Paa Tanzania – issue 100

YOUR FREE PRECISION AIR MAGAZINE 100th EDITION Issue 100, November 2020 - January 2021

REASONS TO FLY WITH US in our 100th edition

/ NATURAL PRODUCTS / COOKING WITH MONALISA / CHRISTMAS GIFTS / TANZANIA GARDENS / COMPETITION

Contents

Top 100 – Page 10

Issue 100, November - January 2021

5 PICTURE SPECIAL

Regulars

8 THE TASTE OF TANZANIA

3 NEWS Precision Air is ‘the people’s airline’

Pictures of peace from East African photographers Gifts for the eco-friendly foodie

22

6 COMPETITION Chance to win bed linen collection by Handmade From Tanzania

10 PAA TOP

One hundred reasons to fly with us, covering: 11 11 12 13 16

Arusha Bukoba Dar es Salaam Entebbe Dodoma

17 17 18 18 19

Mbeya Mtwara Mwanza Kilimanjaro Nairobi

22 VIDEO CHEF

22

7 THE WISH LIST

Christmas gifts

34 TECH Best e-readers

34

36 NO-NONSENSE TALK WITH SONA

The art of cooking with Monalisa

24 TANZANIANS AND THEIR GARDENS

The benefits of growing your own food

27 TADHI ALAWI

How Dar dancer has gone from Michael Jackson moves to spearheading TZ modern dance

31 PAA STAY

The Old Boma Hotel is a marvel in Mikindani

Precision Air Info 3 Paa News 37 Paa Royal Benefits 38 Route Network 39 Paa Contacts 40 Welcome Aboard www.precisionairtz.com

1

Foreword TANZ AN IA

Precision Air Services Plc

Our magazine marks its century Karibu! It’s my pleasure to welcome you onboard your Precision Air flight and to the 100th edition of our inflight magazine, Paa. That you have chosen us means a great deal to the entire team here at Precision Air, after all you are why we fly.

I recently had an opportunity to meet some of our passengers face-to-face during Precision Air’s customer service week when I joined the check-in desk at Julius International Airport, our hub in Dar es Salaam. Let me say what a pleasure it was to meet you all and assist you on your way to your destination. It was also great to see close-up that with the Covid-19 safety measures in place we are still able to provide our renowned quick, comfortable and reliable service. It is qualities such as these that led to Precision Air winning the Brand Leadership Award at the East Africa Best Brands Awards in November this year. We dedicate this achievement to our loyal customers.

Precision Air has maintained flights to its domestic destinations – even adding Mbeya to its network – during the global pandemic and has been key to keeping people and businesses connected during this time. With 11 Tanzanian destinations, we open up all corners of the country and we have teamed up with the Tanzanian Tourism Board to spread the word on the wealth of wonders we have within our borders and support the Tanzanian hospitality sector during this testing time. You’ll find plenty of travel ideas in this landmark issue of Paa. As well as strengthening our domestic network, Precision Air is delighted to once again be flying over our northern border into Nairobi. The Kenyan capital's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the gateway to destinations across the world so vital in opening up connecting travel opportunities for our passengers.

I wish you a safe and enjoyable journey. I hope we share the skies again soon.

You Are Why We Fly. Patrick Mwanri Managing Director and CEO Precision Air Services Plc

2

Paa Tanzania

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 (Tanzania) Ltd. Room A14, 3rd floor, Josam House plot Number 16, Mikocheni Area Along Coca-Cola Road, Dar es Salaam Tel: +255 686 118 816 www.landmarine.com ADVERTISING: Catherine O’Callaghan Tel: +44 (0)7944 212063 (WhatsApp) Email: paa@landmarine.org Godfrey S. Urassa Tel: +255 (0)686 118 816 (WhatsApp) Email: godfreyurassa@landmarine.org Head office: Land & Marine Publications Ltd. 1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way, Severalls Business Park, Colchester, Essex, UK, CO4 9RA Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Email: publishing@landmarine.com 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. ©2020 Land & Marine Publications (Tanzania) Ltd.

Subscribe Request your e-version subscription by emailing: subscribe@landmarine.org

News

Latest from Tanzania’s leading airline Precision Air is ‘the people’s airline’ We know at Precision Air Services that the global pandemic has hit businesses, families and even countries with the strongest economies hard so we have tried to be there to help out from the start.

During this troubled time, Precision Air has emerged as The People’s Airline, playing a crucial role in reuniting families with their loved ones through a number of repatriation flights.

With countries locking their skies and borders as prevention measures against the spread of the Covid-19, many people were left stranded from their homes and families and businesses without knowing how and when they will join their loved ones once again.

When airlines suspended their scheduled operations, repatriation flights became the new and only way to fly back home. Precision Air was among the few airlines that had the opportunity to stay afloat and operate

during these restrictions. To date we have operated about 12 repatriation flights and counting.

to be able to operate these flights to fly our fellow Tanzanians back home and rejoin their families.”

Using its ATR fleet, Precision Air has operated repatriation flights to and from South Africa, Zambia, Comoros, Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar and Malawi. Through these flights many have rejoined their families, homes and businesses.

Precision Air also continues to support Tanzania’s economy by offering reliable flights and transport services that support the local economy.

Precision Air’s Managing Director and CEO Patrick Mwanri said the airline is proud it is able to offer valuable assistance during these challenging times.

He says: “We are overwhelmed by the trust people have shown us during the pandemic. Moreover, we are so proud

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 www.precisionairtz.com

3

News

Teaming up with TTB

Precision Air and the Tanzanian Tourist Board (TTB) have teamed up to reveal the many attractions of the country and promote local tourism.

In October, our executive director Patrick Mwanri and the Chairman of the Tanzanian Tourist Board Thomas Mihayo witnessed the signing of a co-operation agreement to help boost the tourism sector in the country.

The tourism industry is a cornerstone of the Tanzanian economy and has been hit hard by the restrictions on international flights as a result of the global pandemic. In light of the situation efforts are being made to boost local tourism and with 11 domestic destinations among its network, Precision Air is ideally placed to help connect Tanzanians to our stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Other partners in the agreement include Clouds Media TZ, which will also help spread the word on Tanzania’s attractions.

If you want some ideas on amazing places to visit within reach of Precision Air’s network of reasons, take a look at the ‘100 Reason to fly Precision Air’ inside this edition of Paa.

Bongo Star Search judges fly with us for Dar auditions The 11th series of Tanzanian talent show Bongo Star Search is here with open auditions taking place across all major cities and the celebrity judges of the hugely popular TV show have been using Precision Air to connect them. Here singer Christian Bella and show founder Rita Paulsen disembark in Dar after one of our flights from Arusha. It looks like we won over the judges with our performance on this flight judging by their smiles.

Image: Facebook @BongoStarSearch

Now you can make Nairobi your next destination We know you’ve had to wait for this one, but Precision Air is once again flying to Nairobi.

We can now connect you to the Kenyan capital from Dar, Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro airports. With Jomo Kenyatta International Airport having scheduled flights to destinations in more than 50 countries our flights to Nairobi connect our passengers with the rest of the world.

4

Paa Tanzania

For some great ideas on what to do in the Kenyan capital once you arrive, check out the ‘100 reasons to fly Precision Air’ feature inside this very special 100th edition anniversary issue. To book flights, visit precisionair.tz.com

Keep in touch www.precisionairtz.com www.facebook.com/precisionairtz www.twitter.com/precisionairtz www.instagram.com/precisionairtz

Picture special

A picture of peace W

hat does peace mean to you? It’s a powerful question in a world where conflict still makes the headlines. To celebrate International Day of Peace on September 21, mobile app Agora posed the question to its global community of photographers. More than 11,000 images were submitted in response and the community voted the photo ‘A peaceful world is a fruitful one’ by @rashi_sp as the winner, earning the Kenyan photographer the top prize of US$ 1,000. To view the 50 images that made the shortlist for the prize, visit agoraimages.com The winning entry by @rashi_sp

‘A peaceful world is a fruitful one’

'Inner peace' by @r.nfodzo

S'Inner peace' by @thedallasexperience

'Alone with my thoughts... Peace is Health!' by @theblvckcreator www.precisionairtz.com

5

Paa Competition

WIN

Chance to win beautiful bed collection

by Handmade From Tanzania

H

andmade From Tanzania is

We are delighted then that Handmade

revitalising the ancient craft of

From Tanzania has provided the prize

handweaving from its studio

for the 100th edition of Paa. One lucky

in Msasani Bay. Here local weavers

winner will receive a matching set of four

operate four specially designed looms to

pillowcases, two sheets, one duvet, one

create fabric from 100 per cent Tanzanian

throw and two waffle towels.

cotton with machinists then creating the company’s range of beautiful bed

To be in with a chance of winning

spreads, duvets, pillow cases and curtains

this wonderful prize, answer the

as well as clothes for children and adults.

question below and email it along

Each product is a handmade one-of-

with a picture of yourself holding an

a-kind right down to the dyes created

edition of Paa 100 on your flight to

inhouse which produce a unique pallet

competition@landmarine.org

of colours. The handweaving ensures that every item also feels wonderfully

For more about Handmade From Tanzania

soft to the touch.

visit www.handmadefromtanzania.org

Terms and conditions: One entry per person. Entrants must be 18 years or over. The organisers' decision is final. The competition is not open to employees and their relatives of Handmade From Tanzania, Precision Air, or Land & Marine Publications Ltd. Email : competition@landmarine.org by 10th January 2021. Images shown are for representation only.

6

Paa Tanzania

Question: Tadhi Alawi’s awardwinning ‘Body vs Mouth’ was filmed at a popular Dar es Salaam shopping site.

What is its name?

The wish list

The Wish List CHRISTMAS GIFTS OK, so Covid-19 is the present none of us wanted this Christmas, but while the pandemic may have put a stop to some of the more large-scale celebrations we may have been looking forward to, making your home look as festive as possible for a family festive get-together is still very much on. Here are some ideas to get you started.

ART WOW CHRISTMAS BAUBLES topdrawer.co.uk

INCLUSIVITWEE CHRISTMAS CARDS topdrawer.co.uk

This Frida Kahlo glass bauble is one of a series of fun, iconic festive tree decorations.

Make your greeting cards fun and relatable this year.

US$ 15

US$ 6

SET OF THREE IRON FARRINGDON BAUBLES topdrawer.co.uk These landscape-inspired decorations harness the natural beauty of your Christmas tree.

US$ 13 ARCHIVIST CHRISTMAS CARDS topdrawer.co.uk Flamboyant, eccentric and high-quality Christmas cards.

