Paa Tanzania – issue 104

DINING IN DAR

Cosmopolitan cuisine in the commercial capital BAGAMOYO BREAK

Inside Firefly guesthouse

YOUR FREE PRECISION AIR MAGAZINE Issue 104, December 2021 - February 2022

Rhinos return HOW TANZANIA IS PRESERVING ITS WILDLIFE RICHES

/ TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK / PILAU RECIPE / ABDULRAZAK GURNAH / ADVENTURE TECH / WISH-LIST

NUMBER ONE

Kenyan rapper Femi One's rise to greatness

Contents

Image: Brian Mwando

Femi One – Page 22

Issue 104, December 2021 - February 2022

Features

6

3 FOREWORD

21 PAA COMPETITION Win a stay at Gran Meliá Arusha

Welcome onboard

6 FESTIVE CARDS

Artist creates Christmas cards with a Tanzanian twist

8

28 PAA TECH

Author becomes first Tanzanian to win Nobel prize in literature

13 EAT AROUND THE WORLD IN DAR Exploring the commercial capital's cosmopolitan dining scene

Gadgets for hikers

26

Festive gifts

17 WILDLIFE AT RISK

The work being done to preserve Tanzania's world-leading animal diversity

22 FEMI ONE

Kenyan rapper reveals her journey to greatness

35 TELLING THE TALE OF TARANGIRE

2

Film captures life in and around national park

Paa Tanzania

31 PAA STAY

Culture and comfort at Firefly Bagamoyo

36 NO-NONSENSE TALK WITH SONA

16 THE WISH-LIST

26 PAA FOOD with Chef Monalisa Pilau recipe

8 ABDULRAZAK GURNAH

Regulars

Precision Air Info 5 Paa News 37 Paa Royal Benefits 38 Route Network 39 Paa Contacts 40 Welcome Aboard

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Foreword Precision Air Services Plc Diamond Plaza PO Box 70770, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel: +255 (0)22 219 1000 Fax: +255 (0)22 286 0725 www.precisionairtz.com Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager: Hillary Mremi Email: hmremi@precisionairtz.com Paa Tanzania Magazine is published for Precision Air by: Land & Marine Publications (Tanzania) Ltd. 4th floor, Josam House Block A, along Coca Cola Road Mikocheni Area, Dar es Salaam Tel: +255 686 118 816 www.landmarine.com ADVERTISING: Catherine O’Callaghan Tel: +44 (0)7944 212063 (WhatsApp) Email: paa-tz@landmarine.org Godfrey S. Urassa Tel: +255 (0)686 118 816 (WhatsApp) Email: godfreyurassa@landmarine.com EDITOR: Mark Edwards Email: markedwards@landmarine.com 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. ©2021 Land & Marine Publications (Tanzania) Ltd.

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

We've made flying easier and more affordable I am so glad that you have chosen Precision Air to connect you across Tanzania and beyond.

The holiday season is upon us and we know plenty of you are using this opportunity to visit friends and loved ones to share in the festivities.

We have made it easier and more affordable for even more of you to make those trips. Our Dunduliza scheme means you can pay in instalments for your flight while our partnership with telecoms operator Airtel gives customers discounts on all our flights.

There are also now more awards for our frequent flyers with Paa Royal passengers getting a free flight once they have booked 10 trips with us. They can also take advantage of an expanded range of discounts from our partners in the scheme, including international hotel chain Holiday Inn. With all these benefits and our unparalleled choice of destinations in all corners of Tanzania as well as Nairobi over our northern border, we are connecting our passengers like never before. Upcoming additions to our route network include new flights between Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Tabora.

We are also planning to double the amount of daily flights between our Dar hub and Dodoma and have also introduced direct flights from Dar to Bukoba instead of flying via Mwanza.

Precision Air is continuing to offer young Tanzanians a head start in working in the airline industry with the second class of students on the Cabin Crew Initial Course at our Training Centre celebrating their recent graduation. The next intake is planned for January 2022.

Don’t hesitate to share your feedback about our services through customer-relations@precisionairtz.com

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

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Precision Air Latest news

Book now, pay later with our Dunduliza fare Desperate to jet off to your dream destination or connect with friends and family, but prefer to spread the cost? Well now you can with our Dunduliza fare travel plan.

Precision partners with Airtel for 5% off flights

The service allows Precision Air customers to lock in their flights now for TZS 50,000 and then pay the rest of the price in a series of small instalments. As long as the full amount is paid at least a week before your flight date you are good to go.

Paying for flights in instalments is a smart way to treat yourself to that trip away you really need and deserve, but didn’t think you could afford.

We believe everyone should have the chance to travel and the Dunduliza book-now, pay-later

What’s better than booking a Precision Air flight to one of our amazing 11 destinations? Getting five per cent off the price to do it!

scheme makes that a reality. Don’t put off your holiday, start with the funds you have now then let's meet in the air.

This service is available in our sales offices or call us on +255 746 984100, +255 784 108800 and +255 222 168000

That’s the deal for all our Airtel customers whenever they buy their tickets through Airtel Money. All you need to do is visit precisionairtz.com, book your ticket, insert promo code ATLPW select pay via Airtel Money and you will get your discount. Don’t miss out!

Pamper yourself with Paa Royal Touch Spa is the latest prime Dar es Salaam business to offer discounts to our loyal Paa Royal passengers.

staff offering a range of treatments, such as a heavenly deep tissue massage with relaxing hot stones.

Frequent flyer passengers with Precision Air will now be able to receive up to 30 per cent off treatments at the chain of health spas and salons.

To save on spa treatments and a host of other perks, you can register through our leaflets found in the seat pocket on your flight today, call us on +255 684 202022 or visit our offices.

Touch Spa has four outlets in Dar – in Oyster Bay, Mikocheni, the CBD and Mbezi – and each is a haven of tranquillity with internationally trained

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

5

Paa Picks / Tanzanian Christmas Cards

Christmas cards with a Tanzanian twist Christmas is hugely popular holiday in Tanzania, but the wintry imagery that often illustrates festive cards and decorations can seem a little out of place in a country in which you’d have to scale Mount Kilimanjaro to find any trace of snow and Rudolph the Reindeer’s troublesome nose is likely to be the result of forgetting the sunblock again.

But now you can get your Claus (sorry!) on some Tanzanianthemed Christmas cards thanks to an artist who works under the name Trailing Sprout. As he explains it, there is now “no need to send a ‘not very Tanzanian’ pine forest and snowman themed Christmas card this year. Rather go for Santa’s sleigh being pulled by a giraffe, a Kilimanjaro draped in Christmas lights or Rudolph being snagged by a crocodile while crossing the Mara river”.

The artist, who resides in Dar es Salaam, was asked to design the cards after a series of similarly Tanzanian-centric post cards he created proved a huge hit, selling more than 1,000 copies in Dar alone.

