among the top ten producers in the world.
The Dodoma region in the country’s central zone is a major producer, accounting for over 20 per cent of national production. About half of the region’s farmers are engaged in the production of sunflower oil, which is made from pressing sunflower seeds and extracting the oil.
Sunflowers are an important crop on many levels in Tanzania. With the global market for sunflower oil expected to expand steadily due to high demand from food producers growing the crop should provide a reliable income for smallholder farmers.
The Tanzanian government is keen that domestic production of sunflower oil continues to rise. Despite strong growth in the sector the level of edible oil processing in TZ is low compared to prevailing consumer demand here. Much of the demand gap is currently met by cheaper imports. These
are predominantly palm oil, which with its high levels of saturated fat has been long linked to heart disease. Sunflower oil is generally considered a healthier choice due to its lower saturated fat content and higher levels of beneficial unsaturated fats.
The government is partnering in projects to assist local smallholder farmers in realising the full potential of the sector. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been collaborating with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) since 2012 to upgrade and modernise the country’s agro-industry and improve the competitiveness of locally processed goods. A team consisting of UNIDO international experts and trained national consultants have provided enterprises with diagnostics services and assistance with implementing upgrading plans for micro- and small-scale oil producers in Dodoma.
Major investment
In July, agricultural expansion in the region received a huge boost when it was announced that a Chinese company is to invest US$ 28 million in sunflower oil production in Dodoma. Mainland Group, a global enterprise specialising in agricultural
commodity trading, is financing the project, which aims to lift local output to 30,000 to 35,000 tonnes of sunflower seeds per year. The facility – to be located in Veyula, in the Dodoma region – will produce high-quality sunflower oil and animal feeds from by-products, bolstering agricultural sustainability in the region. The investment is on message with the Tanzanian government’s drive to double refined sunflower oil in Tanzania, which is bio fortified with nutrients and vitamins. These products raise the oil’s health properties even higher. The investment is expected to create 500 permanent jobs and build local technological expertise to local communities. Another reason to invest in greater
sunflower oil production is the crop’s sustainability. Sunflowers have a high tolerance to drought and erratic weather, and therefore offer a climate-resilient opportunity. This is especially important in Dodoma, which is one of the most droughtstricken areas of Tanzania. Recent crop surveys have revealed that rainfall shortage has become an outstanding cause of crop failure, and recurrent food insecurity is becoming an issue. Sunflower production can support farmers to build resilience against climatic and economic shocks while incentivising downstream investment in the value chain.
The future looks bright for sunflower oil production in Tanzania.
The health benefits of sunflower oil
Heart health
Sunflower oil is low in saturated fats, which have been linked to heart disease. It has far more monounsaturated hearts, which help the heart by increasing levels of ‘good cholesterol’ HDL, which absorbs cholesterol in the blood and carries it back to the liver. The liver then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Reduce inflammation
The best quality sunflower oils contain a high percentage of oleic acid that has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and may reduce coronary heart disease. A high oleic acid sunflower oil is considered more stable for cooking.
Brain
and nerve health
Sunflower oil is an excellent source for vitamin E. There is evidence to suggest it may slow the advance of Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin E is also important to vision, reproduction, and the health of your skin. A deficiency can cause nerve pain.
Vitamin K
Sunflower oil is also a good source for this vitamin which supports bone, cognitive, and heart health. The body needs vitamin K to produce a protein called prothrombin that is important in blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Crop pest early warning system wins Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation
At the ceremony for the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, held in Nairobi in June, the top prize went to Esther Kimani
The Kenyan’s early crop pest and disease detection device was selected as the winning innovation for its ability to swiftly detect and identify agricultural pests and diseases, reducing crop losses for smallholder farmers by up to 30 per cent while increasing yields by as much as 40 per cent.
The device tackles a major challenge in the Kenyan agricultural industry where, on average, five million smallholder farmers in lose around a third of their crops to pests and diseases. Kimani’s innovation not only provides real-time alerts within five seconds of an infestation, offering tailored intervention suggestions, but also alerts government agricultural
Kenyan Esther Kimani collects the US$ 65,000 top prize for her AI-powered tool that detects and identifies agricultural pests and alerts farmers by text in seconds.
officers to the presence of diseases or pests, contributing to broader agricultural management efforts.
