Kigoma: The Hidden Jewel of Tanzania

• HelloJambo
  [jahm-boh]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [kwah-heh-ree]
• YesNdio
  [en-dee-oh]
• NoHapana
  [hah-pah-nah]
• Please/You're welcomeTafadhali
  [tah-fah-dha-lee]
• Thank youAsante
  [ah-sahn-teh]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sah-mah-hah-nee]
• How are you?Habari yako?
  [hah-bah-ree yah-koh]
• Fine. And you?Salama. Na wewe?
  [sah-lah-mah. nah weh-weh]
• Do you speak English?Unazungumza Kiingereza?
  [oo-nah-zoon-goom-zah kee-een-geh-reh-zah]
• I don't understandSielewi
  [see-eh-leh-wee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNingependa kuona menyu, tafadhali
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah kwoh-nah meh-nyoo, tah-fah-dha-lee]
• I don't eat meatSili nyama
  [see-lee nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Mambo!
  [mahm-boh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dha-lee]

• Help!Msaada!
  [msah-ah-dah]
• Go away!Ondoka!
  [ohn-doh-kah]
• Call the Police!Piga polisi!
  [pee-gah poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Piga daktari!
  [pee-gah dahk-tah-ree]
• I'm lostNimepotea
  [nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
• I'm illNinaumwa
  [nee-nah-oom-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Ningependa kununua...
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah koo-noo-noo-ah]
• I'm just lookingNatazama tu
  [nah-tah-zah-mah too]
• How much is it?Bei ni kiasi gani?
  [beh-ee nee kee-ah-see gah-nee]
• That's too expensiveHilo ni ghali sana
  [hee-loh nee gah-lee sah-nah]
• Can you lower the price?Unaweza kushusha bei?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-shoo-shah beh-ee]

• What time is it?Saa ngapi?
  [sah-ah ngah-pee]
• It's one o'clockNi saa moja
  [nee sah-ah moh-jah]
• Half past (10)Saa mbili na nusu
  [sah-ah mm-bee-lee nah noo-soo]
• MorningAsubuhi
  [ah-soo-boo-hee]
• AfternoonMchana
  [mm-chah-nah]
• EveningJioni
  [jah-ee-oh-nee]
• YesterdayJana
  [jah-nah]
• TodayLeo
  [leh-oh]
• TomorrowKesho
  [keh-show]
• 1Moja
  [moh-jah]
• 2Mbili
  [mm-bee-lee]
• 3Tatu
  [tah-too]
• 4Nne
  [nn-neh]
• 5Tano
  [tah-noh]
• 6Sita
  [see-tah]
• 7Saba
  [sah-bah]
• 8Nane
  [nah-neh]
• 9Tisa
  [tee-sah]
• 10Kumi
  [koo-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?
  [ee-koh wah-pee]
• What's the address?Anwani ni ipi?
  [ahn-wah-nee nee ee-pee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyeh-shah (kwehn-yeh rah-mah-nee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Basi lijalo litakuja lini?
  [bah-see lee-jah-loh lee-tah-koo-jah lee-nee]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ....)
  [tee-keh-tee (kwehn-dah ....)]

Kigoma, located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, has been a crossroads of cultures for centuries. The region was inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Ha, Bembe, and Tongwe peoples, who coexisted and traded with each other long before colonial times. Archaeological findings suggest that the area was an important hub for trade and cultural exchange, facilitated by Lake Tanganyika, one of the world's oldest and deepest freshwater lakes.

In the 19th century, Kigoma became a significant center for the Arab slave trade. Arab traders from Zanzibar and the Swahili coast used Kigoma as a key transit point for transporting enslaved people from the interior of Africa to the coast, and eventually to the Middle East and beyond. The town's strategic location along Lake Tanganyika made it an ideal spot for these operations.

Kigoma's modern history began during the German colonial period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Germans established Kigoma as a crucial administrative and military outpost in their colony of German East Africa. They built infrastructure, including the Central Line railway, which connected Kigoma to the interior of the colony and to the coastal city of Dar es Salaam. This development turned Kigoma into an important logistical and commercial hub.

During World War I, Kigoma was the focal point of a lesser-known but dramatic naval battle. The Battle of Lake Tanganyika, fought between German and Allied forces, saw the deployment of ships on the lake. The Allied forces, including British and Belgian troops, aimed to wrest control of the lake from the Germans. The battle was notable for the use of small, fast boats that were transported in pieces overland and reassembled on the lake.

After Tanzania gained independence in 1961, Kigoma underwent significant changes under the leadership of Julius Nyerere. Nyerere's policy of Ujamaa, or African socialism, aimed to create self-reliant villages. Kigoma, like many other parts of Tanzania, saw the establishment of Ujamaa villages, which were intended to foster communal living and collective farming. While the policy had mixed results, it left a lasting impact on the social and economic fabric of the region.

In contemporary times, Kigoma has emerged as a gateway to some of Tanzania's most breathtaking natural wonders. The town is the main access point for Gombe Stream National Park, famous for its population of wild chimpanzees and the research conducted by primatologist Jane Goodall. Kigoma's rich history, combined with its stunning natural scenery, makes it a unique destination for travelers seeking both cultural and ecological experiences.

Kigoma is situated in western Tanzania along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The nearest international airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. From Dar es Salaam, you can take a domestic flight to Kigoma Airport, which is approximately a two-hour journey. Alternatively, you can travel by train from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, a scenic but lengthy journey that takes about two days. Buses are also available, though they are less comfortable and take around 24-36 hours depending on the route and conditions.

Within Kigoma, transportation options include taxis, boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis), and daladalas (minibuses). Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked through a local service. Boda-bodas offer a quicker but less safe option, especially for short distances. Daladalas are the most economical mode of transport and connect various parts of the town and nearby villages. For more comfort and flexibility, renting a car is also an option; however, be prepared for varying road conditions.

The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, cash is predominantly used, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Kigoma, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, particularly when venturing to more remote areas. Note that ATMs may occasionally be out of order or run out of cash, so plan accordingly.

Kigoma is generally safe for tourists, but it is essential to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Some areas, such as the Kigoma-Ujiji border and isolated beaches, have higher crime rates, so it is best to visit these areas in groups or with a local guide. Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Local police stations and medical facilities are available in Kigoma. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are accessible in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The Kigoma Regional Hospital provides emergency services and is the primary healthcare facility in the area.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always show respect when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous on public transport. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It is customary to ask about one's health and family before getting to business. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be open to new culinary experiences. Don't refuse food or drink offered by your host, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kigoma like a local, visit the local markets such as Mwanga Market, where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss a visit to Ujiji, where you can see the historic site of the famous 'Dr. Livingstone, I presume?' meeting. For a unique experience, take a boat trip on Lake Tanganyika to explore nearby islands and enjoy the stunning sunset views.