The Christmas cards are available to buy from outlets A Novel Idea, Make It Matter and TPH Bookshop in Dar, A Novel Idea in Arusha, and Kumi Gifts and Treats and East Africa Merchants Co. in Stone Town and Green Market in Paje on Zanzibar Island. To check out more of Trailing Sprout’s work, visit his Instagram page @trailing.sprout

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Paa Tanzania

Images by Trailing Sprout

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Nobel prize winner

Tanzanian novelist wins Nobel Prize in literature O

n October 11, when

in the literary world who have long

Zanzibar-born author

thought the 73-year-old author was

Abdulrazak Gurnah first

overdue such global recognition.

got the call informing him he had

Since starting writing seriously in his

won the Nobel prize in literature,

early 20s, he has published 10 highly

he assumed someone was playing

acclaimed novels and a number

a joke. It was only after he put the

of short stories. His fourth novel,

phone down and it immediately

‘Paradise’, was shortlisted for the UK’s

rang again, heralding a succession

Booker Prize in 1994, while his most

of calls from the world’s media

recent release, ‘Afterlives’, was among

desperate for an interview that it

the six nominated novels for this

began to sink in.

year’s Orwell Prize for Political Fiction

The Nobel prize in literature is the world’s most famous literary

Gurnah left Zanzibar in 1966 when he was 18 years old. The aftermath

that goes back to 1901 and which

of the revolution in 1964, when the

includes luminaries such as Ernest

Sultan of Zanzibar and his main Arab

Hemingway, Toni Morrison and Bob

government were overthrown, was

Dylan. Gurnah’s place on that list is

still being keenly felt by the islands’

a landmark with the writer not only

Muslims and the young Gurnah was

becoming the first Tanzanian to

forced to leave his family behind and

win but also the first black African

flee to the UK as a refugee.

in 1986.

Leaving Zanzibar

8

– another UK award.

award with a roll-call of laureates

recipient since Nigeria’s Wole Soyinka

The country has become his adopted home. He now lives in Canterbury, in the south-east of England, where he continues to write

While Gurnah may have met the

and was until his recent retirement

news with incredulity, there are many

the emeritus professor of English at

Paa Tanzania

Congratulations to Abdulrazak Gurnah, who in October became the first Tanzanian to win the prestigious literary award. The writer left Zanzibar when he was 18 and exile and identity have been recurring themes in his work. Here we take a closer look at the career of the now US$ 1,150,000 richer author.

Zanzibar-born Abdulrazak Gurnah Image by Mark Pringle

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Nobel prize winner

Kent University. Still his East African

But these shopkeepers, homemakers,

roots and the indelible sense of

askaris, students and refugees all

dislocation that stemmed from being

matter to him and in the course of his

wrenched from his homeland never

writing, he makes them meaningful

left him and became predominant

and complicated, and reminds us

themes in his fiction.

that every single one is worthy of

While memories of his early years in Zanzibar remained strong, he

remembrance.”

These elements of Gurnah’s work

Shopkeepers, home-makers, askaris, students and refugees all matter to him... and he reminds us that every single one is worthy of remembrance

looked even further back as a writer,

were also singled out by the Nobel

detailing the African experience – in

committee announcing the award

the intimate spaces created by

with chair Anders Olsson praising

families, companions and friend-

the author’s “uncompromising and

ships – during the warring British and

compassionate penetration of the

the language such as Chaucer’s

German colonial control in the late

effects of colonialism and the fate

‘The Canterbury Tales’ in his second

19th century.

of the refugee in the gulf between

novel, ‘Pilgrim’s Way’, and to Joseph

cultures and continents” in a body a

Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’ in his

work that “recoils from stereotypical

most famous novel, ‘Paradise’, in

Novelist Maaza Mengiste, writing

descriptions and opens our gaze

which a young enslaved Tanzanian

for UK newspaper The Guardian,

to a culturally diversified East Africa

says these sensitive portrayals of

unfamiliar to many in other parts of

ordinary African lives in extraordi-

the world”.

African lives

nary circumstances create a fresh

Exile Gurnah left Zanzibar when he was 18 years old

follows his merchant owner on a treacherous journey into the Congo Basin.

Despite leaving Zanzibar in his

understanding of history. “Each of

New audience

teens and not returning for close

Gurnah’s novels focus on the stories

Gurnah began taking his writing seri-

to 20 years – he was allowed to see

of those whose stories might not

ously in exile. Even though Swahili

his father shortly before he died –

have made it into the archives or who

was his first language, he wrote in

memories of the Swahili coast and

lack the documents that would make

English and the well-read scholar

its indigenous people remained vivid

them memorable to the larger world.

makes nods to literary classics of

from his place of exile. He conjures

Notable Nobel Prize in Literature winners

Lev Radin | shutterstock.com

Gurnah becomes the first Tanzanian winner on the list, but there are many more whose wins caused a stir.

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Paa Tanzania

Wole Soyinka (left). The Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist in the English language was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first sub-Saharan African to be honoured in that category.

Jean-Paul Sartre. The French author and philosopher won in

1964 (France is the country with the most Nobel prize for literature winners with 15 so far) despite refusing to accept the award, claiming “a writer must refuse to allow himself to be transformed into an institution”.

Bob Dylan (right). In 2016 the US singer-songwriter became the first musician to win the award.

It sparked plenty of debate as to whether song lyrics could be considered literature. Dylan,

a cosmopolitan region globalised

deemed “the person who shall have

by trade connections with the

produced in the field of literature

entire world and yet betrayed by a

the most outstanding work in an

history of slave trading and colonial

ideal direction”. The winner gets a

oppression – Portuguese, Arab,

medal, a diploma from the King of

German and British – that challenged

Sweden and prize money, which

personal freedom. Such a shifting

this year is worth 10 million Swedish

sense of national identity and kinship

Krona (US$ 1,150,000).

is further complicated by becoming a refugee and many of Gurnah’s characters find themselves detached from their homeland and come to question their allegiances and place

Prize winner Gurnah’s latest novel, ‘Afterlives’. Image by Bloomsbury Publishing

in the world as a result.

Reading Abdulrazak Gurnah The writer has an extensive back catalogue of novels, short stories and essays, so here’s a few ideas on where to start.

Memory of Departure Gurnah’s debut novel was released in 1987 and centres on talented teen Hassan’s efforts to escape his stunted life on the East African coast for a new start in Nairobi only to be drawn back in.

Paradise

The Nobel prize should bring a new audience to an author

The story of a young Tanzanian boy, Yusuf, pawned by his father to work for a powerful Arab merchant and accompany him on a treacherous trading trip into the Congo Basin. It’s part coming of age tale, part love story and paints a vivid picture of an Africa increasingly corrupted by colonialism and violence.

who has flown under the radar of many readers, including those in his East African homeland. It has become the world’s most famous prize for literature since being established (along with awards in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine and peace) in the will

By The Sea

of Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel

This tale of love and betrayal was longlisted for the 2002 Booker prize and shortlisted for the Los Angeles Times book prize in fiction.

It focuses on two Zanzibari asylum seekers in the UK with an intimate shared history who struggle to truly leave their past behind.

in 1901. Gurnah joins a roll call of distinguished laureates, all of whom have in the words of Nobel been

Christian Bertrand | shutterstock.com

The Stateless Person’s Tale whose 60-plus-year career has made a habit of confounding expectations, seemed to relish the controversy, adding fuel to the fire by delaying his acceptance of the award and being absent from the official award ceremony.

Toni Morrison. The American author became the first black woman of any nationality to win the prize in 1993. Her novels such as ‘The Bluest Eye’ and ‘Beloved’ relayed the injustices African

Americans experienced in their country in the 1940s and 50s and she was a pioneering force in developing a presence for black writers in American literature.

Naguib Mahfouz. Regarded as one of the first contemporary writers of Arabic literature, the Egyptian novelist, playwright and scriptwriter became the first North African winner in 1988.

