A local herbalist making waves in Loliondo with his Aids cure Claim

The Loliondo area in Tanzania is found near the world renowned wildlife sanctuaries of  Ngorongoro conservation area and Serengeti National Park, both Ngorongoro and Serengeti are famous for tourism activities such as game viewing on the crater floor and Serengeti plains, walking adventures in Olmoti and Empakai craters. The area is in Maasai land and  is located at the southern border of Ololosokwan at Serengeti. Footed at the Ngorongoro Crater at a height of 7000ft, and  encapsulated by dense acacia woodlands. Loliondo forms a significant area of the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem. Wildlife viewing and other tourism activities such as walking adventures  are considered to be the most sought after tourist attractions in Loliondo, there is even a high possibility of meeting the semi nomadic Maasai people there.


But this time the area is making headlines for a complete different reason. Pastor Ambilikile Masapila, the local herbalist resident in the area, has added the attractiveness of the area, all roads lead to the area at the moment. The herbalist who is a retired pastor of the Lutheran church is making news by claiming that he is capable of treating and curing chronic diseases that patients currently control with life-long drug therapy, these dieses includes cancer, diabetes and even Aids.


He claims that God revealed  the treatment to him in a dream. As it is the norm  with many people in the medical community, they will be tempted to brush a side his claim as a joke but I would advise them to “hold their horses” before doing that as a lot of people  have confirmed  that the herbal medication  has the potency to  treat and cure patients infected with the HIV virus  and other chronic ailments.


Some of his patients who were HIV positive claim that they now test negative after taking the concoction from the herbalist  and they that they have stopped  their normal anti-retroviral therapy.


A word of caution to HIV  positive patients who claim that they have tested negative after taking the miracle cure. Basically viral load test measures the amount of active HIV virus in your blood, usually reported as copies of HIV in one milliliter of blood. The best viral load is “undetected”. If they say a test cannot detect the virus in your body, it does not mean that the virus is absent in your blood. It means the virus is undetectable within the limits of the sensibility of the equipment employed, however it wouldn’t be a bad idea for a team of international scientist to be invited to come and investigate this miracle cure by trying to identify the active compound in the herb that is  giving it the potency.


While I have no comment about the herb curing Aids, I can confirm that the concoction is working against other chronic ailments such as asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure etc. I have been following the treatment offered by the herbalist for a long time and has been hesitating to write about him but I have met friends who were suffering from diabetes but now  are cured completely after taking the wonder herbal concoction. That has compelled me to write this blog post.


The dose of this cure and treatment is single dose of 100ml cup, and it costs approximate USD 50 cents, he does not accept more. The journey to the area begins in Arusha, Tanzania’s tourism capital and East Africa’s diplomatic hub.


Alpha Mantai is a travel writer and a leading tours & travel consultant based in Arusha. To connect with him drop him a line at sales@smartafricantravel.com

What is the climate in Tanzania?

 Tanzania has a tropical climate along the coast but it gets temperate in the highlands.
April & Mid – May = Long rains (Green Season)
June – Sept = Cool season
Nov – Dec = Short Rains
October – March = Hottest season
The range of Temperatures in Tanzania is fairly limited and always hot, running from 25 to 30 degrees C on the coast while the rest of the country apart from the highlands run from 22 to 27 degrees C. 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO?

          ANSWER:

The best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are considered to be from August to October and from January to March.

How fit do I need to be to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

           ANSWER:

Despite its awesome height and fearsome size, Kilimanjaro is a gentle hike that usually takes place over five days. Guides recommend basic fitness, as the main challenge is posed by the altitude. There are six different routes up the mountain and more advanced hikers and full-on climbers will be able to consider those, as they are more scenic.

DO YOU WANT TO SEE THE AUTHENTIC CULTURAL EXPERIENCES THAT COMBINE NATURE, SCENERY,FOLKLORE, CEREMONIES, DANCES, RITUALS, TALES, ART, HANDICRAFTS AND HOSPITALITY THAT GIVE A UNIQUE INSIGHT INTO THE TANZANIA PEOPLE`S WAY OF LIFE?

Tanzania is endowed with the rich cultural heritage of 120 ethnic tribes. The Cultural Tourism Programme provides visitors with authentic cultural experiences that combine nature, scenery, folklore, ceremonies, dances, rituals, tales, art, handicrafts and hospitality that give a unique insight into the people’s way of life.

It is a rewarding experience to leave the safari vehicle behind and walk through the lush tropical slopes of Mt Meru or Mt Kilimanjaro while Waarusha, Wameru or Wachagga guides proudly describe their carefully cultivated shambas with coffee, bananas, fruits, vegetables and dairy cow farming.