GIN IN A TIN topdrawer.co.uk

US$ 9 MADE PAPER CO CHRISTMAS TREE WRAPPING PAPER topdrawer.co.uk These bold designs are printed on 100 per cent heavyweight paper.

US$ 16

Perfect for those festive nights in

US$ 45 FIONA WALKER BRIGHT POM POM REINDEER HEAD fionawalkerengland.com Handmade with stuffed felt for a unique Christmas decoration.

US$ 45

THREE EASELS CO CHRISTMAS CARDS topdrawer.co.uk If you are having a minimalist Christmas, these charcoal sketched cards are for you.

US$ 5

www.precisionairtz.com

7

Shopping

The taste of Tanzania Here’s some made-in-Tanzania gifts for the eco-friendly foodie in your life. All companies advocate sustainable farming practices and produce delicious food. Karibu chakula!

Mwani Zanzibar Seaweed farming is big business and among the world’s algae growing hot spots are the clear coastal waters of the Zanzibar archipelago. While much of the trade is driven by multinational demand for seaweed as an integral ingredient of emulsifiers vital to products from toothpaste to ice cream, island co-operative Mwani Zanzibar gives 17 seaweedfarming mamas the opportunity to add value to their crop by transforming the treasured ingredient – naturally abundant in essential amino acids and moisturising phytonutrients – into desirable organic beauty products such as spiced soaps, body polishes, massage oil and body butter. A visit to Mwani’s headquarters in Paje, on the south-east coast of Unguja, provides the chance to browse and buy the products. For more details, visit its Instagram site @mwanizanzibar

Chocolate Mamas Tanzanian cocoa grown in farms across the verdant Kilombero Valley has a worldwide renown among discerning chocolatiers, but Chocolate Mamas is the first homegrown company to turn these beans into bars. Since 2011 the company has been producing gourmet chocolate from its Dar es Salaam workshop.

All the ingredients are locally sourced – from the 100 per cent pure cocoa from Tanzania farmers to the flavourings such as pili pili (hot pepper), cinnamon, orange and coffee. Even the cute corn husk packaging is made here. You can browse and buy the range at Chocolate Mamas outlets in Dar, Arusha and Zanzibar. Visit the Facebook site for more details.

8

Paa Tanzania

Hai Life

Main image Rosa van Ederen

Tanga-based company Hai Life sources farm-fresh fruit and vegetables from the farms of the Usambara Mountains and Lushoto for its healthy and super tasty juices. All its juices are 100 per cent natural with no added sugar or water and made by cold pressing the pick of seasonal produce for optimum nutrition and flavour. The family-run operation has come up with some imaginative combinations for its juices, among them the vitamin-packed Pineapple and Carrot Crush, best-seller Pineapple, Beet and Ginger and the full-flavoured Cloudy Apple. Hai Life takes pride in paying its farmers fair prices and donates its fruit and vegetable waste back to them to use as animal feed. Even the packaging is ecologically sustainable. The products are available at a number of supermarkets in Tanga, Dar, Moshi and Arusha. For more details, visit hailife.co.tz

Serengeti Delight This company has been producing high quality dairy products – making use of Tanzania-farmed milk and fruit – for close to two decades. It sells a variety of classic cheeses such as halloumi, feta, cream cheese and paneer as well as a range of live yogurts flavoured with local farm ingredients such as blueberries, passion fruit and vanilla. The organic, protein-packed products are a healthy choice for a quick snack with fermented dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt both proven to reduce the risk of developing Type II diabetes. You can’t get much cleaner and healthier than the brand’s natural yoghurt, which has no added flavours or sweeteners and has been made to a traditional recipe. Serengeti Delight products can be found in supermarkets across the country and also hold regular pop-up tasting sessions at markets in larger towns and cities. Visit its Facebook site for upcoming events.

1001 Organic Zanzibar is known as ‘the spice islands’ and this social enterprise sources some of the best the archipelago has to offer from more than 100 organic-certified farmer families on Unguja and Pemba. Farmers get a guaranteed price and are supported to keep to regenerative and gentle cultivation processes to ensure a high-quality crop and maintain the spice forests for years to come. Last year, the company’s black pepper, which is grown on Pemba and allowed to dry and ripen in sunlight to develop its hot spicy and floral flavour, won a gold award at the renowned Monde Selection Institute. This prize winner along with a large range of other dry spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and ginger are available to buy online or at 1001 Organic’s store in the heart of Stone Town, on Unguja. For more details, visit 1001organic.com

www.precisionairtz.com

9

Paa Top 100

REASONS TO FLY WITH US

Sergey-73 / Shutterstock.com

Paa was set up to draw attention to the people and places across the Precision Air network of destinations so reaching the milestone of the magazine’s 100th issue gives us the ideal opportunity to show just how much there is to celebrate. Our team of contributors have come up with 100 reasons to explore this part of East Africa that Precision Air is so proud to serve.

Some you may be familiar with, but I am sure there will be plenty more that are new to you and I hope will inspire future adventures with us. Here’s to the next 100…

Climb Overlooking Mount Meru, Arusha

10

Paa Tanzania

TANZ AN IA

ARUSHA Flights from Dar to Arusha every Wednesday and Thursday

1

8

Time in Bukoba offers the opportunity to take a

boat trip to Musira Island, a big

11

The Minziro Forest Reserve protects

one of the largest and most

I had a very hard week so I flew

chunk of rock sticking out of

unusual forests in Tanzania.

from Dar to Arusha with Precision

Lake Victoria. One side of the

Its proximity to Lake Victoria

Air. The break was just what I needed

island faces Bukoba, but the

has created a swamp forest,

to recharge. The flight was quick and

other side is pocked with caves

which is home more than 50

easy and I was able to relax and have

said to be the burial sites of

species of bird only found

a great vacation in Arusha. (Joseph

traditional healers.

in this region as well as 600

Shaluwa, author)

2

Kitamu, in Arusha, brands itself as the ‘cutest café in

town’ and it is pretty adorable.

species of butterfly, more

5

BUKOBA

Lying in the foothills of Mount Meru, Elewana

Arusha Coffee Lodge was named one of the top five

from staff, two floors of cosy

hotels in Africa by US maga-

seating and a menu packed

zine Travel + Leisure. The

with hearty, healthy meals

homestead is set on one of

stuffed full of fresh ingredients

Tanzania’s largest coffee plan-

9

from the fertile Kilimanjaro

tations, with guests staying in

banana that is roasted

lowlands. Visit kitamuafrica.com

plush homes amid the coffee

or steamed and is a

If you’re in Bukoba, you need to try some batoke (or

matoke), a large green

fields. The homely, cosy feel

carb-rich staple of

Shanga is a community-

continues in the restaurant,

dishes here.

based initiative giving

bar and lounge, which all have

disabled Tanzanians employ-

inviting open fires to warm you

ment and a chance to explore

on a cool Arusha night.

their creativity making beautiful necklaces from recycled glass beads. Check out the jewellery and have a go at

6

in Africa.

Flights from Dar five days a week

You’ll get a sunny welcome

3

than any other forest

10

The massive, banana-yellow

Linas nightclub in Bukoba

After scaling Mount Meru

never closes, but it really gets

why not take in the scaly

going on Friday and Saturday

creatures of Meserani Snake

nights. The venue’s enormous

making your own necklace on

Park? The park is home to black

dancefloor can accommodate

a visit to the Arusha workshop.

mambas, spitting cobras and

the crowds and if you want

about 50 other snakes and

to get yourself pumped up

Climbing Mount Meru is

there is the opportunity to hold

before the party there is even

arriving into beautiful

often overlooked in favour

one of the venom-less varieties.

a gym on site.

Arusha on Precision Air for

4

of a bucket-list ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, 70 km away. While it may be 1,000 metres shy of its big brother in height it also without Kili’s climbing crowds

7

12

“I still remember

my very first visit to Tanzania A hidden gem of Arusha is

and falling utterly in love

the Tanzanite Experience,

with the country and its

the only museum dedi-

wildlife. The stirring views of

cated to the rare gemstone only

Mt Kilimanjaro from the air

and with its lower reaches lying

found in Tanzania. You’ll learn

are never to be forgotten.”

within Arusha National Park you

more about the stone is graded

Margot Raggett, Founder,

may spot elephants and giraffes

and there’s a chance to buy an

Remembering Wildlife

on your way up.

example straight from the source.

(rememberingwildlife.com)

www.precisionairtz.com

11

Paa Top 100… reasons to fly with us

13

Recently renovated with a slightly sci-fi

glass steeple, the Mater

Dar The city that never sleeps

Misericordiae cathedral is one of Bukoba most striking man-made landmarks. If you are lucky enough that your visit coincides with a service, you’ll get to see the equally amazing singing and dancing cathedral choir in action.

14

Rubondo Island National Park could be

Tanzania’s best kept secret. Take a boat trip to this to this piece of pristine rain forest in Lake Victoria and it is likely to be just you and the 60-plus chimpanzees that roam wild here.

Beach Hotel makes the most of its

location on the shores of Lake Victoria with its restaurant enjoying wonderful views across the water and freshly caught tilapia on the menu.

DAR ES SALAAM Precision Air’s hub with multiple flights to Tanzania’s commercial capital from across our network every day

16

18

Pugu Hills is known as the ‘green lungs’ of Dar.

Just an hour’s drive from the city, this vital tract of coastal forest is latticed with trails for

For a tasty snack

on Mwai Kibaki Road in Dar.

hiking or bike riding and offers

on-the-go while

With a vibe that is part café,

some great wildlife watching

exploring Dar, grab some

part science lab, Atom Coffee

opportunities.

hot mandazi from a street-

not only offers a range of

side seller. Mostly eaten as

home-grown premium coffee

breakfast, but delicious any

visitors can choose from

time of day, these bite-sized

seven brewing methods to

pillows of fried dough are flavoured with carda-

19

Dar is a city that never sleeps and it has plenty

of nightclub options, but one

get the flavour they want. Visit

of the smoothest has to be

atomcoffee.co.tz

Level 8. The rooftop bar offers

mom and coconut and

panoramic views across the

are irresistible.

city and harbour and has a DJ

17

If you take your coffee seriously,

you need to make your

way to Atom Coffee

Image: Osse Greca Sinare

15

The Bukoba Co-op

every Friday night.

20

The sprawling metropolis of Dar was

once a sleepy Zaramo fishing

TANZ AN IA

village and dhows laden with the overnight catch still arrive each day at the Kivukoni front.