Most of his works were set in his home city of Cairo.

This affecting short work is Gurnah’s relaying of the plight of a refugee he met who has lost his identity documents and been detained in the UK for 12 years. It is included in the Refugee Tales book series released to raise awareness about the situation of many refugees and migrants in the UK.

Afterlives Gurnah’s most recent novel focuses on the people enduring German rule in East Africa at the beginning of the twentieth century, including those whose allegiances and identity are tested by signing up as askari serving in the German Colonial Army.

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International cuisine

Eat around the world in Dar es Salaam

Tanzania’s busiest city has a thriving food scene to match with plenty of international cuisine options. So let your taste buds travel and take a globe-trotting culinary trip, Bongo-style, with us.

Ethiopian

Addis in Dar

This restaurant has been a hugely popular part of the Dar es Salaam dining scene for almost a quarter of a century. Its Ethiopian owner ensures an authentic culinary experience by sourcing all the grains and spices the country’s cuisine is famous for from his mother, who lovably sun dries them at her home in Addis Ababa. The restaurant also encourages the cuisine’s hands-on approach to eating with dishes served on injera, a spongy flat-bread made with gluten-free grain teff, used to scoop up thick vegetable or meat stews (called

wats or wots). It’s a style of eating that lends itself to sharing and many of Addis in Dar’s most popular options are the set menus that offer a mix-and-match variety of mouth-watering stews and sauces with plenty of vegetarian options and stacks of injera to go around. For the full Ethiopian experience, you can complement your food with a glass of the sweet homemade honey wine known as ‘tej’ or a cup of traditional home-brewed coffee. Word is spreading. Addis in Dar’s success is such that a sister restaurant in Cape Town has opened recently.

Try this: It’s hard to look past the set menus, but the Doro Wot, a selection of chicken drumsticks marinated in fresh lime juice, simmered in chopped onions, garlic

and red pepper spice berbere is a fiery alternative.

Opening hours: 5.30pm to 10.30pm every evening except Sunday.

Address: Ursino Street, Dar es Salaam. Call +255 713 266 299

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International cuisine

Italian

Ristorante Bella Napoli This family-friendly eatery in the bustling thoroughfare of Haile Selassie Road brands itself the “The Best Italian Restaurant in Dar es Salaam” and it’s hard to disagree. Executive chef Giuseppe Vitiello, a Naples native, leads the kitchen with his team crafting a menu of southern Italian delights cooked in the traditional style and making use of homemade pasta and the freshest local ingredients. For proof of the love and care that goes into the food, check out the range of ravioli dishes in which every one of the filled envelopes of pasta is individually hand crafted. As you’d expect, there’s plenty of pizzas to choose from – including a

half-metre size ideal for sharing – but more surprisingly much of the pasta and pizza menu is also available gluten-free.

The restaurant goes out of its way to cater for young diners with a play area in its lush outdoor area, a kids’ menu and even dedicated nannies to take care of young charges and give mum and dad a break!

Try this: Italian culinary expertise and the seafood spoils of the Indian Ocean come together in the Pasta del Tagliere alla Pescatore, which features fresh pasta mixed in with chopped calamari, cuttlefish, prawns, tomato and chili and topped with fresh parsley. Deliziosa!

Opening hours: Open 12pm to 9.30pm every day except Tuesday.

Address: 530 Haile Selassie Road, Dar es Salaam. Call +255 222 600 326.

French Epi d’Or

This French family-run restaurant and bakery has been in Dar es Salaam, in one guise or another, since 1999. Its growing popularity prompted a series of upsizing moves – from Mikocheni to Samora Avenue and then the retail village at Sea Cliff Hotel – before, in 2008, the owners opened a spacious restaurant in Haile Selassie Road. Hard to believe, given the mass of bars, restaurants and nightclubs that now populate the thoroughfare, but Epi d’Or was the road’s first restaurant.

The welcoming, relaxed place has held its own amid all the development that has sprung up around it and established itself as one of the most popular food destinations in Dar es Salaam. Pop in

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Paa Tanzania

for a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu of French and Lebanese delicacies, an extensive wine list, freshly made juices and specialty coffee as well as freshly made pastries, breads and cakes from its onsite boulangerie. The bakers here have quite a reputation and many of the city’s top hotels order their fresh breakfast pastries here, but anyone can turn up and get a host of baguettes, brioche, pain au chocolat and croissants hot from the oven.

Try this: A ribeye steak with béarnaise sauce and dauphinoise potatoes. If you’re going out for ‘l’experience française’, the owners suggest you pair it a glass of Spier Chenin Blanc.

Opening hours: Every day from 7.30am to 10.30pm Address: Plot 520, Haile Selassie Road, Dar es Salaam. Call +255 786 669 889.

Indian

Mumbai Spices CBD Hotel There is a large community of Indians who have migrated to Dar es Salaam and you will find a good number of them regularly dine at Mumbai Spices – always a good sign of a restaurant’s authenticity. Of course, the Indian influence in Tanzanian cuisine goes back to the early maritime spice trade and at Mumbai Spice you’ll find that tradition of delicate seasoning enriching the flavour of the classics such as Tandoori dishes, chicken tikka masala and a host of biryanis. You’ll also find classic Indian street food such as pani puri – crispy, fried, hollow dough balls that are stuffed with boiled potatoes and served with a spicy dip. Located on the ground

Japanese and Thai Thai Kani

floor of the Best Western Hotel in the heart of Dar’s CBD, this is a great spot for an evening meal or a business lunch – with a number of specials always on offer.

Try this: Guju Thali is a selection of vegetarian curries, chutneys, salads and rices, which is ideal for sharing.

Opening hours: Every day from 11am to 11pm Address: Best Western CBD Hotel Nkurumah Street. Call +255 689 933 010.

This family-run waterfront restaurant offers a winning combination of sushi and sunsets with diners able to take in views of Msasani Bay while enjoying dishes that fuse the flavours of Japanese and Thai cuisine with fresh ocean-caught seafood. Its signature sushi rolls are packed with fresh octopus, crab, lobster and now salmon while there are also a range of aromatic Thai curries to try. Thai Kani is a sociable spot with a live band on Friday evenings, happy hours Monday to Thursday with discounted cocktails and

local craft beers as well as a weekly curry night with a free bottle of Kilimanjaro beer to accompany your food, and free snacks to nibble on.

Try this: The vitamin, mineral and protein-packed Thai raw tuna salad is an energy-giving treat with raw tuna chunks, chopped red onion and crushed rice grains topped with a tangy dressing.

Opening hours: Every day from 11.30am to 10.30pm Address: The Slipway, Dar es Salaam. Call +255 715 486 014.

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The wish list

The Wish List FESTIVE GIFTS Christmas is a time for families to get together and those reunions are likely to be more keenly anticipated than ever after recent periods of isolation and disruption. Time then to show your loved ones how much they have been missed by presenting them with a thoughtful gift. Here’s some ideas to get you started…

BEESWAX PILLAR CANDLES shop@fivebeesyard.com

LEXON MIAMI SCENT AROMA DIFFUSER thedesigngiftshop.com

These candles are made by the ancient art of hand-dipping the wicks in beeswax. They also come packed in a beautiful wooden Christmas tree design gift box along with complimentary candle stand.

With its elegant vase-like design, this diffuser looks good and it smells good, dispersing aromatic oils without heat so all the benefits of the pure plant goodness are preserved.