The solar-powered tool uses computer vision algorithms and advanced machine learning to detect and identify crop pests, pathogens or diseases, as well as the nature of the infection or infestation. The device then notifies the farmer via SMS. This affordable alternative to traditional detection methods leases for just US$ 3 per month, significantly cheaper than hiring drones or agricultural inspectors.
Kimani, who comes from a family of farmers, said: “My parents would lose up to 40 per cent of their crops each farming season, which affected our standard of living. We are empowering smallholder farmers, many of whom are women, to increase their income. We aim to scale to one million farmers in the next five years.”
Kimani becomes the third woman and the second Kenyan innovator to win the Africa Prize. She also took home the largest cash prize – KES 8.3 million (US$ 65,000) – in the award’s 10-year history to develop her innovation.
Understanding Esther comes from a family of farmers
The annual award – which was launched by the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2014 – supports innovators to develop sustainable and scalable engineering solutions to local challenges in Africa. This year has seen the Africa Prize alumni community grow to almost 150 entrepreneurs from 23 countries, who together have generated more than 28,000 jobs and benefitted more than 10 million people through their innovative products and services.
“My parents would lose up to 40 per cent of their crops each farming season, which affected our standard of living”
Kimani was among four innovators shortlisted for the main award. The three runners were each awarded KES 2.5 million (US$ 19,000). They included Eco Tiles, an environmentally friendly roofing material developed by Kenyan Kevin Maina; an AI chatbot-led health service in Côte d’Ivoire devised by Rory Assandey; and
Yo-Waste, a mobile app developed by Martin Tumusiime that tackles Uganda’s mounting trash crisis.
.A separate ‘One to Watch’ award – voted for by the event’s live and online audience – was also awarded to Dr Abubakari Zarouk Imoro for his innovation, Myco-Substitutes.
The 2025 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is now open for entries. The Academy is looking for scalable engineering solutions designed to solve local challenges, and individuals and small teams living and working in sub-Saharan Africa are invited to enter. The deadline for entries is 15 October, 2024. Visit africaprize.raeng.org.uk for a guide on how to apply.
Solarpowered
The tool uses AI to detect crop pests
Nurturing modelling talent
Attu John Mynah – better known as AJ – became a catwalk model while studying in the UK. The experience taught her a great deal about the modelling industry so when she returned to Tanzania she decided to set up the Black Fox Modelling Agency – then the first of the kind in the country. Here she talks to Sal Economos about her fashion journey and how she aims to be a voice of trust and support in a competitive industry.
It is one of the first days of sunshine after weeks of heavy rains in Tanzania. Making the most of the blue afternoon sky, AJ, the director of Black Fox Modeling Agency, sits with me at a beach side restaurant in Dar es Salaam overlooking the turquoise waters and palm trees of Masasani Bay. She’s wearing a black cropped vest with the Black Fox logo and a long African print skirt. A maroon Fedora worn over her braids completes the boho chic look of a woman who pays close attention to her appearance. It’s an interesting mix of styles and as I found out the woman at the fore front of modelling agencies in Tanzania also has an interesting story to tell. “I was always much taller than most of the teenagers around me. I stood out. I also didn’t conform to the usual dress style of the day,” she tells me. “I was a bit more eccentric. I experimented more with clothing. I had my own personal style. And I knew back then that I loved fashion.”
UK education
AJ was born into an upper middle-class family in Dar es Salaam. Her parents both worked full-time in good jobs and sent her to primary school in Kenya. “Back then English was not really taught in most schools here in Tanzania. And my parents who spoke English wanted me to have a good command of that language. It was very important for them. And me.”
After her studies in Kenya she headed north to Scotland. When I asked how she ended up at university in Edinburgh, her answer makes us both break into laughter. “After checking out other universities around the world I looked at a map
of the UK. I saw that Edinburgh was a city on the water. I thought of nice sandy beaches and warm water to swim in… maybe palm trees! Yes, I was surprised when I arrived to find things were different. I had no clue really about the city except that it had just launched a computer science department. I knew that was a field I wanted to get into.”
AJ found the Scottish capital was not as cosmopolitan as expected. There appeared to be few other black students in the city at that
time. “The few of us that were there really stood out. If you saw another black person on the street you immediately wanted to greet them! They were an instant comrade.”
