Summary
👉 The Same Tourism Festival (STF) is now being held for the third season, with the number of tourists increasing each year at various attractions found in the district.
SAME: NATIONAL peace and stability stands among the key prerequisites to help heightening performance of tourism sector in Tanzania, the former Tanzania’s Vice President Mr. John Samuel Malecela has said.
Mr. Malecela who also served as the country’s Prime Minister urged the citizens to safeguard peace in order to promote tourism in the country and continue benefiting from the economic sector.
The Tanzania’s renowned politician made these remarks during the launch of the Same Tourism Festival, held at the bus stand grounds in Same District of Kilimanjaro Region.
He noted that tourism is a chief sector that contributes significantly to earning foreign exchange.
In some countries across the world,he observed, governments are largely funded through tourism, and the issue should be taken very seriously.
The veteran leader added that the foundation of tourism is hospitality, therefore called on residents of the same district to set a good example in welcoming visitors in order to grow the district’s tourism industry.
“Even if there are 10,000 pigeons gathered in one place, once a stone is thrown, they all scatter. Likewise, our tourism must begin with us Tanzanians maintaining peace. Peace is essential because it attracts tourists and enables economic growth,” said Mr Malecela.
He insisted that hospitality towards visitors is very crucial, saying in some places, people do not visit because of poor welcoming culture and spirit.
“Here in Same, we must have a heart for receiving guests in order to develop our tourism.”he emphasized.
To ensure for the sector’s growth in the fast- growing district, Mr Malecela said the citizens there must hold a strong spirit of hospitality.
“When visitors come and leave with positive experiences, they will spread good word. While they may come to see wildlife, if they are not warmly welcomed, they will not return,” he stressed.
On her side, Same District Commissioner, Ms Kaslida Mgeni,said that the aim of establishing the festival is to support the efforts of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, through her film The Royal Tour.
The main goal is to promote domestic tourism, create opportunities for youth, and boost the national economy.
The DC added that the Same Tourism Festival is now being held for the third season, with the number of tourists increasing each year at various attractions found in the district.
She highlighted that some animals can not be found anywhere else except in the same, such as the black rhinoceros, which is only found in Mkomazi National Park.
Moreover, she said the district has many unique tourist attractions, including Mount Kidenge, known for its beautiful scenery.
“There is also a special cave where animals such as cattle, goats, and donkeys live without herders; they reproduce naturally, and it is prohibited to remove them from that area,” she added.
Tourism attractions in Same District
Same District, located in the Kilimanjaro Region, is a premier destination for ecotourism, nature trekking, and cultural experiences. Key attractions include the vast Mkomazi National Park, the scenic South Pare Mountains, Mbaga Hills for hiking, and the historic Old Dannholz House.
Key Tourism Attractions in Same District
Mkomazi National Park: Often called the “home of the rhino,” it offers excellent game drives to see endangered black rhinos and African wild dogs, along with spectacular views of the Pare and Usambara Mountains.
South Pare Mountains And Trails: Offers excellent hiking, birdwatching, and mountain biking opportunities, with rich biodiversity and montane forests.
Mbaga Hills And Culture: Known for the Old Dannholz House (a 1902 German Lutheran mission), traditional healers, and cultural tours of the Pare people.
Heiganda Duma Viewpoint: A breathtaking lookout point situated near traditional villages.
Mlamba Natural Caves: Located in the Mbaga area, these caves provide adventure and insight into local history.
Red Reservoir Tour: A scenic area in the Tona Moorlands, ideal for hiking and bird viewing.
Chabaru Traditional Village: A spot to experience local Pare culture and traditional breweries.
Ikongwe Village And Waterfalls: Known for mountain terraces, banana plantations, and waterfalls.
Top Activities
Wildlife Viewing: Game drives in Mkomazi National Park.
Cultural Visits: Exploring local villages, traditional, and historical landmarks.
Trekking & Hiking: Hiking through the South Pare Mountains.
Photography: Scenic photography at viewpoints like Mpepera and Heiganda Duma.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for game viewing in Mkomazi is during the dry season (late June to October), while the Pare Mountains are lush and pleasant throughout the year, though trekking is best outside the heavy rains of April and May.