US$ 27

US$ 96

SLEEP MASK sophieallport.com Ideal for the jet-setter who likes to catch a power nap so they arrive at their destination raring to go.

US$ 28.99

LARGE LEATHER ACCESSORIES POUCH stowlondon.co.uk If you’re a traveller who loves to organise their packing, so you know where everything is, this sapphire blue drawstring pouch is ideal for storing large and small charging cables, glasses even a digital camera. No more desperate rooting in your suitcase.

PERIDOT SQUARE EARRINGS tsaixtsai.com

US$ 67

These stylish earrings with a single peridot gem at the centre are ideal for the office or a night out.

US$ 67 FESTIVE REFILLABLE ESSENTIAL OIL CANDLE littlekarmaco.com

MAGENTA VELVET BEE ZIP thenorthernline.co.uk So glamorous and perfect for storing make-up. You could make it an extra special Christmas gift by filling it full of your loved one’s favourite toiletries.

US$ 30

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Paa Tanzania

This large (220g) natural wax candle fills any room with an aromatic Christmassy concoction of gingerbread, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. It comes in a refillable bespoke terracotta matte finish glass. Once the candle runs out, order a refill for 20 per cent off the price.

US$ 39

Endangered animals

World-famous wildlife at risk Tanzania supports the greatest quantity of wildlife in all Africa, yet it may shock you to know that 762 species of animal found in this country are either endangered or critically endangered – a status given when last-resort efforts are required to avoid their near-future extinction. Here Samana Karim identifies some of the iconic creatures on that list and reveals how we can all play a part in ensuring they remain part of Tanzania’s rich wildlife tapestry.

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There are many species in Tanzania which are categorised as being endangered or critically endangered

I

f an animal is listed as endangered

those are endangered or critically

Endangered

International Union for the

endangered. Experts say the rapid

Conservation of Nature (IUCN),

loss of species is 1,000 to 10,000

(Clockwise from above) an African wild dog, a Thomson's gazelle, a pangolin and a lesser kudu

for their horns, skins, and teeth.

There are many species in Tanzania which are categorised as being

what exactly does that mean and

times higher than the natural extinc-

is there anything that can be done

tion rate (the time it would take if we

including iconic species such as the

to rescue the species from terminal

humans were not involved).

black rhino, chimpanzee, African

decline?

The definition applies to any species that is at risk of extinction

endangered or critically endangered,

wild dog, white-bellied pangolin,

Global crisis

Thomson’s gazelle and lesser kudu.

Unfortunately and in many cases, the

The precarious status of black rhino, Under threat

because of a sudden rapid decrease

increasing number of endangered

in population or a loss of its critical

species is due to little more than

habitat. Endangered species come

human greed. The illegal wildlife

herbivores can be found in eastern

in all different shapes and sizes, can

trade is valued between US$ 50

and southern Africa. Though they

be a plant or animal, living on land

to US$150 billion per year and is

have been living on earth for nearly

or sea.

one of the most profitable global

12 million years, there are now very

crimes. Illegal trading and killing of

few of them left.

So far, more than 96,500 species have been assessed for the IUCN’s

wild animals is a global crisis, with

Red List and more than 26,500 of

species being hunted to extinction

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Paa Tanzania

Tanzania's famous chimpanzees

in particular, is a source of shame for mankind. These massive browsing

Tanzania had many black rhinos in the 1960s, but the number decreased

Endangered animals

How we can help There are many things we can do to help endangered animals, here are a few suggestions.

Raise awareness Spend time doing some research of endangered species around the world or specifically in your country or area.

Spread the word by reposting on social media, educate friends and family. People are more likely to want to save animals if they know about them.

Support someone Support an organisation and charity that helps the conservation of endangered species Volunteer and donate to organisations that support animals to thrive, for example- Conservation Serengeti and TANAPA which are both committed to conserve the rich natural heritage of the Serengeti where some of the endangered species inhabit.

Shop ethically due to poaching between the 1970s

as a heightened sense of smell. It has

and late 1980s. Since the 1990s

two horns which are made of keratin

Tanzania has committed to fight

(a type of protein that makes up hair,

against poachers to conserve the

skin, and nails) instead of bone. They

few remaining black rhinos. Humans

only consume vegetation and can live

are the adult rhinos’ only predator in

up to 45 years.

the wild and they are killed for their

The future of endangered animals

valuable horns, which are sold as

is in our hands. One of the greatest

decorations, for medicinal use and as

arguments for saving endangered

aphrodisiacs.

animals is for us and our future

Black rhino

generations to enjoy and see incredible species interact. Everything

Although the number of black rhino

is connected and therefore if an

is very low, some of the best sightings

animal or a plant is removed, it

are usually in the Ngorongoro Crater

then distorts the balance of nature,

where the short grass plains make

changes the ecosystem and, may

the them easily noticeable. The black

cause other animals to suffer in the

rhino has incredible hearing as well

food chain.

Be mindful of what your products contain. Avoid buying products that include material from endangered animals such as rhino horn.

Be an ethical tourist Sometimes when we travel, we don’t realise that the souvenirs we are purchasing are under threat. Avoid supporting the market in illegal wildlife such as tortoise shell and coral.

There is a lot more we can do to protect vulnerable species from extinction, but we must make the changes now.

Everyone who plays their responsible role helps protect these glorious species for the present and future generations to experience and enjoy.

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Paa Competition

WIN

Win a night’s stay at Gran Meliá Arusha

G

ran Meliá Arusha is an urban

Arusha is available to a lucky Paa reader

oasis set amid 18 acres of

and a guest of their choice as Gran Meliá

beautifully landscaped coffee

Arusha has kindly offered a one-night

and tea plantations. Its 171 rooms

bed-and-breakfast stay in a double

and suites look out to the city of

Deluxe Mount Meru View room as the

Arusha or have uninterrupted views of

competition prize for this issue.

Mount Meru. Guests can sample the homegrown coffee at onsite cafe The

To be in with a chance of winning this

Market Place or enjoy a buffet breakfast

magnificent prize, send your answers

at Saba Saba or a delicious meal at The

to the three questions below along

Rooftop. Other facilities include a spa

with a picture of yourself holding a

and a natural outdoor swimming pool.

copy of Paa 104 on your Precision Air

This once-in-a-lifetime experience in

flight to competition@landmarine.org

Questions: 1. Firefly guesthouse is the Bagamoyo venue for which annual Tanzanian music festival?

2. Kenyan rapper Femi One released her debut album this year. What is its title?

3. What is the name of Nobel literature prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah’s latest novel?

Last Issue's Winner Elly Makando Congratulations Elly! You win a night’s stay at The Old Boma in Mikindani. See more at www.mikindani.com. Thank you for flying Precision Air.

Terms and conditions: One entry per person. Prize is valid from January 7 to May 31, 2022, and from September 1 to November 30, 2022. Entrants must be 18 years or over. The organisers' decision is final. The competition is not open to employees and their relatives of Gran Meliá Arusha, Precision Air, or Land & Marine Publications Ltd. Email: competition@landmarine.org by 6th February 2022.

Images shown are for representation only.