Her skin colour and her height drew quick attention from local professional photographers who helped her create a large fashion portfolio. She quickly secured an agent and travelled frequently to other cities in Scotland and London for major runway shows and fashion events in front of the cameras. “I
Sharing skills
Former model AJ guides Tanzanians to careers on the catwalk
was the token black model. I was successful and made a decent living. But I couldn’t book any TV commercials because there were no ad campaigns that needed black people at that time. There were no commercials with black people selling washing powder or corn flakes.” She also held part time jobs in between her studies and modelling work. “I worked for the Royal Mail during the holidays. You could work very long shifts and make good money. I also worked at a biscuit packaging plant. The cookies were amazing! We could buy broken pieces of cookies from the line at a discount. I always had the mission to work. To make a living on my own. I supported myself without any family help.”
By then she was ready to come back to Tanzania. “I missed my home and family. I remember on the day Michael Jackson died I made the decision to leave Scotland. I had worked with a new modelling agent in Glasgow and learned about how to set up an agency. The ins and outs. All the moving parts. I knew I wanted to try this in Tanzania.”
Setting up Black Fox was a real learning curve. At first, she gave free classes to aspiring models who
turned up in their hundreds. Later with the financial help from a backer in Europe she officially opened Black Fox. “I was the one with the dream. He trusted my dream.”
Moral guidance
While Black Fox is the premier modelling and talent agency in Tanzania and the industry has grown quickly over the past few years, AJ still has her work cut out for her as a leader of many young woman and men who need proper moral guidance, and she is always available to help with advice. “It comes with the territory here,” she tells me.
She explained “Because of the lack of ethics that can be prevalent in a business [which involves] selling one’s own image for profit in a poor third world environment… sometimes gratuitous and greedy practices can happen.”
And what about the parents? What role do they play in an aspiring model’s experience? “For a young woman a mother’s relationship can be more perceptive and nurturing in guiding her daughter through some problematic situations.” It’s a crucial relationship AJ wrote about in her published book:
“For a young woman a mother’s relationship can be more perceptive and nurturing in guiding her daughter through some problematic situations.”
Model hopefuls Students at the agency learn how to walk like a model
‘Do You Want To Be A Professional Model? Beginners Guide: For Those in Africa and Beyond’. One passage reads: “I always encourage families to support their girls with a passion for modelling. This helps to keep their daughters safe. Models truly need their family’s involvement. This is what I try to do at Black Fox even before I book a model in an ad campaign… whether it’s in a TV commercial or on a billboard. Models must know their true value as a person. I help nurture and guide them to develop that inner strength.
“It’s one of the things I like best about my job,” she adds, smiling in the Dar sunshine.
Launch
The Black Foc Modelling Agency opening event in Dar es Salaam
THE WELLNESS ISLAND
With its deserted beaches, car-free roads and its simple way of life, Lamu offers visitors an ideal off-grid escape from the stresses of daily life. No surprise then that the island is at the forefront of Kenya’s thriving wellness tourism industry. Monika Fauth, the founder of the annual Lamu Yoga Festival, reveals how the island’s “natural wellbeing” has helped her – along with thousands of visitors – on a transformational journey of self-discovery.
It is little surprise that Lamu’s secluded setting and the captivating simplicity of life here has made it a detox destination for visitors stressed out by the pressures of modern living. Monika Fauth – who has called the island home for the past 25 years – terms the slow, mindful and mystical rhythm of Lamu life as “natural wellbeing”.
She says: “With no cars comes no air pollution or sound pollution. There is also no light pollution, so we have beautiful skies. We are surrounded by the powerful energy of the ocean. You walk barefoot here, and life is 24 hours outside. The people are extremely friendly. Everything runs ‘pole, pole’ [‘Slowly, slowly’ in Swahili]. Life here is very organic and natural. The food comes from the sea or on land from fresh fruits and vegetables.”
When Netherlands-born Monika first arrived in Lamu she was in her early 30s and had established a career as a fashion buyer. While she still loves fashion to this day, the peace and tranquility of the island brought an inner understanding that seemed at odds with couture’s fixation on outside appearance.
Life-changing
“When I landed in Lamu I started to do yoga on the beach,” she says. “My life felt much richer, living in this present moment, in reality. So, I have been practicing since that moment almost every day. I have become a teacher and I have done lots of other wellness programmes. It really has changed my life. I followed my heart and I never looked back.”
Making the decision to stay in Lamu, Monika channelled its peace and happy isolation into a series of wellness ventures. In 2014 she launched the Lamu Yoga Festival, a five-day annual event of workshops and classes that has gone on to attract hundreds of wellness practitioners and devotees from Kenya and beyond. Prestigious US publication Yoga Journal named it among its ‘Top 11 International Yoga Festivals Worldwide.’ She also runs retreats –most of them based in Lamu’s small, stunning coastal village of Shela at the 16-room Banana House and Wellness Centre, which Monika set
up with her islander husband – his name is Banana – more than two decades ago.
