Welcome to Gezaulole.                                                              Experience village life and enjoy the quite beach.

We the people of Gezaulole offer:

¨      History of an old Arab settlement with graves and mosques

¨      History as the first Ujamaa village

¨      Village life and handicrafts

¨      Wildlife and particularly bird life

¨      Beautiful beaches

¨      Fisherman’s life

¨      Dhow-trip to Sinda island

¨      Bicycle tours to neighbouring villages

Location

Situated on the coast, south of Dar es Salaam, half an hours drive from the Kigamboni side of the ferry, lies the village of Gezaulole. It has a pristine, white beach with views over the sea and islands dotting the blue ocean.

History

Gezaulole is steeped in history. In earlier days it was a Zaramo settlement, the tribe which has been living along this part of the coast for many centuries. They gave the village the name Gezaulole, which means ‘Try and See’ in the Kizaramo language. In the 16th Century, Arab settlers came and used the convenient location of the village to carry out their trade. The village thus became a destination for caravans carrying ivory, hides and slaves, who would be shipped to Zanzibar and beyond. They renamed the village ‘Mbwamaji’, a name it kept until the 1970’s, when the village was chosen as one of the first settlements under the Ujamaa-policy. People from different places in Tanzania were relocated in order to create concentrated agricultural areas. Again the name Gezaulole was given to the village: the new inhabitants had to ‘Try and See’ how they could develop their lives.

Introduction

Gezaulole offers a glimpse into a typical Tanzanian village life. The aim of this Cultural Tourism Programme is to involve many villagers who, by providing food, accommodation and guiding services can earn some income. In addition to this a village fee is asked from every visitor. The money is used to support the local primary school with desks, blackboards and other materials. In this way the whole village will profit from our tourism programme.                                    

Facilities

Meals can be served at several  locations at ‘Kali Mata Ki Jai’ a women’s project, at local restaurants or at private houses where villagers cook and serve local dishes. For those who want to experience a sunset and a night at Gezaulole, accommodation can be arranged at ‘Kali Mata Ki Jai’ ‘s house or with a local family. You will get a room with a local bed, mosquito net and clean sheets. Visitors who want to sleep in their own tents can camp at ’Akida’s Garden’ campsite or at a beach campsite where washing facilities are available. 

How to get there

The village is situated south of Dar es Salaam, 13 km (a 30-minutes drive) from the ferry at Kigamboni. Driving off the ferry, pass through Kigamboni keeping to the left. Follow the tarmac road until it curves to the right. At this point continue straight ahead on the gravel road. After passing ’Nafco’, a coconut plantation, you will come to a cluster of houses, which is Gezaulole village. Continue on for a short distance up to where the main road takes a sharp right hand turn again. At this point continue straight a head on a smaller road. After 1 km you will see a sign ’Akida’s garden’ on a tree which is standing by the side of the road. At this garden on the right, you will find the co-ordinator, Akida Mohammed. To travel in local style, you can use local transport and take a pickup or dala dala from the ferry. Take the one that goes to Kimbiji or Gezaulole. Get out at Kizani (Mwembe Mgambo), within 15 minutes you can walk to the ’Akida’s Garden’, where the co-ordinator will welcome you.       

Village life walk.

While walking around the village you will see how we are working and living. Most likely you will be astonished to see how many handicrafts we produce. Tie & die, woodcarvings, pottery, mats and baskets. The guides will show you the agricultural areas of Gezaulole, Mwera and Kizani. They will explain everything about cattle, crops,  fruits and trees that are growing in Gezaulole. Women are ready to paint traditional figures, with locally grown henna extract, on visitor’s skin.                                                                                                            

Historical places and beach walk.

This tour will take you to Mbwamaji, the historical original village on this part of the coast.

A four centuries old mosque, the slave depot from where people were transported to other continents and old Muslim graves are testimony to a long history.

On the beach the fishermen are sailing up and down the beach in their traditional boats -dhows, bringing the catch of the day:-fish, octopus, lobster and other seafood.  Women are wading in the water and harvesting seaweed.                  

Trip on a local dhow

With the power of the wind the dhow will bring you to beautiful spots for snorkelling. Underwater life with it’s colors and movements is fascinating.

A trip to the unspoiled and uninhabited island of Sinda in the blue Indian Ocean, is unforgettable.

The fisherman-guide will answer all the questions you have concerning sea and coast. Of course you can also come to Gezaulole and visit our village on your own. If you wish you can rent a bicycle and go around the neighbouring villages or go to our beautiful beach, using the swimming and snorkelling equipment available at ‘Akida’s garden’.