TO READ MORE OF THESE PROGRAMME CLICK HERE

What should I know for Tanzania safari?

Everyone agrees that there is substantial planning required by those considering a safari in Africa.

How far in advance should I book my safari?It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel, especially during the high/peak seasons - June to Oct and Christmas/New Year season. 

What should I take on safari? (Should be used as a guide only) 
As you will want to capture as much as possible of this amazing tour, don’t forget a camera, camcorder with lots of films, tapes, and replacement batteries for all these. A torch light would come in very handy. 
Sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip-balm, insect repellents and your own toiletry requirements, small first-aid kit, a spare pair of glasses or lenses if you are using one. 
Don’t forget a swimming costume and you might want to include a good book for the relaxing hours. Sleeping-bags and towels if you are planning for camping safaris must be included.

What should I take for mountain climbing? (Should be used as a guide only)
Sunglasses/Snow goggles, Rucksack & day pack, 3-4 season sleeping-bag, Insulation pad, Balaclava or woolen hat, Long sleeved shirt, Several pairs of socks, Gloves, Waterproof trousers & jacket, Warm sweaters, Anorak/raincoat, Gaiters, Water-bottle, Wooden walking stick, Hiking boots, Pair of light walking shoes, Warm scarf, Toiletry requirements, Flashlight with batteries, Sun protection cream, Small first aid kit, Lip salve, A whistle and some plastic bags.

Baggage Limit: 1 bag 15kgs maximum. It is advisable to have your own insurance covering, travel, medical, baggage and personal injury.
Persons undergoing medical treatment should obtain approval from their doctor prior to booking the trek. The trek is taken at the clients own risk.

What kind of food do I expect during the trip? 
The quality and variety of food available on safari will be a pleasant surprise for our clients. Most lodges serve meals in buffet-style. The food is prepared according to the western-tastes, and includes some local cuisine too. If a camping safari is chosen, fresh meat and produce is prepared by the expert chefs accompanying the clients to the highest standards.

Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic meals can be easily arranged with prior notice. A vegetarian or vegan may wish to bring along some alternative protein sources. Persons with multiple food allergies, it is advisable to bring along supplemental snacks. Please notify us of any possible dietary restrictions along with booking confirmation

Is drinking water safe?
In some places tap water is safe, but generally, it is not advisable to drink or brush your teeth with tap water. Bottled water is available everywhere and in almost all Lodges and Hotels and all super markets. On treks and safaris, it is better to carry sufficient bottled water.

What Type of Clothes to take? :
For safaris, especially in Northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha), during the day, light clothing is recommended with sturdy shoes and canvas hats. During the night in areas like Arusha and the Ngorongoro Highlands; where the altitude is between 1500 - 2500 Metres; a cardigan or pullover may be essential. In the same pack, remember your sun cream, lotions, sun glasses, a pair of binoculars, and a camera with rolls of film.

What would be the accommodations like?
Wide range of accommodations is available to suit your budget, lodges, hotels, tented camps, permanent camps to name a few. Most hotels are a nice blend of luxury, ambience, offering picturesque views. Once an inquiry is submitted, we provide you with a detailed list of accommodations available to suit your requirements.

Advise regarding photography?For wildlife photography, a 200 mm zoom lens is the smallest that you should use, A 300-400 zoom is preferable. For bird-watchers, a 500mm or larger is necessary, and a wide-angle lens would be ideal for scenic shots. Bring extra camera and flash batteries and plenty of film - you may find these quite expensive and difficult to obtain locally.

SAVE SERENGETI: Join to write a petition to Hon. H.E Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (President of Tanzania), Hon. Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda (Prime Minister of Tanzania), Hon. Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa (Minister of infrastructure & Development), and Hon. Ezekiel Maige (Minister of Natural Resources & Tourism)

The Serengeti ecosystem contains the largest protected grassland and savannah ecosystem in the world and is home to the greatest abundance of large mammals anywhere on earth. The Tanzanian government is planning a 54-kilometer long commercial highway right through the Serengeti. The consequences for the world’s last terrestrial mass migration and the ecosystem it supports would be catastrophic.  It would cut off some two million herbivores from their vital dry season range. Scientists predict, this would cause the collapse of the migration and the ecosystem dynamics that depend on it. It should also avoid the land of the last 400 Hadza, Africa’s last true hunter gatherers.

The solution lies in a route that bypasses the Serengeti. It has now been included in the World Bank’s Country Assistance Strategy (CAS). With the project in the lending pipeline, the World Bank is willing to work with the government of Tanzania on the alternative southern route.  The new route would not only spare the Serengeti, but benefit a far greater number of people in the densely populated area in the south east of the Serengeti by connecting them to commercial centres and road networks. However, the Tanzanian government remains unconvinced and rejected this win-win position.