“Lamu is an amazing place to connect with nature and oneself,” Monika says. “Walking on an unspoiled beach at sunrise or sunset where there are no sunbeds or big hotels in sight and just the sound of the ocean and the wind. You can also feel that connection walking in silence over the dunes, swimming through the mangroves or meditating in a traditional dhow
Centre of calm Banana House and Wellness Centre
on the ocean. You don’t even need a boat. Floating in the water of a small channel in the mangroves and letting the outgoing tide at new moon or full moon take you towards the open ocean is an experience you will never forget.”
The natural therapy of Lamu works in tandem with the teachings of Monika and the international team of experts. The festivals and retreats have become sanctuaries for the stressed out. “We get visitors from all over the world,” says Monika. “They are talking about the same issues: our health, our wealth and our relationships. Lamu can help people slow things down and become more interested in the being than the doing. You learn how to handle stress, increase your energy, improve your sleep, have a healthier and happier life.”
Promoting Kenya
An important part of cultivating that free and easy happiness, Monika says, is to be generous in spirit. She cites the Lamu Yoga Festival as an example, which was launched not as a business venture, but rather a gift to the island’s tourism industry, which, in 2014, was in a slump after a series of security threats on the Kenyan mainland. “I followed the maxim of invest in bad times. I thought the festival would help lift our spirits up and give us the tools to handle ourselves in difficult situations. I was promoting Lamu island as the perfect wellness destination
in East Africa.”
Now Monika is preparing for this year’s festival. The event is marking its 10-year anniversary and will run from October 30 to November 3 with more than 150 workshops on offer across 15 venues on the island.
Monika has passed on the daily running of Banana House and Wellness Centre to her eldest son, Jamil. Beyond the mother-son connection, Monika says Banana House is “one big family”. “Our staff is growing with us. The people who helped build it have stayed on and got jobs as room staff or cooks. Our guests can also take part in Swahili cultural projects such as cooking classes and a community Swahili dinner every week. It is a truly authentic experience.”
Now she’s sharing the workload with others, does Monika have plans for more ventures? She lets me know that she won’t be busy just for the sake of it. ‘Pole, pole’ Lamu Island has taught her that.
“When I moved to Lamu 25 years ago, people would always ask me what am I going to do there and I replied: ‘I’m a human being, not a human doing.’ Over the years I have built up a business, I started the festival. The doing was strong. I am really happy I have now embraced the human being.”
To book your ticket for this year’s yoga festival, visit lamuyoga.org For a place to stay, visit bananahouse-lamu.com
“The festivals and retreats have become sanctuaries for the stressed out”
Natural therapy
The island’s beaches are ideal for yoga and mindful walks
My Morogoro
‘I have embraced entering the slow lane here’
Framed by the lush landscapes of the Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro in eastern Tanzania is the gateway to a host of outdoor adventures. While the town is nicknamed ‘Mji kasoro bahari’ in Swahili or ‘the city short of an ocean’, Morogoro is not short of attractions as resident Rebecca Young can attest. She is the founder of the brand and organisation Make It Matter that works with local artisans and here she provides an insider’s itinerary that reveals Morogoro’s best-kept secrets.
When and why did you choose to move to Morogoro?
I moved to Morogoro with my family in 2022. Having lived in Dar es Salaam for 16 years, shifting gears and entering the slow lane was something I fully embraced. There is something beautiful that unfolds when you don’t have access to all the amenities you would find in a city. It somehow, gently forces you to become more creative and I have seen this happen in all of us. Trips to fast food chains and the cinema were quickly replaced by picnics at the river, exploring rock pools and mountain trails and just enjoying being outdoors in scenic landscapes.
What makes Morogoro such a special place to live?
The mountains of Morogoro hold an unexplainable energy. The colours of the peaks change multiple times a day and despite living here for two years, they still take my breath away. The mountains shift from mystical blues to dusty pinks. Early mornings are always a treat as parts of the peaks are covered in mist and then suddenly the clouds lift, and spectacular views unfold.
The Uluguru mountains are home to more than 100 endemic species of flowers and several new species of pigmy chameleons. The mountains are also home to the
Luguru tribe whose chiefs still hold a lot of influence and power over their kingdoms. I would describe them as strong and steady people with a fun sense of humour and unique traditional dance moves that they happily perform on special occasions.