24

Set amid a stretch of coastal greenery on

Kigamboni Island, Fun City is a

ENTEBBE (UGANDA) Flights from Dar every Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

The city’s best chefs know to

great place to take the children

get to the market by dawn to

for fairground thrills just

get the pick of the catch and it

outside Dar. The 30-acre site

sands and plenty of lush forest

is also the best time to soak up

has water slides and pools to

to explore on foot or by bike.

the sights, sounds and smells

cool off in as well as roller-

of this lively ritual.

coasters and rides for thrills on

31

Mall culture has come

dry land.

21

If you want to take the pulse of the Dar crea-

tive scene you need to head to Nafasi Arts Space in Mikocheni.

25

to Entebbe so if you

fancy shopping in air-condi-

You don’t have to travel far from Dar to

reach secluded beaches that

28

tioned splendour, head for the Entebbe is a laidback,

swanky Victoria Mall, which is

lush city on the shores

packed with stylish eateries

The former industrial space

are a world away from the

is home to local visual and

city in mood if not in miles.

perfect spot to ease into a

performing artists and musi-

The coconut tree-fringed

Ugandan adventure. There are

cians as well as international

Bahari Beach is one of the

plenty of natural attractions

residencies. There are plenty of

most chilled and just half

nearby, including Ngamba

opportunities for the public to

an hour’s drive away from

Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

tours in the Mabamba Swamp

get involved with exhibitions,

the city.

with its 40-plus rescued

Wetlands, an hour’s drive from

‘chap chap’ workshops and its unmissable monthly music showcase, Wikiendi Live. Visit nafasiartsspace.org

22

of Lake Victoria and is the

Entebbe and a habitat for

congregating for twice-daily

more than 260 bird species,

option is taking the

feeds). Frequent speed boat or

are said to give 80 per cent

short ferry ride (from the

motorised canoe trips start at

chance of a sighting. You’ll

Slipway in Msasani Bay) to

Entebbe dock.

certainly know when you’ve

26

17 rooms, rooftop

ited island, part of the Dar es

29

seen one – there’s no mistakEbbz has a thriving

ing that prehistoric-looking

nightlife scene and

one-foot-long beak.

restaurant, shady pool and

Salaam Marine Reserve, offers

grand piano in the lodge,

deserted white sand beaches,

family-run Alexander’s is a true

great snorkelling and walking

places to hang out after dark

Dar boutique hotel. It’s even

trails through its baobab

is Club Night Riders with

got its own wine cellar. Visit

forests.

resident and guest DJs and a

23

on most birdwatch-

ers’ bucket lists and guided

chimps living wild (but all

Bongoyo Island. This uninhab-

Ally Rehmtullah is a

32

A shoebill spotting is

Another beach escape

With its elegant

alexanders-tz.com

and retail stores.

27

one of the most popular

party vibe that keeps going If you want to get a real insight into the

until the break of dawn.

30

store in Chole Road, Masaki,

residents and grab yourself a

not only contains his glamor-

bargain or two, head to the

ous designs, but also the work

sprawling collection of stalls

by canoe, but now daily ferries

of a number of other up and

and shops of Kariakoo Market.

go from Entebbe’s Nakiwogo

33

coming artists. It’s a great place

It sells everything from fruit

dock to Buggala, the largest of

through pockets of thick rain-

to sample the contemporary

and spices to clothes and

the 84 islands in the archi-

forest. It’s home to 115 species

design scene in the city.

electrical goods.

pelago. You’ll find soft white

of bird and you may also

fashion icon in Dar. His

economic initiative of Dar

For many years, the Ssese Islands in Lake

Victoria were only accessible

The Entebbe Botanical Gardens are a picturesque

and tranquil place to wander

www.precisionairtz.com

13

Paa Top 100… reasons to fly with us spot black and white colobus monkeys and tree squirrels.

34

Now the four-lane Entebbe Express

Highway is in place, it only takes just over an hour to get

SERONERA Flights from Dar every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday

36

Precision Air is the

at dawn when the wildlife is

only domestic airline

at its most active is not to be

to have regular flights into the

missed.

to Entebbe’s bigger, brasher

Seronera airstrip in the heart

near neighbour Kampala. The

of the Serengeti. Safaris along

capital has a cool contempo-

the Seronera River are almost

rary art scene, which is unfor-

guaranteed leopard sightings

gettably showcased during

with trees along the riverbank

often overlooked in favour of

the Kampala City Festival in

home to the densest concen-

the Serengeti, but in the dry

October and the LaBa! Street

tration of the spotted cat in

season when lions, zebras

Arts Festival in May/June.

the world. Lion sightings are

and loads of elephants are

35

common around the nearby

drawn to the thirst-quenching

Masai and Simba kopjes.

Tarangire River it offers

Even further east from Entebbe is Jinja, famous

as the historic source of the Nile and now renowned as the

37

40

Easily reachable by car from Arusha,

Tarangire National Park is

wonderful wildlife spotting During the wet season between January and

April is the best time to see

adrenaline capital of East Africa

wildebeest and zebra in their

with white water-rafting on

hundreds of thousands as their

raging stretches of the river. It

opportunities.

41

44

Tarangire is renowned for its baobabs and

Usually visited en-route to the

the Tarangire Treetops Lodge

Serengeti from Arusha, the

perennial migration brings

makes use of a clutch of

Ngorongoro Crater offers fabu-

is also the home of the Nyege

them to this southern part of

them for its 20 lofty luxury

lous wildlife watching all-year

Nyege Music Festival, which

the Serengeti.

homes. It’s a unique spot to

round. The Unesco Heritage Site

return to after the day’s safari

offers wonderful views from

adventures.

the crater rim, but once you’re

showcases the region’s blossoming electronic music scene in early September.

39

There is no better way to take in the

majesty of the Serengeti than with a balloon ride.

Floating over the plains

43

down on the caldera floor the Lake Manyara

concentration of wildlife – lions,

National Park is well

elephants, zebras, wildebeest,

known for its tree-climbing

flamingos and so much more –

lions and it’s possible for

will take your breath away.

human visitors to share their vantage point with the Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway, the first of its kind in the country, which reaches a height of 18 metres above ground.

Adrenaline White water rafting in Jinja and (right) the shoebill

Anil Varma / Shutterstock.com

14

Paa Tanzania

TANZ AN IA

Wildlife Ngorongoro Crater, a Unesco site

48

Zanzibar’s sweetest

treat is ubuyu, dyed red baobab seeds that have been boiled and coated in sugar, salt, black pepper,

resounds to the calls of red

cardamom and vanilla. You’ll

colobus monkeys, an endan-

know when you’ve tried some

gered species only found on

with its intense sweet rush of

the archipelago.

flavour and everyone else will know too as your lips, tongue and fingers will be bright red.

49 ZANZIBAR

45

them. You can grab a table and

Music Academy has

order from the menu or just

village, Paje on the

southeast coastline of Unguja, has become a hugely popular

thing quite different in

kitesurfing destination.

Zanzibar, especially if you head

Beginners will love the shallow

to Stone Town’s evening food

lagoon and bath-warm waters

market in Forodhoni Gardens.

while pros can head for big

Here these crispy pancakes

waves past the coral reef.

are fried in front of you and

Life can be tough for

53

a turtle in Zanzibar.

in the 17th century to defend

sweet or savoury fillings.

The Dhow Countries

Once a sleepy fishing

Pizza means some-

packed with your choice of

Flights from Dar and Kilimanjaro every day of the week

52

50

The oldest building in Stone Town is the Old Fort on

the seafront, which was built

They are target for crabs

the island from attacks from the

done much to preserve the

head to the counter and point

and shorebirds from birth

Portuguese. Now visitors can

traditional music of taarab

and pick from the dizzying array

and as they grow sharks and

wander around its peach-

and get a new generation of

of food, which is very vegetar-

human hunt them for their

coloured ramparts and browse

younger musicians playing its

ian friendly with coconut

meet. So, the Mnarani Marine

its courtyard stalls selling local

mix of Middle Eastern music

curries, freshly baked chapatis,

Turtle Conservation Pond, a

art and produce. Its amphithea-

and Swahili sung poetry.

fried fish and biryani among the

protected natural tidal pool in

tre hosts some of the biggest

Students perform regular even-

piles of food on offer.

Nungwi, is an important sanc-

shows of February’s Sauti za

tuary. A visit gives a chance to

Busara music festival, when

The Zanzibar

see turtles of many size and

some of the best pan-African

archipelago is ideal for

species and helps support the

acts perform.

ing concerts for the public and there are workshops to learn typical taarab instruments such as the zither or accordion. Visit zanzibarmusic.org

46

47

island hopping. For spectacular snorkelling in easy reach of Stone Town, grab a boat to

Stone Town is great for

Chumbe Island Coral Park,

traditional Zanzibari

which has a shallow reef

community project.

51

Jozani Forest is the largest area of

indigenous forest on Unguja

food, but Lukmaan Restaurant

teeming with life and is also a

(Zanzibar Island) and its only

is the prizewinning pick of

haven for hawksbill turtles.

national park. The jungle

www.precisionairtz.com

15

Paa Top 100… reasons to fly with us

DODOMA

Zanzibar Zanzibar Port, Stone Town

Flights from Dar every day of the week

58

New cities can take

views across the whole city. It’s

some time to develop

a challenging ascent so very

their own character and life in

handy that there’s once of the

Dodoma, Tanzania’s legislative

city’s best restaurants, L’eone

capital, has some catching up

L’Africano, on the way up with

to do with its grand, manicured

a range of Italian dishes to

architecture, but Majengo

fortify you.

Market has energy and personality to spare. It’s a great place for traditional handicrafts, fresh produce and phone chargers.

54

Another major cultural

ancient Swahili culture.

event on the island is

Among its treatments are

the Zanzibar International Film

traditional offerings such as

Festival, which showcases work

59

62

Dodoma is also a gateway to the

attractions of Central Tanzania, which are formidable, but

The Bunge, the home

often overlooked on visits

of Tanzania’s parlia-

to the country. Seeking out

ment, is another lively spot

some of the 150-plus Unesco

singo, a fragrant scrub made

with some spirited debates

World Heritage-listed Kondoa

from East African and Indian

with ylang ylang, jasmine,

taking place under its conical

Rock-Art Sites, sheltered under

Ocean countries. While it runs

rose and sweet basil and

roof. When sessions are on, it

overhanging rocks in the

in July, Stone Town is awash in

given to Swahili women

is possible to go inside, but

Great Rift Valley Escarpment,

screenings, interviews, media-

on their wedding day. Visit

even when it is closed to the

is a remote adventure and a

related workshops and musical

mrembospa.com

public it is worth taking in its

chance to commune with a

round building, suggestive of

striking memento of life up to

traditional African dwellings.

two thousand years ago.