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21

Femi One

‘So many African women rappers want to be Nicki Minaj…

I want to be original and stand out’

22

Paa Tanzania

Images by Brian Mwando

On top Nairobi rapper Femi One has become one of East Africa's biggest stars

Femi One’s musical journey has taken her from a schoolgirl growing up in Nairobi’s Mwiki neighbourhood with a talent for battle rapping to the first signing for record label Kaka Empire and her current position as the leading woman rapper in East Africa. Her 2019 single ‘Utawezana’ become a viral sensation and this year she built on that success with the release of her debut album, ‘Greatness’, which showcases a versatile artist willing to switch up her musical style as often as she does her striking dyed hair. Here the 27-year-old rapper, born Wanjiku Kimani, chats with Paa about sexism in the music industry, why she raps in streetwise ‘sheng’ and the Kenyan capital’s thriving music scene.

‘G

reatness’ is your first full album. Across its 14 tracks, there are elements of gospel, dancehall, r ‘n’b and Afrobeats as well as the

hip-hop you are known for. Is the album format an opportunity to show people the range of what you can do?

The album was for me to show people how much I have grown as an artist. I came into the scene as a cipher artist [rapping improvised on-the-spot lyrics] and a rap battle artist [a head-to-head contest in which each rapper brags about themselves and insults their opponent]. I evolved into someone who makes relatable hit songs. I am very diverse, and I try to show it on ‘Greatness’.

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23

Femi One

The album is a showcase of East

in a group and she introduced me

African talent. Was that deliberate?

to them. I joined the group and we

Why did you pick those artists?

performed at WAP. There was a lot

‘Utawezana’ did very well across East

of important people watching. King

Africa, and I saw an opportunity to

Kaka [Kenyan rapper and CEO of

cement my name [in the region] by

record label Kaka Empire] was there

featuring artists from those countries.

and they could all see that this bunch

But also, I am a huge fan of those

of kids could rap really well.

artists – Jay Rox from Zambia, B2C from Uganda, Joh Makini from

Your record label Kaka Empire

Tanzania and Sainapei [Tande] from

signed you up as soon as you left

Kenya.

high school. What made you stand

The music industry is maledominated and women have to work 10 times as hard to be noticed, especially if you are a rapper because people expect women to be soft

out, do you think?

very cool group of dancers. Is it

I believe there is a documentary

I had just cleared high school and

important for you to spread the

about you that has been released

King Kaka contacted me via Facebook

word on other local talent in what

to coincide with the launch of the

and said he had a remix of his song

you do?

album. The film returns to your

‘Ligi Soo’. It came out really well and

Those two tracks are a mix of ragga

roots in the Mwiki neighbour-

he was very happy with it.

and hip-hop. I love the dancing scene

hood of Nairobi. How important

in Nairobi and love incorporating

was that time in shaping you and

Do you come from a musical

your music?

family?

The documentary is shot but

No, I wouldn’t say that I do, but my

What do you think about the

we have not released it yet. The

mum used to sing in church. My

health of the Kenyan music scene

documentary shows different stages

brother was a big influence because

at the moment?

of Femi One. I started showcasing

he used to rap and play a lot of music

It’s thriving. We are doing quality

my talent at an event called WAP

in the house.

audio and video, releasing project

Nairobi talent into what I do.

(Words and Pictures) where we could

after project. I am very aware of the

go and rap. In the film we visit the

Your raps are known to be witty

emerging artists on the scene and

venue and meet the owner. My mum

and imaginative. Does rapping

there is a lot of women, which I

is also featured. She has been very

in sheng – the urban slang that

think is a good thing. The record

supportive. Kaka Empire is there too.

mixes Swahili, English and other

companies and media are believ-

It shows how I got started and have

Kenyan languages – give you

ing more in women artists and

got my breakthrough. The doc will

freedom to be playful with your

supporting them.

be out soon and I really hope it will

lyrics?

inspire people.

Sheng gives me the freedom to express myself. It’s really who I am.

You always look amazing. A Album guest

very identifiable part of your

I heard you were rapping from

It makes me stand out. Women

primary school. Why was it hip-hop

rappers from Tanzania and Uganda

music that first appealed to you

all want to be and sound like [US

and what were you rapping about

rappers] Nicki Minaj or Cardi B. I

dyeing your hair?

as a pupil?

want to be original and stand out.

I wanted a different

My oldest brother used to play a

I’ve always been myself. Sheng is me

identity. I think it was in

lot of reggae and hip-hop. At that

being me.

2018 or 2019. I needed

time the hip-hop scene was big and

Tanzania's Joh Makini appears on the 'Greatness' album Image: Weusi WTV

look is your hair, which you dye all kinds of colours.

When did you start

to stand out. Everyone

I loved to sing along. I had a friend

Your recent videos for tracks

was doing the braids so I

called Samantha whose friends were

‘Balance’ and ‘Donjo’ feature a

thought let me try dyeing

24

Paa Tanzania

Main images by Brian Mwando

my hair. I am very experimental with

very proud. ‘Utawezana’ will always

my image and like to try new things.

be a song with a very special place

I have one of the best images in the

in my heart.

music industry in East Africa. I feel the colours represent my personality

You were recently announced as

because I am a very bubbly and

the brand ambassador for Monster

colourful person.

Energy, becoming the first African woman artist to be appointed to

Is there a big difference between

such a position? Was this a proud

the Wanjiku Kimani at home

moment for you?

and the Femi One who raps and

That was a huge deal. It was a proud

performs? Is Femi One a character

moment for me and my team.

or the real you?

There’s a huge difference! I

Have there been obstacles in your

meet people [when I’m not

career as a woman in the rap music

performing] and they don’t

business? Do you feel the level of

believe it’s me because

success you have achieved now

I’m very laid back. I’m not

is an inspiration to other young

what people see in the

girls with dreams of pursuing their

music videos. However, Femi

passion?

One is not a character. It is a

Obstacles have been there and they

combination of my character,

are still there. The music industry is

ego and my thoughts.

male-dominated and women have to work 10 times as hard to be noticed,

What was your take on the

especially if you are a rapper because

‘Utawezana challenge’ viral

people expect women to be soft. But

sensation that took over your

with hard work and consistency it

single with fellow Kenyan

can be done – as I have proved. Class

rapper Mejja during lock-

is also an issue. Because I’m from the

down last year? Was it strange

hood and rap in sheng, people have

to have your song take on a

undermined and belittle me, but I

new life?

kept pushing and here I am doing

I wasn’t really sure about releasing

great things. I am the female rapper

the single during the coronavirus

with the most YouTube subscribers

pandemic. People were panicking

in East Africa, I’m being endorsed. I

and we didn’t know when things

am showing women that you can

would be back to normal. My

be yourself and be great. I hope

manager pushed me to release it. I

my musical journey keeps inspiring

asked people to do the challenge

young girls. Keep pushing!

[post a short video of themselves miming and dance along to the song] and it blew up. I always feel like this song is a reward for me because I’ve really put in the work. I was very grateful. It was really a sign from God. Me and my team were

'Greatness' by Femi One is available to buy and download on all major music streaming services.

www.precisionairtz.com

25

Paa Food / Make it with Monalisa

It’s not a party without pilau!

Paa’s cookery columnist Monalisa Rwechungura is feeling festive this issue and has prepared her take on holiday favourite pilau, with instructions in Swahili and English

‘T

is the season to be jolly indeed!

country by Arab settlers. The recipe

And no food represents the

usually involves cooking the rice soaked

festive season in Tanzania

in stock or broth, adding meat, spices and

more than pilau. Believe me, it is not a festivity in Tanzania unless pilau on the menu. We just love it!