Morogoro is an industrial town, but agriculture is by far the most important part of life, so it is not surprising that Morogoro is home to the prestigious Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). Within the SUA campus you will also find an organisation called Apopo that trains giant African rats to sniff out landmines and dogs to detect tuberculosis. To get a guided tour, you must book
Wildlife
An elephant in Mikumi National Park
ahead and be ready for an early morning start.
An hour’s drive to Morogoro Town is Mikumi National Park which in more recent years has seen an increase in its lion and elephant populations. If you are luckier than me, you may also spot a leopard.
We have hiked the Udzungwa Mountain Peak. Getting to the top rewards with a fantastic view. I’ve spent time on the Kilombero Sugar Estate which, to my surprise has a stunning golf course and tried my hand at catching tiger fish.
The town of Morogoro doesn’t really cater to tourists, but it has all of the amenities and services one needs such as banks, supermarkets and pharmacies. The very friendly and clean supermarket Piras is a good place to stock up as is the central Kingalu Market, where welcoming market sellers offer a huge range of fresh fruits and vegetables. Head out of town to Forest Hill to start experiencing the natural beauty that Morogoro has to offer. This
neighbourhood has some very nice places to stay and is the gateway to the mountain trails, hiking routes and waterfalls.
What are your favourite places to eat?
I would say our favourite places in and around the Forest Hill area is the Edelweiss Hotel. Getting there involves a steep climb but the views of Morogoro are well worth it. Then there is the popular Morogoro Hotel that is situated in stunning grounds with a squash court, swimming pool and tennis facilities. It is also a stone’s throw from the very friendly and beautifully maintained Morogoro Gymkhana Golf Course. For anyone wanting to spend less on a hotel but stay in a great location with fantastic hospitality, I have to say Mama Pierina’s is the place.
Where to get some fresh air?
Book a day trip with well-equipped guides like Wild Idea Tanzania.
Whether you want to camp, visit the waterfalls and meet locals along the way or head up to the old German settlement called Morning Side, they will help tailor make an itinerary with you. You can enjoy a picnic by Jacob’s Creek and spot the wild pepper and vanilla growing in abundance on mountain farmland. The new Make it Matter artisan shop and training centre is not far from there and we can offer visitors wi-fi, a modest cafe and restrooms should you need them on your way up or down the mountain. Most definitely end the day with a sundowner overlooking the valley at The Acre or Sunset View Hotel.
Best place to meet the locals? Day trips exploring the foothills or hiking tours are a great way to meet the locals. Carry your sense of humour with you, some patience and stay hydrated and you will have a lovely day.
Credit Rebecca Young
Dramatic View across the Uluguru Mountains
Credit Rebecca Young
Credit Rebecca Young
Where to stay up late?
There is a place called Dragonnaires that sells great pub food and has football, darts and a pool table. There is also a night club called Nymbani Lodge which I confess I have not been to but have heard that it has good music, food and it stays open until the early hours.
Best places for culture?
You can book an art safari in which you visit potters up in the mountains, plan a day trip to the local sisal farm and watch a macrame demonstration. You can visit a little mud hut to experience a typical dwelling and learn how to make a local meal before enjoying lunch with breathtaking views. We run regular Sip and Paint events at Make it Matter. If you are looking to purchase handmade artisan crafts, then Make it Matter is the place.
When to visit is the best time to visit?
It is always wise to pack a sweater for cooler mornings and evenings, a good pair of walking shoes is always a must in Morogoro and a waterproof raincoat. The rainy season is typically around October time and the longer rains are from March to April which for me were my favourite time to hike as the African sun can be quite brutal for novice hikers such as myself. There are lots of markets and cultural celebrations going on in the town on August 8 to mark a national public holiday that celebrates farmers.
Can you recommend some local street food for visitors to try?
There is a local tea house that sells all the local traditional breakfast bites. The food is a true reflection of the melting pot of Arabic, African and Indian influence that make up Swahili cuisine. The ‘mshikakai’ or beef skewer in Morogoro is nothing like you will experience anywhere else in the country. I get mine in a little alley opposite the Abood Bus Service’s main office. Finally, there was an older gentleman who became famous for his ‘chicken in a bucket’. This has now been replicated by many so if you do find a Maasai man on Bo ma Road of an evening with a bucket of chicken, do give it a try.