PLEASE CLICK TO WRITE YOUR PETITION HERE

Joining a safari group in Tanzania.

Thousands of travelers come to Tanzania each year looking to join a group on safari or a climb to Mt. Kilimanjaro. These travelers - usually backpackers - are looking to save some money and join a fun group for their adventures. The theory is, the more people you have on a climb or on safari, the lower the price. 

In fact, it's almost too expensive to go on safari alone (Kilimanjaro can be managed), as the cost could be low per day per person for a very, very budget trip - that's if you are lucky and anyone is willing to take you.

Another advantage of joining a group especially on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, is that you get more courage, and share history of other climbers.

Example if you take 6 days trip you get 198 $ x 6 days= 1188 US $ per person.

All services are included in this package.

Cost is a major consideration for most people. The Serengeti is not cheap – with park fees alone doubling to US $50 per person per day from January 2006. There are some lodges that cater for budget safaris and if you also travel in low season then costs are reduced considerably.

Budget Camping safari will cost  much lower per person per day.

Let say 6 days camping safari tour covering Tarangire, Lake manyara,Serengeti,Ngorongoro Crater,maasai village bomas and Olduvai Gorge; cost is 196 $ x 6 days = 1176 US $ per person.

To join a group or a private safari, joining a group will be cheaper this being the only advantage if cost is an issue. Always to have a vehicle to yourself will give you more privacy, is more relaxing and there will be more flexibility with the itinerary.

Benefits of group joining includes:

  1. Cutting down the cost of safari (sharing costs including transport, accommodation, crater fees)

2. Creating travel companion for chatting and an opportunity for making new African safari friends

Serengeti hunters still missing, says Mara RPC

THE whereabouts of six people who went missing while hunting in the Serengeti National Park (SENAPA) in the past several days is still not known. 

But there are unconfirmed reports that the men all hailing from Gibasso village that is adjacent to the park might have been eaten by crocodiles. 

''The search is still going on them and we can't say that they have been killed unless we see dead bodies'', Regional Police Commander (RPC) Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Constantine Masawe told the 'Daily News' on Wednesday. 

He named them as Chacha Marwa Gasaya, Wang'enyi Marwa Mohere, Marwa Moseti Goyagwe, Tore Magoigwa Chiware, Marwa Sira Sira who went missing on October 31 and Mwita Marwa Makuri who went missing on October 6, according to ACP Masawe. 

The RPC refuted recent reports that the alleged poachers had gone to graze cows in the park. 

''It is not true that they went to graze cows, they went to hunt wild animals according survivors,'' ACP Masawe said. 

Police in Tarime have until Wednesday been looking for the men in collaboration with their counterparts in the neighbouring Kenya, the RPC said. He described the exercise as tough without going into details. 

He however warned villagers residing near the world famous park to refrain from entering the park to kill animals for the purpose of getting game meat. 

''I call upon people to respect the borders. There are dangerous animals there (park) and anything can happen'', the regional police chief said. 

Local leaders have accused relevant authorities for not doing enough to find out whether the men have been killed or not. Tarime District Commissioner (DC) Mr John Henjewele could not immediately be reached for comment. 

Poaching is still one of the major challenges facing conservation of in SENAPA and majority of poachers hail from Serengeti and Tarime districts followed by other districts with some villages adjacent to the park, according the park officials.

Serengeti Road

The BBC's Christine Otieno examines the possible consequences of the proposed commercial road through Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.
Please visit to listen from this link

Serengeti Great Migration

The Serengeti hosts the largest migration in the world, which is one of the ten natural travel wonders of the world.

The region contains several national parks and game reserves. Serengeti is derived from the Maasai language, Maa; specifically, "Serengit" meaning "Endless Plains".

Around October, nearly two million herbivores travel from the northern hills toward the southern plains, crossing the Mara River, in pursuit of the rains. In April, they then return to the north through the west, once again crossing the Mara River. This phenomenon is sometimes called the Circular Migration.

Some 250,000 wildebeest die during the journey from Tanzania to Masai Mara Reserve in lower Kenya, a total of 800 kilometres (500 mi). Death is usually from thirst, hunger, exhaustion, or predation. The migration is chronicled in the 1994 documentary film, Africa: The Serengeti. On January 2007 there was great herds of White eared kob and now rivals with the Kobs migration.

Currently there is controversy surrounding a proposed road that is to be built through the Serengeti in Tanzania.

If you would like to support Serengeti Watch join here