60

63

events.

55

The Ngezi Forest Reserve, on the

north-western tip of Pemba, is as close as you’ll get to

a canopy overhead. A guide will help you explore beyond the trails and perhaps spot the forest’s endemic Pemba

and most stylish

places to stay in the city is the

rainforest on the archipelago with its giant trees forming

One of the newest

Image: Mrembo Spa

57

The volcanic Mount Hanang is Tanzania’s

fourth highest mountain (if you

5-star Morena Hotel. It has 20

count the three highest peaks

spacious rooms and suites with

of Mt Kilimanjaro as one) yet

views across the city or the

one of its least known. No-one

Salome’s Garden, a

hotel’s immaculate gardens

knows the area better than

former sultan’s home

and also offers a wonderful

the Barabaig people, who are

in Bububu, 7km north of

outdoor swimming pool

pastoralists who have been

flying fox.

Stone Town, is a sanctuary of

ringed with palmed trees and

living off the surrounding

56

serenity. It’s been beautifully

its own restaurant.

plains for centuries and see

Mrembo Spa,

renovated into a guesthouse,

in Stone Town,

but the real star is its 18 acres

gives visitors

of private tropical gardens full

the chance to be well and

of bougainvillea that run down

truly pampered and embrace

to the beach.

16

Paa Tanzania

61

Mount Hanang as sacred. It is For the best views of

possible to organise a Barabaig

the city, hit the steep

guide, who will provide

path up to Lion Rock. Once

fascinating insights

you’ll up there you’ll have

as you ascend.

TANZ AN IA

66

More quality coffee is to be found at

the Utengule Coffee Lodge,

69

Matema Beach on

three main tribes along with a

Lake Nyasa offers one

variety of games that are part of

of Tanzania’s most memorable

local life such as mputa (jump

which has its own plantations

beach breaks. Framed by the

rope) and manati (slingshots).

providing the beans for its

Livingstone Mountains and

Hundreds of dancers in full

award-winning coffee, which it

with its sands lapped by the

tribal costume are involved and it’s quite a spectacle to watch.

sells pre-packaged onsite and

crystalline lake waters, it is a

Image: Mchiriku | CC-BY-SA-3.0

across the world. The lodge also

picturesque pocket of peace

64

72

offers spacious accommodation

by day. As evening arrives,

Slap bang in

nestled in beautiful gardens,

fishermen head out into the

the centre

one of the region’s best restau-

lake, attracting the fish with

of Dodoma’s

rants and guided tours of the

their boat lights and creating

Bay is a colourful and vibrant

business district (the market

coffee plant and the hikeable-

the area’s famous ‘lake of stars’.

place as the fishermen arrive.

was moved to Majengo to

in-a-day Mbeya Peak.

make room for it) is now Nyerere Square with a bronze statue in tribute to Tanzania’s founding father, the country’s

67

Bring your appetite to 501 Soul Food in

70

In the early mornings and late afternoons,

the small dhow port in Mtwara

The adjoining market sells the The botanical bounty

catch of the day and there are

of the Kitulo Plateau

also stalls selling street food

has led to it being called the

such as grilled octopus and vitambua (rice cakes).

Mbeya. Whether you come

‘Serengeti of flowers’ and

first president Julius Nyerere.

for the weekday buffets or

‘The Garden of God’. Perched

It has become an iconic part

the sharing platters at the

at around 2,600 metres in

of the city and a popular

weekend, the food is hearty

the southern highlands, the

meeting place.

and there is lots of it. There

combination of its volcanic soil

are plenty of meat and fish

and the regions high rainfall

pick of the town’s beaches.

curries and stews as well as

produce a wildflower display

With plenty of sand, gentle

plant-based options. The venue

of breath-taking scale and

currents and a number of

has a rooftop dining option

diversity from late November

resorts and beach bars.

for great views of Mbeya and it

to April. Among the 350-plus

MBEYA Flights from Dar every day of the week

65

often hosts very popular party

species of plants are a multi-

A great place to curate

nights. Check its Instagram

tude of orchids, the stunning

your Mbeya itinerary

page for the latest events.

yellow-orange red-hot poker,

is the Maua Café, a mile or so out of town. Here you’ll not only find plenty of options for a hearty meal and some

68

The volcanic undercur-

the Southern Highlands create some unforgettable natural

proprietor organises horseback

landscapes. One to definitely

rides over lowland trails as

seek out is Daraja la Mungu

well as trips to local attractions

‘The Bridge of God’, a natural

such as Ngozi Peak.

rock bridge formed by lava from Mount Rungwe over the Kiwira river. There is a manmade bridge close by that is a great viewing spot.

To the north of the bay, the affluent

Shangani peninsula has the

74

The strikingly beautiful, but rarely visited

Makonde Plateau, which rises

aloes, lilies, geraniums and

900 metres above sea level, is

giant lobelias.

ideal for off-the-beaten-track

rents that have shaped

top-class local coffee, but the

73

hiking adventures. The region

MTWARA Flights from Dar every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

71

Early October is a great time to be in Mtwara

as it coincides with MaKuYa Festival, which exhibits traditional dances from the regions

is home to the Makonde people, who farm the land for cashews and sisal. They are also world renowned for their woodcarvings, with masked performances a big part of their tribal rituals.

75

Mikindani is a sleepy Swahili port with a

long history and wandering its

www.precisionairtz.com

17

Paa Top 100… reasons to fly with us

83

old town offers a sort of low-key

Jiwe Kuu or ‘dancing rocks’

ride from its docks will get you

Stone Town experience with

can be found high up on a

to Saanane Island National

carved Zanzibari-style doors

rocky outcrop a few kilometres

Park, which is home to impala,

and a former slave market.

outside town near the fishing

rock hyrax, vervet monkeys

legend has it that an entire

For the best views of the town

village of Mihama. The round

and wild cats.

Maasai village disappeared

and the beautiful bay it grew

builders have been here for

into it – and you’ll get a great

around, head up Bismarck Hill

centuries, despite looking like

view of its shimmering majesty

to the Old Boma Hotel (for a full

they will roll and tumble down

on the steep walk down to its

review, see page 31) and take

the hill at any minute.

shores from the 100-metre-

the steps to the top of its tower.

76

The Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma

78

The waters of Lake Chala are incredibly

blue and incredibly deep –

high caldera rim. On the The traditions of

way down you could spot

the Sukoma people

monkeys, baboons, dik-dik and

offers some of Tanzania’s most

the largest ethnic group in

remote and rewarding diving.

Tanzania – are celebrated at

More than 4,000 species of

the Sukoma Museum in Bujora,

fish have been recorded and

a village just outside Mwanza.

81

more than 250 species of

There are examples of homes

drive away from the Grumeti

coral, more than anywhere on

and artefacts from the culture

sector of the Serengeti,

the East African Coast. Scuba

as well as plenty of music

which hosts one of the most

divers can get a boat drop-off

and dance to join in on – be

dramatic stages of the Great

it is also nestled among small

on the outer reefs or you can

warned, the Wasukoma have a

Migration when the phalanx

coffee farms that constellate

snorkel straight from a number

tradition of dancing with abso-

of wildebeest crosses the

the mountain’s foothills. You

of beautiful beaches along this

lutely massive live pythons

Grumeti River between late

can grab a daladala to the tiny

protected sliver of coastline

draped around their necks.

May and early July.

village of Materuni for a guided

Estuary Marine Park

near the Mozambique border.

MWANZA Flights from Dar every day of the week

– focused in the north and

79

Villages from around Mwanza bring their

fresh produce by boat on Lake Victoria to sell at Mwaloni

‘Rock City’ because of

its number of seemingly precariously balanced kopjes scattered around its Lake Victoria shores.

18

Paa Tanzania

sightings of crocodile in the

adventures on

lake so best not to take a dip,

a grander scale,

no matter how inviting.

Mwanza is also just two hours’

84

Moshi is the starting point for many Mt

Kilimanjaro expeditions, but

KILIMANJARO Flights from Dar every day of the week

82

type of sardine, which is very

as it’s a testing climb with oxygen in short

popular here and found in huge

supply on the higher reaches so best to follow

numbers in the lake) as well as

your guide’s advice and climb ‘pole, pole’ (‘slowly,

stalls full of fruit and vegetables.

slowly’) and book as long an ascent

The place fizzes with life.

as you can afford. If you don’t

walk around the market under see the fishermen with their

77

For safari

glittering hauls of dagaa (a

Market. It is quite a spectacle to its huge corrugated roof and

Mwanza is known as

kudu. There have also been

80

Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, attracts more than 30,000 climbers each year. Not

all get to the summit 5,895-metre summit

have the time or the inclination Mwanza has wildlife

to conquer Kibo there are plenty

adventures within

of gentler trails in the mountain’s

easy reach. A 30-minute ferry

lower slopes to explore.

TANZ AN IA

trek through some of the farms

Capital city

to learn about the growing

Skyline of Kenya's capital Nairobi

process. Many of the farms intercrop with banana trees as the leaves shade the coffee from the bright sun, giving visitors the chance to try another local brew, banana beer.

85

If you have the energy left after your Mt

Kilimanjaro climb, Moshi has a thriving nightclub scene for such a small town. The latest additions are Black Diamond on the Kibo Road, which has a bar and dance floor, while Redstone has resident DJs at weekends, karaoke night on Thursdays and big-name live acts.