If you are looking for a clean and calmer place to sit in the town for food, Coffee Me and Gigas Panda all have continental menus and a good selection of hot and cold drinks.
What is the best place for exercise?
I always enjoy hiking with a guide who knows the locals and the area, so I learn things along the way. I
“The rainy season is typically around October time and the longer rains are from March to April ”
feel safer and they take care of the permits which makes everything a little easier for me to simply appreciate the environment. The Selous Marathon takes place here once a year which is great fun and as for yoga, there are plenty of beauty spots for you to open your mat, albeit at the risk of drawing attention from some inquisitive locals.
Where to bargain hunt
The Kingalu Market can get a little overwhelming, so I prefer to go earlier in the morning before it gets too hot. You will be able to find fabrics, pottery, carvings and bright woven shopping bags that the local ladies weave out of recycled strips of plastic. If you are feeling the heat, treat yourself to a freshly squeezed juice or sugar cane from one of the vendors.
Favourite view in the city
I like looking up at the mountains but there are two great places to see down to the town; Morning Side which is on the same route as Edelweiss Hotel or The Acre which is part of the Wild Idea Tanzania itinerary.
Place to go if you want peace and calm.
Wherever you go in the Uluguru Mountains, the landscape effortlessly provides you with a sense of peace and calm.
Launch your lake adventures from MWANZA
Tanzania’s share of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the second largest in the world, has plenty of attractions for intrepid travellers up for venturing beyond the standard tourist trail and for soaking up the local rhythms of life.
Mwanza, Tanzania’s second-largest city, is set on Lake Victoria’s shore and ringed with green hills strewn with enormous boulders. These include the precariously balanced Bismarck Rock – one of many dramatic spots to take in the honeyed sunsets over the lake here. The port city’s trade links with neighbouring Uganda and Kenya have seen it rapidly expand, but despite the skyscrapers that have shot up the city retains a relaxed appeal. In the centre of
town are colonial buildings such as the hilltop Dr Robert Koch’s House while the city’s Indian influence can be seen in the many mosques and Hindu temples. Head for the shop-filled Makorobi area for some retail therapy.
The city’s Kamanga Ferry Terminal is the launch point for a host of steamers that set out for the lake’s remote islands and national parks. Just 10 minutes on the water will get you to Saanane Island National Park. Its Tanzania smallest national park and also distinguishes itself as
the only place you’ll find De Brazza’s monkey as well as impala, rock hyrax and a raft of reptiles.
You can also reach the lake’s largest island, Ukerewe, which has become a haven for Tanzanians living with albinism. The remote refuge is gorgeously unspoilt, and visitors can explore by bicycle or kayak and immerse themselves in cultures blissfully unaware of life beyond the shores.
Sequestered in the lake’s southwest reaches are the forests of Rubondo Island National Park,
Port city Mwanza is the launch point for boat trips on Lake Victoria
which provides a home for wildlife such as elephant, giraffe and hippo as well as a host of marine birds, including huge numbers of fish eagle and African grey parrots. The island also has many beautiful beaches to enjoy.
The laidback wildlife adventures available here are the perfect safari appetiser for a Serengeti–Lake Natron–Ngorongoro loop, which can be launched from Mwanza.
The other waterside towns of Musuma and Bukoma have a tranquil charm of their own and a chance to experience deeply rural Tanzania.
Lake Victoria facts
Lake Victoria is also called by its original native name Lake Nyanza. It lies mainly in Tanzania and Uganda but also borders on Kenya.
Among the freshwater lakes of the world it is second in size only to Lake Superior in North America.
My Mwanza homecoming
How special is Mwanza? Well, Rock City native Samana Karim spent a “remarkable” eight years studying and working abroad but came to realise there is no place like home. Here she recommends some cultural, culinary and shopping adventures that capture the essence of her hometown.
Where do you go to soak up the culture of the city?
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Mwanza by visiting the Bujora Cultural Centre. This centre showcases traditional music, dance, and art, allowing you to witness the rich cultural heritage of the region first-hand. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness captivating performances by local dance troupes and explore the museum, which houses a fascinating collection of artefacts.
Where are your favourite places to dine?
When it comes to dining in Mwanza, I have two favourite recommendations. For a truly authentic experience, head to Tilapia Restaurant, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria. Indulge in their mouth-watering fish dishes – including, of course, freshly caught tilapia – while enjoying stunning lake views. Alternatively, if you’re in the
mood for international flavours, visit Malaika Beach. This charming lodge offers a delightful fusion of African and European cuisines, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Where are the best places to go shopping?
