From the Imbaseni village chairman, “Welcome to Imbaseni. We are pleased to introduce you to our beautiful village where we and our ancestor live. We hope you will enjoy learning about our traditional culture here.  Our cultural tourism program is a community project. 100% of the profit from the program will be used to support our schools and other development efforts. By visiting us, you will be making a significant contribution to the future of Imbaseni.

Thank you and enjoy your visit!

Meru family boma: A large Meru family usually lives in its own compound. The husband’s house is in the middle and his wives and children live in houses around him. Grown-up sons and grandsons will build their own houses on surrounding land

A typical Meru family in transition: Meet the three surviving wives of a prestigious local chief in their family compound. The three sons of the youngest mother are embracing modern life with their new clothing style. A grandson is playing at the well-groomed grave of his respected grandfather.

Still, a traditional way of life: Women still patch their houses with cow dung and mud every year. Milk tea is made every morning. There is no electricity, so lamp lighted up the small rooms in the evening. Traditional maize soup is made in the family pots and is kept fresh for the family members in their respective bottle gourds. Banana beer still beats modern bottled beer in popularity. Chewing mint leaves is still the preferred and convenient way to fix a bad stomach. Peacefully and beautifully, a traditional way of life is enjoyed by the people of imbaseni.

German solder’s house: This house, which is  more than 100 years old, belongs to a German soldier who decided to stay behind after his army unit left.  His daughter lived her whole life in the village and was buried here

The oldest path from Arusha to Mt. Kilimanjaro: Before the highway was built, this was the only path to get to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Horses and animals were the major means of transportation.

Water spring: The spring used to be the only soure for drinking water in the village. Women walked hours to wash and fetch water.

Coffee, banana and maize plantation: 80% of the villagers are farmers. They guard their own plantation with the saint Isale trees. In the harvest seasons, you are welcome to lend a hand in the field

Fig tree: Before the church and school were built, the villagers used to pray and the kids would study under the ancient old Fig tree. Young men also gathered here to wish for finding beautiful wives and happy unions.