86

One of the most fun ways to explore

Moshi and the foothills of Kilimanjaro is by mountain bike. Social enterprise OneBike

NAIROBI Flights from Dar, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro every day of the week

87

89

Nairobi has mile upon mile of malls for

retail therapy, but if you are focused on local handicrafts,

The vast informal

programmes for youths. Visit

head to Souk, in Karen, which

settlement of Kibera

lookslikeavido.com

collects the work of Kenya’s

is home to around 250,000

88

more creative artists and

in Moshi hires and repairs

people, many of them without

Westlands venue The

bikes and organises a range

electricity or running water.

artisans under one roof. Visit

Alchemist has pulled

thesoukkenya.com

of cycling tours that take in

Yet, in such deprived condi-

Chagga villages, Materuni

tions, creativity and innova-

the perfect Nairobi night out.

waterfall and many other

tion flourishes. Take a tour or

Inside you’ll find a restaurant,

local attractions. Visit

a matatu here and you’ll find a

a cinema, a coffee shop, an

onebiketz.com

ballet school, an arts collective

open-air bar and nightclub

nature literally comes to me:

and fashion designer David

which attracts some of the

the lush green backdrop with

Avido Ochieng, whose work

best DJs around – Nairobi-born

the jacarandas in bloom, the

has been featured in Vogue

global superstar DJ Fully Focus

ever-present sun, the super-

and praised by Beyoncé.

among them. It even has a

colourful birds, a waterfall

Kibera born and raised,

shop selling second-hand vinyl

and forest almost at my

Ochieng has set up his own

and a late-night fast bar, Mama

doorstep, and the occasional

label, Lookslikeavido, which

Rocks, with fortifies hungry

troop of hungry monkeys in

employs 12 tailors in the

clubbers before their journey

my garden. (Sona Parmar, Paa

settlement and supports local

home with gourmet burgers

columnist)

schools and runs mentorship

that are renowned city-wide.

out all the stops in curating

90

The thing I love most about living

in Nairobi, is the feeling that

www.precisionairtz.com

19

TANZ AN IA

with the farmers of central

form at the top of the Kenyatta

97

highlands, but the genre’s

International Conference

to be had than cycling

biggest star in the country has

Centre offers incredible views

in Hell’s Gate National Park.

to be Nairobi’s Sir Elvis. Elvis

over the Nairobi skyline and

The setting is stunning from

is his real name – his parents

even out to the Ngong Hills on

the start with red cliffs framing

were big fans of the rock ‘n’ roll

a clear day.

the park’s plentiful wildlife such

91

Country music has been big in Kenya

since the 1940s, especially

legend – and you can catch his acts most Sundays at the Galileo Lounge in Westlands.

94

When no visiting VIP is coming into land on

its helipad, the viewing plat-

95

There are few more

fun safari adventures

as giraffe, zebra, antelope For adrenaline-fuelled

and reedbuck – all of

adventures outside

whom are unbothered

but still

Nairobi head to The Forest

by your two-wheeled

worth seeing is

Taking a ride in a

in the Aberdare Ranges

approach so you can

matatu is an experi-

where you can whizz over

observe them amazingly

ence at the heart of Nairobi

the treetops on the country’s

closely. Bikes are available

life. These brightly decorated

fastest zipline, go paintball-

to hire from the park’s gates

minibuses with their booming

ing, explore trails through

where you can also hire the

sound systems and touts hang-

the Kereita Forest on foot or

service of resident climbing

ing from the doors to drum up

by bike and even camp for a

guides if you fancy taking on

more passengers are a source

longer stay. Visit theforest.co.ke

the park’s sheer rock walls.

92

of employment for hundreds

98

of thousands of people and

Thika Falls, which can be viewed from another hotel lookout.

99

There’s nothing quite like Sunday brunch

at Ocean Sports Resort in Watamu, Kenya. OK, the service may be a tad on the

Just an hour’s drive

leisurely side, but who cares.

from the capital,

Enjoy the popular curry buffet

Thika is home to a pair of

or a pizza from the wood-fired

for ‘three’ in reference to the

impressive waterfalls that can

oven. All washed down with a

3p fare when the private mini-

both be seen on the grounds

few chilled Tuskers. Life doesn’t

buses were first introduced in

of the Blue Post Hotel. Chania

get any better. (Anthony

Falls tumbles down a jagged,

Mychal, Precision Air passenger)

connect commuters across the city. The word matatu is Swahili

The Kenya Cultural

96

any trip out of Nairobi to

in the sight. The hotel also has

Centre, known in the

the 1970s. They cost a bit more than that now, but are still the cheapest way to travel here.

93

If you’re fit and

tree-lined cliff and the hotel’s

not too faint

restaurant has been perfectly

of heart then

placed so its clientele can soak

100

Kenya’s Limuru Golf Club is one

of East Africa’s hidden gems.

Lake Navaisha should include

walkway to the base of the

On occasion damp and misty,

city as ‘The Shrine’ is the largest

climbing Mt Longonot. The

falls for a closer look. Smaller,

delightfully unpretentious,

theatre space in the country. Its

90-minute hike from the park

sometimes tricky, slightly

main auditorium, with seating

gate to the crater rim of this

unkept, never dull and with

for 345 people, hosts large-

imposing extinct volcano is

cheap beer and wholesome

scale music, theatre and dance

arduous and steep, but views

food. What’s not to like? Only,

events, while if you are just

extend out across the lake and

perhaps, a worrying club-

turning up on the off chance,

you get to see inside the ‘lost

house sign that states “no

its studio, called Kona Wasanii,

world’ of the caldera where

firearms beyond this point”.

often houses musicians’ jam

a green forest has sprung up,

(Garry Timpson, Precision Air

sessions and pop-up concerts.

which can also be explored.

passenger)

www.precisionairtz.com

21

Monalisa

Cooking made easy with Monalisa

A

chef Monalisa Rwechungura

confidence in the home kitchens of

creates food that looks like

Tanzania and encourage people to

a work of art. She has also made it

venture outside their culinary comfort

possible for the general public to

zone with plenty of international

recreate her delicious looking and

dishes alongside local staples to try

tasting dishes with a series of step-

out. Rwechungura has a smiley screen

by-step video guides.

presence and her way of breaking

s befits her name, Tanzanian

Rwechungura’s culinary brand, Diko

Rwechungura is also keen to breed

YouTube chef Monalisa Rwechungura

and to provide recipes for her dishes.

The home chef relished the challenge and in exploring avenues to expand

down even seemingly complex dishes

the reach of her recipes she became

by Monalisa, has its own YouTube

into simple steps makes impressive

aware of the lack of Swahili-language

channel with more than 30 bright, fun

meals within the reach of cookery

instructional cooking videos.

and easy-to-follow recipe videos for

beginners. Her quick and easy

dishes ranging from Tanzanian classics

videos – they all clock in at around the

digital agency Blink View to create

such as cow’s liver stew and chapatis

four-minute mark – are ideal for time-

Diko by Monalisa and its bank of

to international favourites spaghetti

pressed professionals, students and

videos along with an Instagram site

Bolognese, pasta marinara, lemon and

parents who want to make nutritious

filled with recipes as well as plenty

pepper fried chicken and Philadelphia

meals for themselves and loved ones.

of mouth-watering images of her

cheese steak. For those with a sweet

Last year, she teamed up with Dar

completed dishes.

tooth, there are also guides to some

Passion project

delicious desserts such as chocolate

Diko by Monalisa is a passion project

and hugely positive with more than

cupcakes.

for Rwechungura. Though she

5,000 followers on Instagram and

graduated university in 2011 with a

hundreds subscribing to the videos

Video guides

degree in business administration and

The public response has been rapid

Delicious

and following the recipes at home.

Instructional cooking videos are a

went on to forge a career in marketing

global phenomenon with a host of

across several industries, cooking was

following, uploading more recipes

chefs becoming stars of social media.

always a big part of her life. At the

and providing Swahili speakers with

Rwechungura is able to distinguish

end of a busy working day she always

an amazing resource to expand their

herself from the crowd, not just

made time to cook, coming up with

cooking repertoire at home. There’s

through her delicious food, but also

new recipes and experimenting with

an art to making complex recipes

by conducting the videos in Swahili.

flavouring and technique. These new

simple to follow and Rwechungura

It was a conscious decision from the

culinary creations were tried out on

has mastered it.

start that the videos would target the

Rwechungura’s friends and family,

majority demographic of non-English

who were only too happy to help,

speaking Tanzanians who are unable

such were the tempting treats on

To stream from the full list of video recipes, visit the Diko

to take advantage of the raft of online

offer. Soon Rwechungura was getting

by Monalisa YouTube channel. More information is also

cooking videos.

requests to cater at friends’ gatherings

available at the Instagram page @dikobymonalisa

22

Paa Tanzania

Monalisa's dishes

Rwechungura aims to build on this

Method

Monalisa’s mandazi recipe Here’s a chance to try one of Rwechungura recipe’s at home with her take on Tanzanian treat mandazi. The recipe is provided in Swahili and English. Rwechungura says: “Mandazi are a dining staple in the Tanzanian culture. They are great by themselves, washed down with a cup of tea or even with a savoury accompaniment like soup, they are satisfaction guaranteed. Here is my simple recipe of how you can achieve this deliciousness from the comfort of your home.”

Maandazi ni kitafunwa maarufu katika familia za kitanzania. Yanfaa kuliwa yenyewe, kuyashushia na kikombe cha chai au hata na vyakula vya chumvi kama soup, kwa kifupi hayawezi kukuangusha katika suala la utamu. Ngoja nikuelekeze njia rahisi ya kupika maandazi matamu nyumbani:

Weka amira vijiko viwili vya chai 2, sukari kijiko cha chai, changanya vizuri na uache mchanganyiko ukae kwa dakika kumi ili amira iamke.

Baada ya dakika kumi korogea nazi kikombe 1.5, siagi iliyoyeyushwa (ikapoa) ¼ kikombe na vanilla.

Katika bakuli lingine safi changanya unga wa ngano vikombe 4, sukari kikombe 1, chumvi kifinyo 1, mdalasini kijiko cha chai na iliki kijiko cha chai.

Weka mchanganyiko mkavu ndani ya mchanganyiko wa maji kidogo kidogo na uchanganye mpaka utengeneze mpira.

2. Add two teaspoons of yeast and a teaspoon of sugar to the water, mix to combine and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the yeast can activate/foam.

3. After the 10 minutes stir in 1.5 cups of coconut milk, a quarter cup of melted butter and a dash of vanilla 4. In another mixing bowl add four cups of flour, one cup of sugar, a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of cardamom.

Mbinu

Ndani ya bakuli safi weka robo kikombe cha maji ya vuguvugu

1. Pour a quarter of a cup of lukewarm water into a clean mixing bowl

Weka mpira uliotengenea katika sehemu safi iliyonyunyuziwa unga na ukande kwa dakika kumi.

Katika bakuli lilikopakwa mafuta, weka unga, ufunike na uache uumuke kwa lisaa na nusu.

Unga ukiumuka upige ngumi ili kuutoa hewa alafu ukande tenakwa dakika 5.

Sukuma unga mpaka ufikie unene wa 0.5inch alafu ukate maandazi ya muundo unaopendelea.

Acha maandazi uliyokata yaumuke tena kwa dakika 30.

Maandazi yakishaumuka kwa mara ya pili yakaange kwa moto wa kati mpaka yawe golden brown.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in small batches and mix until a dough forms.

6. Transfer the dough onto a clean floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until dough is soft and springy.

7. Transfer dough into a buttered bowl, cover and let the dough rise for 1.5 hours.

8. After the dough rises punch it to release the air and knead it for another five minutes.

9. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 1.25 cm sheet and cut into desired mandazi shapes.