Shopaholics, rejoice! Mwanza has an array of shopping destinations that cater to all your needs. One notable establishment is the Rock City Mall, a rising shopping hub housing a variety of stores, from trendy clothing boutiques to stylish furniture showrooms.
In addition to the Rock City Mall, I highly recommend exploring the bustling Capri Point Market. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of locally crafted souvenirs, vibrant fabrics, and traditional artwork. The market offers a vibrant atmosphere and is an excellent place to engage with local artists and support their craftsmanship.
What is your favourite Instagramworthy beauty spot?
Head to the top of Bismarck Rock. This iconic rock formation provides a panoramic view of the city and Lake Victoria. Capture breath-taking shots as the sun bathes the landscape in golden hues. The stunning vista and unique rock formations make it an ideal spot for capturing unforgettable moments.
Tell us one thing we can do to live like a local.
Join in the colourful festivities of the Sukuma tribe, the largest ethnic group in the region. Explore the local markets during market days, which are vibrant and lively events where you can witness the Sukuma people in their traditional attire. Engage with the locals, learn a few phrases in their language, and embrace the warmth and hospitality that Mwanza has to offer.
Paa Food / Make it with Monalisa
Crispy, crunchy and bursting with coastal flavour
The first day I tried fried sardines my taste buds were changed completely. This is one of my favourite comfort foods. It’s a great snack and can serve as an entrée when you entertain (I make it part of the charcuterie board).
Sardines get such a bad reputation for being fishy and fatty, but that’s exactly why I love them. It’s
As a Dar es Salaam resident, chef and lifestyle coach Monalisa loves her seafood. Here she shares a favourite recipe that showcases the fishy, fatty and flavoursome charm of sardines.
true, they are a fantastically oily, fatty, meaty fish, which means they are delicious.
As a Dar es Salaam coast resident, sea food is a big part of my diet and this recipe showcases sardines in the best way. Crispy and crunchy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside and packed full of flavour. The marinade used is simple yet tangy and gives the
sardines a freshly delicious taste. If you do not have access to sardines, you can use other small fish such as sprat, herring or smelt. Serve the sardines with hot sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon. They can also be enjoyed with a salad, roti, flatbread or on a bed of steamed rice.
Let’s cook!
by Chef Monalisa Rwechungura
Crispy fried sardines
Ingredients:
500 grammes sardines
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger
Half a teaspoon onion powder
Half a teaspoon garlic powder
One teaspoon curry powder
One tablespoon soy sauce
Half a teaspoon of salt
Method:
• Remove scales and fins from the sardines.
• Place the sardines on a paper towel and let them air dry for about 30 minutes.
• Once dry transfer the sardines into a clean bowl.
• In a smaller bowl mix all the spices and seasonings.
• Pour the marinade mixture into the sardines and combine.
• Let the sardines marinate in the fridge for three hours.
• Remove the sardines from the fridge and let them sit on the counter for 30 minutes so that they come to room temperature.
• Heat a neutral oil (such as sunflower oil) in a pan.
• Once the oil is hot individually place the sardines in the pan (if you put them in clusters they will also cook in clusters and you will end up with balls of sardines).
• Fry the sardines on both sides until crispy (six to eight minutes)
• Once done remove the sardines from the oil and onto a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
• Serve with hot sauce for dipping and a squeeze of lemon.
Deputy Minister of Transport pays working visit to our hangar
The Deputy Minister of Transport Hon. David Kihenzile commended Precision Air’s quality of aircraft and commitment to safety in a recent visit to the airline’s maintenance workshop.
Deputy Minister Kihenzile was given a tour of the hangar by Precision Air, managing director, Patrick Mwanri. The visit was organised with the aim of improving the existing relationship between the government and the private sector to ensure that the best air transport services continue to be provided in this country.
During the visit, Deputy Minister Kihenzile expressed his satisfaction with the fine work done by Precision Air in ensuring its aircraft are in good condition and safe for use. He emphasised that co-operation between the government and the private sector is very important in improving the infrastructure and air transport services for the development of the nation.
Government backing
Mr Mwanri expressed his gratitude for the deputy minister’s visit and said he was pleased to be able to reveal the efforts made by the company. He added the visit is a sign of the government’s goodwill in helping the private sector and ensuring that air travel services become better.
