Village Museum- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

While Dar es Salaam is often seen as a bustling modern metropolis, a quiet sanctuary lies just a few kilometers from the city center that preserves the soul of the nation. The Village Museum, locally known as Kijiji cha Makumbusho, is more than just a collection of artifacts; it is an open-air archive of Tanzania’s diverse cultural heritage.

For travelers seeking to understand the roots of Tanzania’s 120+ ethnic groups without traversing the entire country, this museum offers an accessible, immersive, and educational experience. This guide covers everything you need to know to explore this unique cultural landmark.

From 1967 to Today: Preserving Tanzania's Ethnic Diversity

Established in 1967, the Village Museum was created to safeguard the traditional ways of life that were beginning to fade amidst rapid urbanization. Unlike standard museums filled with glass cases, Kijiji cha Makumbusho focuses on the vernacular architecture and living traditions of Tanzania.

The museum's mission is to showcase the unity within diversity. By gathering the distinct housing styles of tribes from the lush Southern Highlands to the arid central plains, the museum creates a microcosm of the entire country. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Tanzanian ancestors who built sustainable, functional homes using only locally available materials like mud, grass, and timber.

The Open-Air Concept: A Walk Through Living History

The museum is designed as a sprawling garden where visitors walk along nature trails to discover scattered homesteads. This "open-air" format mimics the actual layout of traditional African villages. As you wander from house to house, you are surrounded by indigenous trees and medicinal plants, which are often labeled to explain their traditional uses.

This layout allows for an interactive experience. You aren't just looking at history; you are walking through it. The peaceful atmosphere provides a stark contrast to the noise of the nearby Bagamoyo Road, making it a perfect escape for culture lovers and families alike.

The core attraction of the Village Museum is its collection of over 30 authentically constructed traditional houses. These are not mere replicas; they are built using traditional methods and maintained by people knowledgeable in those specific tribal crafts.

The Three Main Styles: Tembe, Msonge, and Banda

• The Msonge (Round House):
  Common among tribes in the diverse regions (like the Chagga of Kilimanjaro or the Haya of the Lake Zone), these round, cone-shaped houses are iconic. Some, like the Haya house, are massive structures thatched with banana fibers and grass from the ground to the peak, designed to keep the interior cool and dark.
• The Tembe (Flat-Roofed House):
  Found in the semi-arid regions (like the Gogo tribe of Dodoma), these rectangular houses feature flat earthen roofs. The thick mud walls provide excellent insulation against the scorching sun during the day and retain warmth at night. Historically, the flat roofs also served as storage areas for drying crops.
• The Banda (Coastal House):
  Typical of the coastal people (like the Zaramo), these rectangular houses utilize woven coconut palm leaves (makuti) for the roof. They are designed for ventilation to combat the humid coastal heat.

Step Inside: Furnishings, Tools, and Domestic Life

Visitors are encouraged to enter these huts. Inside, the dirt floors and low ceilings transport you back in time. You will find the homes furnished with authentic items such as:

• Cooking hearths: Three-stone fires where meals were prepared.
• Storage gourds: Used for keeping milk, water, or grains.
• Sleeping platforms: Raised beds made of animal hide or woven rope.
• Agricultural tools: Hoes, spears, and traps used for farming and hunting.

Each house often includes signage explaining the social hierarchy of the home—where the father sat, where the children slept, and how guests were received.

Kijiji cha Makumbusho is described as a "living museum" because it hosts active cultural demonstrations that breathe life into the static exhibits.

The Pulse of Africa: Ngoma Drumming and Dance Performances

One of the highlights of any visit is the Ngoma (traditional dance). The museum has a dedicated dance troupe that performs traditional rhythms from various tribes. These high-energy performances involve thundering drums, rhythmic chanting, and acrobatic dancing.

• Schedule: Performances are typically scheduled for the afternoons (often around 4:00 PM) on weekends or when there are large groups. However, solo travelers can sometimes request a short performance or catch rehearsals during the week.
• Participation: Don’t be surprised if the dancers invite you to join them! It is a fun, lighthearted way to connect with the culture.

Artisans in Action: Weaving, Pottery, and Craft Shopping

Throughout the museum grounds, you will often find artisans demonstrating their crafts. You might see a woman weaving a complex mat from dried grass or a carver shaping a piece of ebony wood.

• The Curio Shop: There is an on-site shop selling these handmade items. Unlike the aggressive hawking found in some tourist markets, the shop here is relaxed. It is an excellent place to buy authentic souvenirs like fabric, jewelry, and wood carvings, with proceeds often supporting the museum and the artisans.

Getting There, Entrance Fees, and Opening Hours

• Location: The museum is located in the Kijitonyama/Mikocheni area along Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road (New Bagamoyo Road). It is directly opposite the "Makumbusho" Daladala (bus) stand, making it very easy to reach by public transport or taxi/Uber.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
• Entrance Fees:
  
  • Non-Residents: Approximately 12,000 TZS (roughly $5–6 USD).
  • Residents/EAC Citizens: Lower rates apply (usually around 2,000–5,000 TZS).
  Note: Prices are subject to change; it is wise to carry small bills in Tanzanian Shillings.

Insider Tips: Guides, Photography, and Best Times to Visit

• Hire a Guide: While you can walk around alone, hiring a museum guide (available at the entrance) is highly recommended. For a small tip (approx. 5,000–10,000 TZS), they will explain the fascinating stories behind the tribes, the construction techniques, and the cultural taboos associated with the houses.
• Photography: Photography is generally allowed and encouraged. However, if you are photographing the dancers or artisans, a small tip is a polite gesture of appreciation.
• Best Time to Visit: The mornings (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) are cooler and quieter, perfect for exploring the huts. The late afternoons (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM) are better if you hope to catch a dance performance.
• Amenities: There is a small restaurant on-site serving basic Tanzanian cuisine, allowing you to complete your cultural tour with a taste of local flavor.