10. Leave the mandazi to rise for another 30 minutes.

11. After rising once more, fry the mandazi on medium heat until golden brown.

www.precisionairtz.com

23

Tanzania gardens

Gardening is growing in Tanzania Tanzania is blessed with fertile land so saving up to buy a farm is a popular investment here.

However, you don’t need a farm to start growing your own fruits and vegetables, a small patch of garden is enough. As well as helping put fresh food on your table, gardening has been proved to be good for your health, both physical and mental. Here Tanzanian home gardeners reveal the joy of watching things grow and we reveal some tips on how to get started with your own garden.

Sadick Sausi Mbeya

Any visitor to the Untengule Coffee Lodge – a charming restaurant with rooms set amid plantations producing worldfamous gourmet beans on the slopes of the Mbeya ranges – will be well aware of the greenfingered prowess of Sadick Sausi.

As Utengule’s head gardener, he leads a team in maintaining the hotel’s fruit and flame tree-filled

24

Paa Tanzania

grounds, which provide a lush foreground to spectacular views across the East African Rift Valley.

Sausi is a walking advert for the health benefits of gardening.

In his 50s, but looking a good couple of decades younger, he is also the hotel’s go-to guide for hikes to the top of Mount Mbeya – good luck keeping up with him – and walks the 14km round trip commute from his village Ihombe each day.

The region gets plenty of

Garden plot Sadick looking over his garden in Ihombe

Medicinal garden Bibi Zaituni in her garden, Mwananyamala, Dar

sunshine and rain so agriculture dominates the economy. Like many of his neighbours, Sausi

Emerson Spice head chef Edina Chongola sources her ingredients locally, including from her own garden in Zanzibar Island

has his own growing garden in Ihombe. “I use it to plant food crops, mostly,” he says. “I grow potatoes, onions, tomatoes and fruit like avocadoes.

“I love spending time in my garden. I enjoy the work and being outside in nature and the garden provides my family with food and an extra source of income as I take the surplus produce to market to sell.”

Edina Chongola Stone Town Emerson Spice, a lovingly restored former merchant’s house in the heart of Zanzibar Island’s Stone Town, is home to two of the

island’s most unforgettable dining experiences. The Tea House Restaurant offers views across the ramshackle rooftops and minarets of Stone Town – beyond beautiful at sunset – and the ground level Secret Garden is a lushly landscaped hidden ruin to dine in under the stars while

Chef Edina Chongola in her garden

being entertained by some of the best in Zanzibari live music.

In both establishments the menu represents a taste safari through Swahili cuisine with dishes drawing on the archipelago’s plentiful seafood and spices.

Emerson Spice head chef Edina Chongola sources her ingredients locally, including from her own garden. Born in Iringa, Chongola has been living in Zanzibar for the past 20 years and in that time has cultivated her own garden, growing a range of edible plants.

Much of the produce feeds her own family, but she does use anti-oxidant-filled moringa leaves picked from her own garden along with avocado and baobab

www.precisionairtz.com

25

Tanzania gardens

How to start your own home garden oil to make to make an avocado tartare, which is a delicious accompaniment to dishes at Emerson Spice. She also grows her own spinach for another hotel favourite, mchicha – a Tanzanian spinach and peanut curry.

“Whenever I have time off from work,” she says, “I love to spend time in my garden. It is very relaxing.” To book a table at the Emerson Spice restaurants, visit emersonspice.com

Bibi Zaituni Dar es Salaam Proof that you don’t need the fertile soils of the Zanzibar archipelago or the southern highlands to grow your own produce is Bibi Zaituni’s urban garden in Dar es Salaam. Her little spot is an oasis among the dusty streets and tightly packed settlements of Dar neighbourhood Mwananyamala.

Zaituni is a much-valued part of the community here. A trained midwife, she has lost count of the babies she has delivered over the years – she knows it’s into three

figures – and has continued the healthcare with her garden. The small patch of land at the front of her home is full of medicinal plants and has served as a natural pharmacy for the community over the years. Among the wealth of plants are cloves for toothache, ginger for relieving nausea, eucalyptus for wound healing and aloe vera for burns and to calm digestion. Zaituni’s public service even extends to collecting plastic waste from the surrounding streets to make rugs and mats she sells to the public. If you would like to buy some of her products, Zaituni’s garden is a regular stop on the Dar city tours offered by bike adventure company Afriroots. Visit afriroots.co.tz

Just looking at gardens is good for your health The International Association of Horticultural Producers says there is scientific evidence to prove that gardens are essential to supporting recovery from illness and just the act of looking at gardens can reduce stress, blood pressure and muscle tension.

So if you are in Dar and don’t have a garden of your own, it may be worth visiting the city’s Botanical Gardens. Situated just behind the National Museum and House of Culture, the garden is a welcome shady spot in the city and is home to the Dar es Salaam Horticultural Society, which tends the indigenous and exotic plants, including scarlet flame trees, several species of palm, cycads and jacaranda.

26

Paa Tanzania

1. Find a good location When looking for a location to grow your produce you need to consider the following: Is the soil soft enough for the crop roots to grow through and water to seep into?

Does the soil contain nutrients that assist with plant growth? If not, you can add nutrients by using natural fertilisers such as animal manure or food leftovers.

You need to make sure that your garden is not too close to any trees, which will have a root system that may interfere with the growth of your crop.

Is there direct access to sunlight? Crops need at least six hours of contact with sunlight every day to flourish.

Is there enough room to grow all the crops you want without planting them too close together?

Crowded plants don’t grow well and it encourages pests and diseases.

2. Pick the right seeds for your garden Most places in Tanzania are relatively warm throughout the year, so you should first do some research on what seeds grow best in your area.

After you get an idea of what you can plant, you need to decide what you want to grow and eat.

There’s no point growing a vegetable you don’t like the taste of!

In warm cities like Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Morogoro, ideal crops include bush beans (maharage); cucumbers (matango); aubergine (mbilinganya); okra (bamia); peppers (pilipili hoho); cabbage (kabichi) and tomato (nyanya).

Make sure to purchase quality seeds of the crop to ensure that they germinate. Ideally, they should be from the year’s crop.

3. Get some tools An ideal starter kit would include a shovel (koleo); a watering can (keni); shears (mikasi); a rake (reki); a garden knife (mkasi wa bustani); a spade (chepeo); gloves (glavu); pruning shears (kata majani) and a hoe (jembe).

Start small. A garden plot of about five metres by three metres can feed a family of four and have some crops left over for friends. It’s best to start with a small garden that you can manage and be proud of.

Tadhi Alawi

Dancer’s body of work speaks beyond words As co-founder of the Nantea Dance Company, Alawi ‘Tadhi’ Saidi has been instrumental in building a platform for contemporary dance in Dar es Salaam while the dancer and choreographer’s awardwinning own work is becoming globally recognised

A

lawi Saidi – ‘Tadhi’ to everyone

dance ever since. Michael

who knows him – has always had

Jackson will always be

a natural talent for dance. When

an inspiration, but in

he was just a young boy growing up in

developing a style that is

Dar es Salaam, his older brother brought

truly his own, Tadhi has also looked to other

home a video of a live performance by the

influences that have shaped him, from his

tells me. “You are putting across a feeling

legendary US singer and dancer Michael

Makonde origins to the singeli and hip-hop

and feelings have no boundaries. So many

Jackson and Tadhi was soon able to mimic

rhythms of modern-day Dar.

things happen on the streets of Tanzania

all the moves, even the famous antigravity lean and moonwalk.

“My roots lie in the Makonde tribe, based in southern Tanzania. It’s a tribe rich in

“You can say whatever you want,” Tadhi

and I want to present them in my dances.”

Tadhi was a voracious learner. He

The dazzling dancing impressed his

dances. I believe that me being a dancer

attended every course going to add to his

friends and Tadhi hoped for similar results

is partly because of the spirits that I carry

understanding of movement as expres-

when, as a teenager in 2013, he attended Dar

within me as a heritage.”

sion – from modern jazz through Angolan

teaching programme Haba na Haba (in the

kizomba, Brazilian martial art-infused dance

early tears before it became an international

Dance journey

dance festival). Among the international

Key to the now 26-year-old Tadhi’s new

Germaine Acogny Technique – led by

artists invited to teach at the event was

direction as a dancer was being among

experts from the US, Norway, Germany,

renowned Zimbabwean choreographer

the first intake of students at the non-profit

Madagascar, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda

Nora Chipaumire, who was impressed with

MuDa Africa dance school in Dar in 2014.

and many more. At the same time, he

Tadhi, but saw the potential for more.

Here he began a three-year course in

primed his body to be the most flexible,

contemporary dance – a genre that is open to

strongest conduit possible for his ideas. He

Jackson, but this is not you. Find something

many possibilities. Here was that freedom of

is a yogi, completing three years of study

that is you.’”

expression in dance Tadhi sought, something

at Africa Yoga Project, in Nairobi, as well as

new to Tanzania and set apart from traditional

devoting time to karate and strength train-

ceremony or having fun in nightclubs.

ing in the gym.

“She told me: ‘You dance like Michael

The advice struck deep and Tadhi has been on a quest for authenticity through

capoeira to the African dance-inspired

www.precisionairtz.com

27

Tadhi Alawi more connection than contrast.

Tadhi is well aware of those

between Tadhi and Samwel Japhet, will also

his dance to weave among the

premiere online as part of MuDa’s annual

crowds and gazing at passers-by

Time2Dance Festival, which is going ahead

in wordless communion. There is

in virtual form this year through October and

something open, vulnerable and

November.

MuDa and became founding members

is a tool that I can use to express

of non-profit organisation Nantea Dance

my feelings and thoughts,

Company when they realised they would

sending messages to people

have to get proactive in staging their

without using verbal languages

own contemporary dance productions in

that can exclude too many in too

Tanzania and across East Africa.

my art works to the communities

Nantea Dance Company

surrounding me as to face and

“I was about to graduate, but there were no

show common challenges.”

contemporary dance companies in Tanzania

The film is one of five shortlisted for an award at the Jumping

after the Makonde word for ‘traps’ – found a supportive home at Dar’s Nafasi Arts Space.

won the Best Interface with the Public award at the US-based Dare to Dance in Public Film Festival this year. Tadhi was due to introduce a screening of it along with a new solo performance at

was cancelled due to the global pandemic.