Both parties agreed that it is important to increase investment in technology and training for employees as well as the service delivery structure. The Deputy Minister promised that the government will continue to co-operate with the private sector to ensure there is a good environment for investment and development in the aviation industry.
Deputy Minister Kihenzile also called on Precision Air to support joint ventures with other aviation companies abroad to imitate technology from developed countries.
Precision Air’s hangar, renowned for its exceptional maintenance services, also provides aircraft maintenance for other airlines ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
The Deputy Minister of Transport Hon. David Kihenzile with Managing Director of Precision Air Patrick Mwanri.
Rise of African wildlife filmmakers is inspiring
Harriet James
Harriet James is Paa’s new columnist. The Nairobi-based travel journalist loves to promote African destinations, meet new people and inspire change and positivity wherever she goes. Follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn @HarrietOwalla.
Irecently attended the screening of ‘Kuishi na Simba’ (‘Living with Lions’) by Tanzanian filmmaker Erica Francis Rugabandana. The film focused on the conflict between the big cats and villagers in Ikoma, close to the Serengeti. I won’t reveal the plot here, because you need to see this incredible film for yourself. I hope then you’ll be inspired to watch more African content.
Erica is Tanzania’s first black, female nature and wildlife cinematographer and director. The film was premiered at the Prideland Wildlife Film Fest, a three-day event showcasing Africa’s conservation storytellers.
While I celebrate the role western storytellers such as the BBC and National Geographic play in showcasing African
stories, I believe that more creatives from the continent should be involved. Their innate understanding of the culture and communities here will be of great value.
African storytellers
For so long, African conservation issues have been viewed by the world through a western lens. It’s vital for African issues and stories to be highlighted by her own people for authenticity. While there are so many of the local film makers joining in this cause, I am calling here for more local and international support. Financial challenges can hold back films being made here. What would happen if companies, organisations and hotels assisted in the production of such educative films? Governments in Africa can assist by easing the currently
costly process of obtaining the required permits for film production.
In addition, there should be proper infrastructure required for filming as most of these stories are found in remote places with poor road and communication network. Local and international broadcasters can also offer support by airing this content. Though You Tube has made it easier for content creators and film makers to publish their work, I believe having local films in recognised channels is a boost and an endorsement to the great work they are doing.
Finally, local film makers should have access to mentors to pass on the expertise needed to narrate their own stories skillfully and excellently. We need more films like ‘Kuishi na Simba’.
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
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.
Other benefits of Jade membership:
• 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.
Silver Member benefits
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. Members will be entitled to special treatment and priority treatment whenever they travel.
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.
• Silver, Gold and Tanzanite members also get discounts of up to 20 per cent when visiting GSM shopping malls Msasani and Pugu, Southern Sun Hotel, Akemi restaurant, East Point Restaurant and the Colosseum hotel and sports club - all in Dar es Salaam.
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:
+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: salesdar@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
Ngorongoro Tourism Center
First Floor
Goliondoi & Makongoro Road
PO Box 1636, Arusha
Tel: +255 27 254 5489 / 254 5503
Email: pw-arksales@precisionairtz.com
BUKOBA
Bukoba Office-GSA, Bukoba Machinery, Bukoba Centre
Highbridge House, 581 Bath Road Longford, West Drayton
Middlesex, UB7 0EW
Reservations: +44 (0)844 482 2313
Email: precisionair@apg-ga.co.uk
MASTER
GSA OF ASIA PACIFIC (excluding Japan and China)
Elite Holiday Travel Service
Taipei, Taiwan
FAX: 8
Tel: 886-2-2541 3366
Fax: 886-2-2536 1824
Email: sales@eliteholiday.com.tw
PRECISION AIR OFFLINE TEAM
Diamond Plaza, 1st Floor
Plot no 162/38, Mirambo Street
Samora Ave, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel: +255 784 772 823 / +255 786 447 411
Email: pw-offline@precisionairtz.com
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:
A. Not all aircraft have space to store your carry-on baggage.
B. In an accident, baggage in the aisles makes it harder to get out of the aircraft quickly.
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.
Important note: There are a number of events involving air turbulence that highlight the importance of keeping seatbelts fastened throughout the flight.
Though rare, in-flight turbulence is the leading cause of injuries to both passengers and crew.
Fly with a face mask
For the your own safety and the safety of your fellow passengers and crew, we ask you to wear a face mask during the entirety of your flight today. Thank you!
You Are Why We Fly
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.