Pilau or pilaf is a rice dish of South Asian, Central Asian and Middle Eastern origin that was brought to this

26

Paa Tanzania

other ingredients.

I am going to show you a quick and simple recipe that will ensure you end up with a soft, moist and most importantly flavoursome pilau.

Let’s get to it!

Ingredients

• Rice • Beef • Onion • Garlic • Ginger • Pilau Masala • Peas

• Carrots • Peppers • Potatoes • Beef Stock • Salt • Oil

by Chef Monalisa Rwechungura

Mahitaji

Mapishi

• Mchele vikombe • Nyama • Kitunguu maji • Kitunguu swaumu • Tangawizi • Viungo vya pilau • Njegere • Karoti • Pilipili hoho • Viazi • Supu ya nyama • Chumvi • Mafuta

• Katika sufuria weka mafuta vijiko vya kula 4 • Acha mafuta yapate joto kwa moto wa kati • Weka vitunguu maji na uvikaange mpaka viwe rangi ya kahawia • Weka kitunguu swaumu na tangawizi na uvikaange mpaka vitoe manukato • Weka nyama na ukaange kwa dakika 2 (koroga ili isishike chini) • Weka viazi na uvikaange kwa dakika 2 • Weka Njegere na karoti kisha uvikaanga kwa dakika 1 • Weka hoho na ukoroge ichanganyike vizuri • Weka viungo vya pilau na uendelee kukaanga kwa dakika 2

• Weka mchele na uukaange kwa dakika • Weka supu ya kutosha, ifunike mchele kwa sentimita 1 (hakikisha unakwangua chini ya sufuria ukiwa unakoroga supu ili kutoa vilivyogandia chini) • Weka chumvi • Pika kwa moto wa kati mdogo mpaka supu ikaribie kukauka (pilau bado iwe imeloa) • Funika pilau na foil kisha funika sufuria • Weka moto mdogo na upike kwa dakika 20 (geuza baada ya dakika 10) • Furahia pilau yako na kachumbari ya kiswahili na ule wakati ni la moto!

Cooking 1. Add four tablespoons of oil to a pan 2. Heat the oil over medium heat 3. Add the onions and fry until they become a coffee brown colour 4. Add garlic and ginger and fry until aromatic 5. Add the beef and fry for two minutes (stir continuously to avoid the mix sticking to the bottom of the pan) 6. Add potatoes and keep frying for another two minutes 7. Add carrots and peas and fry for one minute 8. Add peppers and stir 9. Add pilau masala and cook for two minutes

10. Add the rice and stir fry it for a minute 11. Add enough beef stock to cover everything by a cm (be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan when stirring to release any stuck bits) 12. Add salt to taste 13. Cook on medium low until almost all the stock is gone (the pilau should still be significantly wet) 14. Cover the pilau with foil and cover the pan

15. Switch the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes (stirring half way through) 16. Serve your pilau with a traditional Swahili salad and enjoy it while it’s still hot!

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27

Paa Tech

Tech for hikers Tanzania is a hiker’s dream with a cornucopia of trails to follow through its forest, hills and mountains. There are numerous health benefits to be had from clocking up 10,000 steps each day and if you can get them in within the beauty of the Kilimanjaro foothills or the Usambara mountains then all the better.

While striding out into nature provides an opportunity to unplug from modern life, don’t leave all your tech behind. Here are some essential gadgets that would make the ideal gift for the walker in your world.

ANKER ASTRO E1 6700 Image: Anker Innovations Limited

GOPRO HERO9 BLACK Image: GoPro Inc

From gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, wandering wildlife to panoramic hilltop views, there are likely to be plenty of sights that you’ll want to capture forever on your hike.

GoPro are renowned for making high quality cameras that are designed for active lifestyles, being easy to use, robust and lightweight. The Hero9 Black model is ideal as a hiking camera with its class-leading stabilization for video, smartphone connectivity via the GoPro app, super sharp 5K video footage and long battery life. It also has a detachable lens so if you want to upgrade and fit something like the GoPro’s Max Lens Mod, which provides an ultra-wide lens and improves the stabilization, you can. gopro.com US $350

28

Paa Tanzania

If you are going on multi-days backpacking trip or even just a long hike, bringing along a fully charged battery pack to ensue your tech can be topped up is crucial. As with all your kit, portability is key and the compact Anker Astro E1 6700 is about the size of a small candy bar and weighs just 120 grams. It still holds enough juice to charge a smartphone up to two times over and Anker’s patented Power IQ technology means it detects your device to deliver its fastest possible charge speed, which is four times faster than a computer USB port. amazon.com US $35

Tech for hikers

GRAYL ULTRALIGHT WATER PURIFIER Image: Grayl

Even on your greatest hiking escapes, you can’t escape your body’s need for water and out in the wild you can’t guarantee that water sources will be clean. With the Grayl Ultralight there’s no need to weigh yourself down with bottled water from the start of your hike as it enables you to get clean drinking water from pretty much any fresh water source in the world. Its filter removes 99.999% of bacteria, protozoa and viruses along with chemicals like chlorine and benzene, and heavy metals like lead and arsenic. It even eliminates the smell and improves the taste of the water. All this is done with just a touch of a button and gives you a bottle full if clean water to use as you please. grayl.com US $US$ 89.95

SUUNTO CORE OUTDOOR WATCH Image: Sunnto

If you are off for a day’s hike, the Edge is light and agile enough to not hold you back while providing plenty of versatile features. You’ll hardly know it’s on your back with its venting channels and harness yoke for all-day comfort while other handy extras include a removable hip belt, a front map slot, a reflective bike light loop and the capacity to carry a pair of trekking poles. It also has a water bladder pocket and mouthpiece so you can stay hydrated without needing to fumble for a bottle each time thirst hits. This bag can double up for work when you’re done playing with the water bladder doubling as a secure 15-inch laptop sleeve.

The adventurous hiker would quite literally be lost without the Suunto Core Watch as among this durable piece of kit’s features is a compass to keep track of your direction.

Other built-in features include a barometer and altimeter so the adventurous hiker can keep track of performance and the elements.

If bad weather is on the way, an alarm will sound and flash to let you know. The barometric altimeter is accurate to 29,500 feet and the watch records your hikes so you can look back at them later. The Core has an average battery life of one year, has buttons you can use underwater, is waterresistant up to 30 metres, and gives you accurate depth readings up to 10 metres.

Whether you’re hiking or mountaineering, the Suunto Core Watch will give you all the metrics you need.

rab.equipment US $55

amazon.com US $155

RAB EDGE DAYPACK Image: RAB

www.precisionairtz.com

29

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Paa Stay / Firefly Bagamoyo

Soak up a stay in the other Stone Town If you’re looking for a place to stay where you can soak up the storied cultural heritage of Bagamoyo, check out boutique hotel Firefly in the heart of historic Stone Town. Guests get to stay in a meticulously restored merchant’s palace first built in the town’s mid 19th century trading heyday while its lush, landscaped grounds regularly play host to live concerts that showcase the region’s renowned musical talent. And for those travellers who prize comfort as much as culture, Firefly boasts seven stylish en-suite rooms and four luxury tents as well as its own restaurant and spa to enjoy.