Like all performing artists, Tadhi has been

is capable of expressing something beyond

hit hard by measures to restrict the spread of

speech. It’s a belief at the heart of his latest

the virus. He has not performed in public for

award-winning work, ‘Body vs Mouth’. This

10 months and collaborations with filmmak-

fascinating 10-minute film was shot by

ers have been crucial in bringing his work to

Dar film production company Fuad and is

the public. Recent streamed releases include

choreographed and performed by Tadhi,

‘Stay at Home’ – a short film that expressed

who we see dancing among the fruit stalls

how torn he was by social distancing

and crowded lanes of the city’s Kariakoo

directives that protected Dar residents from

Market. Stripped to the waist – his small,

the pandemic, but put their lives at risk from

lean frame revealing every sinew of muscle

poverty – and a solo performance filmed on

– Tadhi stands out, his movements starkly

Mbalamwezi beach that begins on the sand

graceful and measured despite the shoppers

and ends in the waves of the Indian Ocean.

bustling around him. Some women stall

It showcases the rich variety of dance Tadhi

holders shoot him furtive, admiring glances,

can draw on as he flows with fluid grace

some look on in bemusement and one older

between frenzied Makonde sindimba danc-

shopper even spots the camera and dances

ing, hip-hop body popping, acrobatics and

along. However, the lasting impression is

balletic poise – all set to the stirring music of

Paa Tanzania

Nantea Dance Company – Tadhi named it

Festival in Hong Kong and also

in Ireland in April, but the event

28

so we had to create our own,” Tadhi says.

Frame International Dance Video

the Laois Dance Platform festival

Tadhi a physical vocabulary that he believes

Tadhi and Japhet met as students at

able. Tadhi says: “For me dance

many different ways. I dedicate

The years honing his craft have given

‘A Moment’, the latest collaboration

around him, elegantly adjusting

loving about it that is unutter-

For me dance is a tool that I can use to express my feelings and thoughts, sending messages to people without using verbal languages

the late Hukwe Zawose.

Learn with Tadhi Africonte dance classes Every Friday at Nafasi Artspace.

From 6pm to 7.10pm. All levels are welcome. Places must be booked in advance. Price: TSH 10,000. Please confirm your participation in advance.

Tadhi says: “In this lesson I teach a fusion of traditional Tanzanian dance styles – including singeli – and contemporary dance. You are going to get an idea of the process of combining and relating different types of movements, shaping them to melt together into new movements and smooth or dynamic combinations and push your body into new movements and vibes.”

​ oga Y Every Wednesday at Nafasi Art Space, Eyasi Road, Mikocheni, Dar. From 5pm to 6pm. Price: TSH 10,000. Please confirm your participation in advance.

Tadhi says: “My yoga teaching experience is mainly based on Baptiste Power Yoga. The class welcomes all levels as I offer different varieties for each routine.”

Images by Mazda Kassanda

and Johannes Wieland on projects in Dar.

“With Nje Ndani we are reaching people

It all seems a world away from Tadhi’s

who before had no idea about contempo-

early years dancing with friends on street

rary dance. Now, they are really pushing

corners in Mwananymala, where he grew up.

themselves.”

Dedicating himself to dance has trans-

Tadhi can identify with those who are

formed his life and that he is now able to

unaware that dance is a career option. His

light that fire of creativity in others is a huge

mother died when he was five years old and

motivating factor to his work with Nantea.

his father took him and his older brother

The company’s outreach project Nje

on, raising them in the teachings of Islam.

Ndani (‘In and Out’) offers contemporary

“Nobody expected me to be a dancer,” Tadhi

dance workshops, seminars and perfor-

says.

mances across Tanzania. Planned events

In fact, when his brother brought the

for Arusha and Zanzibar fell victim to the

Michael Jackson video home it was done

Here there were opportunities to teach,

pandemic, but it is hoped they can soon be

very much in secret. ‘He was not supposed

show and exchange new contemporary

rescheduled. For Tadhi, the work has been

to, but I’m very glad he did,” Tadhi says.

dance forms with studios for rehearsals and

crucial in opening minds to new forms of

workshops and space for Tadhi to teach

dance in the country.

yoga and Africonte, his mix of African and

“We have our own dance roots growing

contemporary dance, to the public. There

up,” he says. “At the beginning it was weird

was also a stage to host Nantea’s biannual

for many of the dancers we were working

live showcase, Contemporary Dance Nights,

with to see what we were doing, but now

at which some of the company’s latest

they want to learn more.

productions, including last year’s Tadhi choreographed ‘Fake It Until You Make It’, have been premiered. The shows are spreading the word on contemporary dance in the commercial capital. Attendance has doubled since the events began in 2018, with the latest dance night attracting an audience of 500. Other sympathetic Dar venues such as the Alliance Française and MuDa have staged Nantea productions.

International festivals The company has also shown its work beyond Tanzania’s borders. Tadhi and Japhet took their early dance duet, ‘Short and Tall’, to festivals in Kenya and Uganda while Tadhi performed his solo show ‘African Ways’ at the Black Box Theatre in Holstebro, Denmark, in 2018. The latter took place during a two-month residency at Black Box Dance Company – a stay that also included teaching African traditional and contemporary dance fusion at Danish Talent Academy (DTA). Tadhi has also helped give respected international contemporary dance artists a platform in Tanzania, recently working with choreographers such as Yolanda Gutiérrez

For more information on Tadhi’s work and to watch his ‘Body vs Mouth’ video, visit tadhialawi.wixsite.com/mysite To keep up with the latest events at Nantea Dance Company, visit its Facebook site.

paa TANZ ANIA

In-flight Magazine

GET NOTICED, GET VISIBLE, GET ON BOARD! BOOK NOW FOR THE NEXT ISSUE

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 Tel: +44 (0)7944 212063 (WhatsApp) Email: paa@landmarine.org Godfrey S. Urassa Tel: +255 (0)686 118 816 (WhatsApp) Email: godfreyurassa@landmarine.org

TANZ AN IA

Payment is required on publication date via bank transfer and payable to Land & Marine Publications Ltd. Bank details can be found on the invoice. Payment for Classifieds is required on booking. Advertisers will be invoiced by Land & Marine prior to publication deadline. Cancellations must be received in writing within 14 days of the order. †Estimated.

Paa Stay / Old Boma Hotel

Old Boma is the best of the bay

The beautiful restoration of Mikindani’s late 19th century German colonial fort or ‘boma’ into a palatial hotel triggered a revival of fortunes of the historic Swahili trading port, which was in danger of remaining a picturesque ruin. Now the Old Boma Hotel provides visitors to this remote strip of south Tanzania coastline with high-end style and service – the hotel doubles as a hospitality college and staff are trained inhouse – and can show them the region’s rich tourism potential of excellent diving sites, pristine beaches, dhow cruises and rare wildlife-filled forest. With the hotel offering discounts until the end of the year and Precision Air flying regularly to neighbouring Mtwara, there’s never been a better time to head south.

Location

palm trees it is said the town is

the bay and bring in the catch of the

Mikindani town is located on a hillside

named after. You’ll want some time

day to be inspected at the beach fish

that gently slopes down to the white

to take in the view here because this

sand beaches and natural harbour

is one of the most beautiful coastal

of Mikindani Bay. The Old Boma

stretches in Tanzania. Forming a

stands sentinel on the hill where it is

heart-shaped natural harbour, the bay

a short drive away – which also sells

fanned by welcome coastal breezes

was a welcome respite from the perils

spices, fruit and vegetables.

and offers the best view in town of

of the unpredictable Indian Ocean

the bay and out across the Indian

for explorers in the 18th and 19th

exploring on foot to take in the shops,

Ocean. The hotel has its own flame

centuries and today dhows still ride

cafés and bars amid its winding

tree-flanked pathway down to the

the winds across its sheltered waters

streets and its mix of African, Arabic

bay, which is fringed by the young

to Pemba village on the other side of

and European architecture – a legacy

market. It’s a lively early morning spot Serene The beach at Mikindani

with a series of wooden stalls, but the main market is in Mtwara – just

Mikindani’s old town is worth

www.precisionairtz.com

31

Paa Stay / The Old Boma Hotel zone in the town to protect its culture and traditions.

Rooms Each of The Old Boma’s eight rooms – all named after salient figures in the town’s history – are en-suite and have either a sea, garden or pool view. The superior rooms on the first floor all have balconies. The largest of them, ‘Livingstone’, sleeps three with a double and single bed as well as wonderful views out across the bay.

The rest are spacious doubles, except for 'The Tower’, the hotel’s only single

Each of Old Boma’s eight rooms are en-suite and have either a sea, garden or pool view

room, which is located in the hotel’s loftiest spot and, as you’d expect, commands a spectacular view.

Food and drink The Old Boma’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with dishes

Sheltered swim

of the multicultural mix the trading

spacious rooms and soaring ceilings.

port has attracted since the 9th

Interior design touches such as

century. Historical landmarks include

locally crafted furniture, including

Livingstone House – the famous

carved Swahili beds, examples of

banana curry and pan-fried local

British missionary and explorer Dr

the distinctive ebony carvings of the

fish draw on fresh produce sourced

David Livingstone is said to have set

Makonde people, the original inhab-

from local markets and the Old Boma

off on his last African expedition here

itants of Mikondi, and hand-woven

has its own kitchen garden to grow

– the old slave market and Hindu,

cotton bedspreads complement the

fruit and vegetables. The restaurant’s

Muslim and Christian sites of worship.

historical architecture. New touches

poolside setting is idyllic, but guests

have been designed to make the

can request meals in their rooms,

most of the Old Boma’s priceless

their balconies or in the communal

The Old Boma was built in 1895

location with a terrace positioned to

courthouse.

and was the southern administra-

take in sunsets over the bay as well

tive centre of German, then British

as a beautiful outdoor swimming

Facilities and excursions

colonial control. However, once the

pool shrouded in bougainvillea

The hotel has recently introduced

Brits moved operations to Mtwara

bushes and lush gardens. The over-

in 1947 much of Mikindani fell into

whelming sense is one of welcome,

disrepair. The boma was in a sorry

compounded by the attentive Old

state when charitable trust Trade

Boma staff, all trained at the hotel’s

environment. The trained therapists

Aid began its restoration half a

inhouse vocational training institute.

here work with scrubs and body oils

century later, but the work has been

A stay at the Old Boma supports this

they have handmade themselves

transformational. Using local build-

training as well as the charity’s work

using organic, local ingredients. As

ers and incorporating traditional

to continue its restoration work in

well as being used in the treatments

techniques, the Old Boma Hotel still

Mikindani beyond the Old Boma

they are available for purchase at the

retains its colonial grandeur with

and create a certified conservation

hotel reception.

Style

32

Paa Tanzania

The pool at The Old Boma

drawing on the town’s exotic mix of influences, both colonial and local.