Location

for whom Bagamoyo was their last

It was also the starting point for a host

Mention Stone Town in Tanzania

sight of the mainland before being

of European explorers on celebrated

and most people assume you are

shipped to Zanzibar and beyond – a

expeditions to find the source of the

talking about the historic quarter

final farewell that is thought to be

Nile. Architectural remnants of these

of Zanzibar’s capital city, which

the reason behind the town’s name,

earlier eras are to be found in varying

draws in tourists in their hundreds

which translates from Swahili as “leave

states of faded grandeur in Stone

of thousands each year. But there is

your heart behind”. The city’s promi-

another Stone Town to be found on

nence would continue for years to

the Tanzanian mainland, in Bagamoyo,

come. In 1866 it was named the first

with its similarly crumbling collection

capital of German East Africa – hold-

mosques, old markets and plenty of

of coral rock buildings a legacy of an

ing the title for a quarter of a century

grand houses built by wealthy Arab

equally complex and cosmopolitan

before Dar es Salaam took over. At

and Indian merchants. Among the

Swahili heritage. Like its Zanzibar

around the same time it became

latter is the former palace that now

namesake it too was an important

the first city in the region to house a

houses boutique lodge Firefly. Here,

Indian Ocean trading post. Sadly, that

Catholic mission and still attracts local

you are in the heart of Stone Town, a

shared trade included human slaves

and international pilgrims to this day.

city whose history created centuries

Town. Wander its narrow streets and Shady spots There are plenty of places to relax

you’ll find the Old German Fort, the Catholic Historic Museum as well as

www.precisionairtz.com

31

Paa Stay / Firefly Bagamoyo ago, is still being lived and breathed

keeping with the general sense of

every day. You’ll certainly get a sense

welcome and relaxation here. The

of that at Firefly as it neighbours

Firefly staff are friendly to a fault,

the dhow harbour where fishermen

whether in the bar, restaurant or tend-

continue a tradition as old as the

ing to the lush, landscaped gardens.

city itself, launching their handmade

The hotel even keeps the environ-

craft into the Indian Ocean to return

ment pristine beyond its boundaries,

with the day’s catch to be cleaned

having established a Bagamoyo

and smoked at the also close by fish

beach clean service that guests are

market.

welcome to join in with.

While you’ll get a sense of the

Rooms

animated city, Firefly is cloistered enough to provide escape should you

Firefly has options for eco travellers on Simple style

want it. Its large camp site shelters

a Zimbabwean entrepreneur who fell

the hotel from the beachside bustle,

in love with Bagamoyo on her travels,

meaning spots such as the outdoor

was keen to stick as close as possible

suites on the main building’s first floor,

swimming pool, shrouded by coconut

to the original building’s rustic look

including the recently refurbished

trees, are tranquillity itself.

by making use of traditional materials

Citrus Suite, which with its double

and methods. Lime pits used by the

bed and two twins makes for an ideal

but if you want to explore a little

original builders were discovered in

family room. There are also three

further Firefly can arrange the hiring

the grounds of the palace and were

appealing, but slightly smaller suites

of bicycles so you can reach fascinat-

used to hydrate the limestone –

on the ground floor. All the rooms

ing attractions such as the Kaole

brought over from Zanzibar by dhow

come with en-suite bathrooms and

Ruins – the site of the first mosque in

– before being cured and heated

with their high ceilings and shuttered

East Africa, and a three-mile ride from

onsite to make a mortar for the walls,

windows provide cool and classy

the hotel. For longer trips, such as the

ceilings and floor.

escape from the coastal heat.

Stone Town is made for wandering,

hour’s drive to the unique beach and

These cool, whitewashed surfaces

safari experience of Saandani National

magnify the wealth of natural light

Park further north up the coast, car

in the rooms and the hefty, ancient

hire can be arranged.

Swahili doors, artfully placed antique

Firefly rhad set up its own ferry link from Bagamoyo to Zanzibar (a far

Guests' rooms have a clean and crisp look

wooden furniture, local artwork and house plants add texture.

a range of budgets. You can go all out on Swahili style with the four spacious

The main building also houses two Fresh food Firefly's restaurant offers plenty of dishes with locally sourced ingredients

unisex dorm rooms, that collectively sleep 12 in single beds.

Alternatively, go glamping in the shelter of the garden with four en-suite cottages equipped with

shorter crossing than that from Dar

Outside, there is a series of rustic

and also cutting out the 60km drive

pergolas that incorporate the plentiful

Or, if you want to get even closer

to the country’s commercial capital),

coconut palms growing here and

to nature, there is a breezy, shady

but the dip in tourist numbers as a

provide shade for an array of cush-

campsite just footsteps from the

result of recent international travel

ioned seating as well as a king-sized

beach to set up your own tent or rent

restrictions has led to it being put on

swing bed for ultimate lounging.

one from Firefly.

hold. The plan is for it to return in the

If you’re looking for a moment to

new year so guests can continue their

yourself, you’ll find plenty of cosy

deep dive into Swahili culture.

corners – a hammock here, a cushion-

Style/atmosphere

strewn bench there – to chill or catch up on a book (Firefly even has its

It took 18 months of restoration work

own little library is you’ve run out of

to return the ruined palace to its

reading material).

former glory. Firefly founder Jo Turner,

32

Paa Tanzania

double beds, fans and solar lighting.

The rustic, shabby chic vibe is in

If you’re looking for a moment to yourself, you’ll find plenty of cosy corners – a hammock here, a cushion-strewn bench there

All guests are entitled to use the hotel’s facilities such as the swimming pool and bar and make use of the free wi-fi.

Food and drink Whether enjoying its shaded seating during the day or dining out under fairy lights at night, the poolside bar and restaurant area is the hub of social activities at Firefly. Most stays here include breakfast and you can kickstart your day with plenty of healthy options from the Firefly omelette – complete with inflammation-busting turmeric and sauerkraut – to Zanzibar coconut beans with wholewheat chapatti. There are plenty more Swahili favourites on the dinner menu, which make use of fresh, local ingredients, including the catch of the day from the returning dhows. Try the steambaked kingfish fillet with fragrant

Activities

Sip and swim Firefly has created a cosy oasis around its outdoor pool

Boutique at Firefly. Here you can

lemongrass, coconut milk, ginger and

Cosmopolitan Bagamoyo has a

lime leaves. Vegetarian dishes include

thriving arts scene, and the town

Israeli Skashuka and the Firefly salad,

has been given a leading role in

souvenirs. The boutique is run by

drizzling in homemade baobab and

preserving and promoting traditional

Bagamoyo entrepreneur Esther, who

lime dressing. There is also a sprinkling

Tanzanian music, art and drama at its

is also a skilled masseuse and offers a

of European comfort food favourites

internationally renowned Bagamoyo

range of treatments for guests.

such as spaghetti bolognaise and

Arts & Culture Institute. You’ll also find

Hungarian goulash. The hearty,

‘Zawose Village’, home to generations

ing excursions, whether that’s a

healthy food attracts diners from

of a musically gifted family of the

walking tour of historic Stone Town

beyond the hotel so at busy times you

Wagogo people. Firefly is a great

or a romantic sunset dhow cruise.

may have a bit of wait until your dish

place to sample the wealth of musical

arrives, but it’s worth it. You can also

talent here. Its outdoor performance

fill that time by ordering from the bar,

space has played host to many local

which serves some sublime soft drinks

acts – including some of the Zawose

such as frozen date and coconut milk-

clan – at its regular Friday music

shakes and thirst-quenching rosella

sessions and has for the past couple

(hibiscus) juice. There’s also a wide

of years provided the Bagamoyo

US$ 16. All prices are per night and

range of cocktails, spirits and wines.

venue for the Marafiki Music Festival.

include breakfast. Camping rates

The hotel also supports the local

start at US$ 10 a night, excluding

plastic-free zone so filtered water is

creative scene by accommodating its

breakfast. For more information,

served chilled in glass bottles or you

own artist in residence.

visit fireflybagamoyo.com or

The eco-friendly guesthouse is a

can fill up your own water bottles for a small fee.

The work of eco-minded artisans is also showcased at the Upendo

browse a range of upcycled clothes and crafts that make ideal gifts and

The Firefly team can help organis-

Rates Authentic touches The hotel, a former palace, retains plenty of its original features

First floor suites start at US$ 60, ground floor suites from US$ 50. The garden cottages start at US$ 50 for two people sharing. Dorm beds are

@fireflybagamoyo on Facebook and Instagram. www.precisionairtz.com

33

Telling the tale of Tarangire In October a group of Tanzanian youngsters experienced the beauty and wonder of Tarangire National Park for the first time – through film. They were among the audience at the premiere in Arusha of 'Tarangire: Our Heritage, Our Future', a very special documentary created by community-driven conservation organisation African People & Wildlife and shot by Ngoteya Wild – a Tanzanian production company that tells the story of the film here.

T

arangire National Park is an

popular trips on hold, however APW

understand the importance, benefits,

often-overlooked gem that

has created a special film so that

and challenges of the park while

is packed with bird life, big

Tanzanian children can experience

telling a powerful story of hope and

cats and baobabs. Its attractions

Tarangire National Park virtually. Some

inspiration during difficult times,”

are even a mystery to many among

of them were lucky enough to attend

he says.

the communities of Tanzanians

the film’s premiere on October 22 at

that live on the park’s fringes in the

the Regalz Cinemaxx, in Arusha.

Arusha region. This is a situation that

The film is shot throughout the

African People & Wildlife (APW) – a

park and its surrounding lands, which

Tanzanian conservation organisation

are home to some of the world’s

with its headquarters just outside the

most incredible and important animal

park that works to create sustainable

species as well as indigenous commu-

solutions that support the land’s

nities that have lived alongside the

people and wildlife – seeks to

wildlife for centuries.

change. It has been running annual

Filmed in the autumn of 2020,

trips to Tarangire National Park for

Tarangire, Our Heritage, Our Future

rural youth to foster an appreciation

was created by and for Tanzanians. It

of the wildlife on their doorstep,

was directed by National Geographic

which they hope will filter through to

Explorer and filmmaker Hans Cosmas

generations to come.

Ngoteya from our team at Ngoteya

The pandemic has put these

34

Paa Tanzania

Wild. “The film will help youth to

The film takes young people and Wild open space Tarangire National Park

other viewers on a learning safari through different areas of the park’s diverse habitats with narration by

Tarangire

was followed by a networking event in which attendees were able to share more thoughts on the film with the creators and each other.

Godwell Meing'ataki, of Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), also attended the premiere. He said: “The film not only tells us about wildlife but demonstrates that we need to continue working closely with different partners in neighbouring communities if we want to see the park flourish.”

'Tarangire: Our Heritage, Our Future' also aims to help audiences understand the essential role that communities play in conservation

We want to emphasise that [Tarangire] is one of the earth’s last wild places and needs our urgent protection

and how local efforts can be powerful drivers of environmental protection.

APW’s continued partnerships with local people serve as an example throughout Tanzania and beyond to promote more community engagement in conservation.

Ngoteya Wild traveller and APW’s monitoring and

is one of the earth’s last wild places

Ngoteya Wild is proud to play a part

evaluation officer Yamat Lengai, who

and needs our urgent protection. The

in APW’s growing efforts to share

was born and raised in a community

future of Tarangire depends on us

inspiring stories through film and

on the edge of the park. Audiences

now to conserve its natural resources

other media to help build a new

will see breath-taking landscapes and

in a better way for future generations.”

generation ready to fight to protect

exciting wildlife up close, whether it

Esta Saimon, a local student who

the natural world. Our film will be

is lions roaring, elephants rolling in

attended the premiere, gave her

shown to schoolchildren throughout

the mud, vultures vying for a meal

verdict. “I was very impressed with

northern Tanzania as well as being

with other animals or ostrich chicks

the women who were selling beaded

made available on different media

dutifully following their parents.

jewellery outside the park gates. It

platforms for every Tanzanian to

shows that women too are benefit-

access. We have joined forces with

Premiere

ting from the park and therefore it

APW to ensure that we reach as many Park life

The film also shows viewers the

serves them well to protect it.”

neighbouring lands and showcases

Joining local youth at the Arusha

the local people who work at the

premiere were several APW partner

APW for bringing this project into our

forefront of preserving Tarangire’s

organisations and local government

lives and to extend our gratitude to

wealth of biodiversity.

agencies. After watching the film,

other organisations, and partners who

the audience engaged in a lively

contributed to the success of this film,

the film aims to showcase Tarangire’s

question and answer session with

including USAID, Northern Tanzania

incredible wildlife and landscapes,

APW staff, park authorities and one of

Rangelands Initiative (NTRI), Nomad,

we also want to emphasise that this

the Ngoteya Wild team. The session

TANAPA, and Tarangire National Park.

At the premiere, Yamat said: “While

Giraffes thrive in the park

people as possible.

Ngoteya Wild would like to thank

www.precisionairtz.com

35

No-nonsense talk with Sona Sona Parmar

Be

Clinical Nutritionist 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.

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

A

s I sit down to write this week’s blog post, it feels like forever since I last put metaphorical pen to paper. As I sit and stop, I realise how tired I am. I also realise that I haven’t been sitting and stopping much. But this is a good thing.

I simply love it when life takes over, when my three beautiful children tell me the most ridiculous stories, and when it feels like I don’t know what’s coming next – and I’m not worried.

I think what I have discovered, after

I think what I have discovered, after many years of being away, is flow 36

Paa Tanzania

many years of being away, is flow. I am able to watch and adapt, cry and fall apart, ask for help when I need it, and find joy in the smallest things.

I am finally not trying. I am finally trusting. I am finally letting go. I am finally at ease.

The old, keep-your-head-down-tosurvive me sometimes pops up and wonders, if any of this is real. But I assure her, it is. Because I have been here before.

But just as even the memory of a good night’s sleep is forgotten by new parents, I had forgotten what normal felt like. No, not normal; flow.

Part of me doesn’t want to jinx it. Part of me wonders if it can last. And yet, part of me knows it can – so long as I keep getting out of my own way.

As I sit and write, feeling the ache in my lower back from wrapping what seemed

like a million schoolbooks the other day, my feet are toasting by the fire. I am at ease. I don’t need to go anywhere. I don’t need to do anything. I am able to be, in that elusive way that I sometimes talk about.

It's happening to me.

I thought it might take winning the lottery or moving to Bora Bora. It did not. I just had to be willing to have the courage to show up, and let myself be seen.

Vulnerability. Opening the heart.

Creating space. Breathing. Being.

I am doing this. I can do this. I can let this be done to me.

I can be.

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.