Seasonal dishes such as green

its Afya Spa, which offers a range of Priceless Bay views from the hotel

treatments – from massages through facials to hair braiding – in a relaxing

Images Courtesy of Old Boma Hotel

Brian’s Bar – named after Trade

journeys to the Ruvuma River Basin

Aid founder Brian Currie, who first

on the Mozambique border for

envisioned the Old Boma’s future

crocodile and hippo spotting and

as a hotel – is a spot for guests to

a chance to explore the Rondo

relax over drinks either in its African

Plateau and forest reserve, which

art-filled interior or on the sundowner

is home to a number of monkey

terrace. Staff can mix up a range of

species, including the super cute

signature cocktails, including a ‘Boma

Rondo dwarf galago, which only

Bee Sting’.

weighs 100 grams and is endemic

A wide variety of activities and excursions are available from the

to coastal Tanzania.

hotel. These include PADI operated

Prices

diving trips to the protected coral

Double rooms start at US$ 109 with

reefs of Msimbati Beach and the

a triple occupancy in ‘Livingstone’ at

Mnazi Bay Marine Reserve; dhow

US$ 168

boat trips across Mikindani Bay

Until the end of 2020, The Old

(with humpback whale sightings

Boma is offering up to 60 per cent off

possible from August to November);

accommodation and food and drink.

Tower Many of The Old Boma's original features have been retained and restored

Paa Tech

Best e-readers A good book can be a welcome escape when the outside world seems beset with troubles.

With many of us seeking entertainment while staying at home in the wake of the Covid19 pandemic, reading is undergoing a renaissance. Now books are easy to access without leaving the house with the advent of e-readers and several companies are offering free trials to download e-books and audiobooks at the click of a button. Pack up your paperbacks, here are some of the best e-readers available today.

Best for reading a gripping thriller…

Best for reading in the bath…

KINDLE PAPERWHITE

KOBO FORMA

Image: Amazon.com Inc

Image: Rakuten Kobo

Kindle is the king of e-readers and the Paperwhite is by far

This is the e-reader for those who really like to immerse themselves in

the most popular version of all its models. It’s easy to see why.

books. You could grab a snorkel and read Moby Dick underwater for

It’s super thin, waterproof and has a two-week battery life so

60 minutes with the Kobo Forma thanks to its IPX8 waterproof rating. If

you can take it with you wherever you go. It is also designed

that seems a little extreme then just know you can bring it to the beach,

to combat eye strain with its sleek typography and glare-free

waterpark or even the bath without fear of it being damaged. Other

display. It’s even easy to read in the dark with its adjustable built-

welcome features include auto blue light reduction so bedtime reading

in light.

does not make for sleepless nights and its large eight-inch touchscreen.

www.amazon.com US$ 129

uk.kobobooks.com US$ 249

34

Paa Tanzania

e-Readers

Best if price is no object…

KINDLE OASIS Images: Amazon.com Inc

Perfection comes at a price. The Oasis is more than twice as expensive as the Paperwhite and this is a high-end e-reader. This is for the customer who wants everyone to know they have the top of the range e-reader – it comes in Champagne Gold to emphasise the point – but it does have some enviable features such a colour-adjustable integrated light depending on whether you’re reading in the day or night. It can also take a plunge underwater and play your Audible audiobooks to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. www.amazon.com US$ 289

Best Android ebook…

Best when size matters…

ONYX BOOX MAX3 Image: onyxboox.com

NOOK GLOWLIGHT PLUS Image: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc.

Within the same price range as the Kindle Paperwhite, this Android-based Nook Glowlight 3 from Barnes & Noble

In many ways – unfortunately, including price – the Onyx is in a league of

enables you to choose from the millions of titles the

its own. With its massive 13.3-inch screen – close to A4 paper – it is ideal for

bookselling giant has to offer, which can be added to your

reading large format PDFs such as scientific and technical papers, academic

library in seconds using built-in wi-fi. It doesn’t support

journals or even sheet music. You can make notes on the page with the

audiobooks, but you can download apps, including the

Onyx’s own stylus that doesn’t need recharging. Despite the large screen,

free Nook Reading App for iPhone, iPad and Android

it is surprisingly slim and light so eminently portable. It has full Android

devices, which keeps tracks of your reading across your

capabilities so it can run Kindle, Kobo and Nook readings apps as well as

devices. Start a book on your Nook and continue reading

surf the web.

on your smartphone or tablet.

onyxboox.com US$ 859

www.barnesandnoble.com US$ 179

www.precisionairtz.com

35

No-nonsense talk with Sona

How to enjoy solitude rather than feel lonely solitude”. I am inclined to agree.

You see, it’s not that we need to connect with other people,

Sona Parmar Clinical Nutritionist

rather it’s about our dire need to (re-)connect with ourselves. It’s about acknowledging, understanding and validating our own needs and wants, so that we reside comfortably in solitude rather than loneliness.

And what exactly is the difference between loneliness and solitude? When you’re lonely (assuming you recognise the feeling in the first place), you’ll

Y

be inclined to do things that

esterday, as I struck the match to

you wouldn’t choose to do from a space of

light the candle for my morning

solitude. You wouldn’t drink poison when

prayers, I was unusually present

you’re parched, right?

- so much so that I totally absorbed the different sounds that a match makes on

Focus on what you love

the journey from being struck, to lighting

Given that we seem hard-wired to distract

up fully. It reminded me of the dial-up

ourselves from the void of being on our

tone that we used to hear when we would

own, how do we go about liking ourselves

connect to the internet. But now, of

when we’re by ourselves?

course, we’re always connected.

in-between, space - one where you forget

teachers regularly talk about - how we’re

about figuring it all out, and focus on what

are always connected to Source, to God,

you love. Anything at all.

universe. We are not separate. We are one.

So why is it that I can feel so alone

Binge-watching Netflix, losing yourself in a good book, catching up with an old friend, eating chocolate-chip cookies, taking crazy-

sometimes? How is it possible that I don’t

hot baths, educating yourself on YouTube,

always remember that I’m connected to this

planning a trip away, tidying up (Marie Kondo

enormous reservoir of unconditional love?

rocks), or even taking yourself out on a date.

Why am I inclined to look for solace outside

To find out more about her work, visit nutritionbysona.com and instagram.com/ inspirationbysona

By being willing to be in a liminal, or

Always connected; it’s what spiritual

to Yahweh, to the great architect of the

Paa has a new columnist. Sona Parmar is a Nairobi-based clinical nutritionist certified by the Nutrition Therapy Council.

In each issue the mum-of-three will take a wry look at the human condition inspired by events in her own life.

It’s about being alone, rather than being

to hang out, even when no-one is really going out – all because the Universe picked

myself, even when I know that it can only be

lonely, and then enjoying it so much, that

up the subtle, but very noticeable, shift in

fleeting?

you won’t settle for anything that lowers

how you perceived yourself. It’s truly magic.

Because, as a human being, I am both so smart and so silly.

According to American poet Marianne Moore, “the best cure for loneliness is

36

Paa Tanzania

your vibration - all because you enjoy your own company.

And it’s then that the strangest thing starts to happen: people start calling you wanting

So even though it’s a process, and a precarious one at times, it is so worth it.

I guess in some circles, they call this loving yourself.

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

Tanzanite 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.

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.

Contact Us For more details, email paaroyal@precisionairtz.com or call +255684202022

www.precisionairtz.com

37

/

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 P.O. Box 1636 Arusha - Tanzania Tel: +255 27 254 5489 / 254 5503 Email: pw-arksales@precisionairtz.com

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 Email: bukobamachinery55@yahoo.com

DODOMA

Mtendeni street, Dodoma Tel: +255 787 845 200 / 754 972 173

MOSHI

KNCU Building, Ground Floor, Old Moshi Road Tel: +255 784 686 418 +255 (0)272 753495 / 753498 Mob: +255 (0)787 800820 Email: sales@acobtravel.com info@acobtravel.com

MTWARA

Tanu Road, Posta Building, PO Box 1066, Mtwara Tel: +255 (0)23 233 4116 Mob: +255 (0)787 818 442 / 767 818 442 Email: pw-mwzgsa@precisionairtz.com

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

ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar Airport Tel: +255 (0)24 223 4521 Fax: +255 (0)24 223 4520 Email: pwznz@precisionairtz.com

KENYA NAIROBI

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 / +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

UGANDA

Pan Africa House, Plot no.3 Kimathi Avenue P.O. Box 5619 Kampala Tel: +256-790 381 431 (24hr Emergency) Mob: +256 784(704) 329793 Email: precisionair.eva@utb.co.ug

AUSTRIA

Argentinierstrasse 2/4 A-1040 Vienna, Austria Tel: +43 1 585 3630 Fax: +43 1 558 536 3088

AUSTRALIA

Suite 1302, 109 Pitt Street Sydney, Australia Email: helpdesk@apg-ga.com.au

BELGIUM

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

FINLAND

Precision Air C/o Aviareps PL 10 00750 Helsinki, Finland Finland Tel: +46 8 55569162 Email: PWres.scan@aviareps.com

FRANCE

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

GERMANY MUNICH OFFICE

Josephspitalstrasse 15 80331 Munich 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)69 770 673 018

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

NETHERLANDS

Beechavenue 104 1119 PP Schiphol, Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)20 520 0280 Fax: +31 (0)2 6 23 0151

SPAIN

Bravo Murillo 101, Planta 6 Oficina 3, 28020 Madrid, Spain Tel: +34 (0)91 458 5560 Fax: +34 (0)91 344 1726 Email: Precisionair.spain@aviareps.com

SWEDEN

Aviareps, Riddargatan 17 11457 Stockholm Sweden Tel: +46 (0)8 55569162 Email: PWres.scan@aviareps.com

SWITZERLAND

Badenerstrasse 15, 8004 Zurich Switzerland Tel: +41 (0)44 286 99 60 Fax: +41 (0)44 286 99 00 Email: Precisionair-Switzerland@ aviareps.com

TURKEY

Discover The World -Turkey Nef22 E Blok 13. Kat No:194 Atakoy/ İstanbul 34156 TURKEY Tel: +90 212 806 11 87 Email: info@discover-tk.com

USA and CANADA

AirlinePros 420 Lexington Ave Suite 358-360 New York, NY. 10170 Tel: +1 877 496 9887 Email: reservations@precisionairlines.us Precisionair_tanzania@airlinerpos.ca

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 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS CONTACT LILIAN MUSYOKA

Tel: +254 (0)786800640 +254 (0)20 3274297 / 82 / 90 Email: imusyoka@precisionairtz.com lilian.musyoka@kenya-airways.com

www.precisionairtz.com

39

Welcome Aboard

Fly with a face mask

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.

40

Paa Tanzania

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.