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While the rest of Tanzania goes gaga over animals and safaris, the northwestern region of Kagera stands out as a launch pad for studying African culture. Unlike in most Tanzanian parks where all eyes are on wildlife, the main attraction in Kagera is the people and their rich cultural heritage characterized by ethnic lifestyles and traditional art forms. The region takes its name from Kagera River, the source of the river Nile. Kagera's close proximity to Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda makes it a perfect stop for tourists heading to these destinations via air or ferry from Mwanza and by road from Rwanda or Uganda.
Agriculture is the main source of livelihood, as well as a rite of passage, in Kagera. The interest of the locals in plants and their deep knowledge about them has made them nationally acclaimed as herbalists for developing a variety of plants for healing humans, livestock, and crops alike. Among the famous plants is muarobaini, which is used for treating over 40 diseases.
Sprinkled over the shores of Lake Victoria are numerous fishing villages where fishermen use traditional techniques. Conventional technology is also used in making mushonge or round grass houses constructed from the roof down, instead of building it the other way around. Religious shrines and Western architecture are also found in large numbers. Examples of these are mosques and the first African Roman Catholic Cathedral, whose Nyakijoga shrine is the world-famous "Lourdes of Africa" for its healing waters.
Rocks rich in iron ores are abundant in Kagera, enabling some clans to be known as iron smiths whose activities are believed to date back to the Iron Age. There are also craftsmen tackling basketry, pottery, canoe building and other forms of arts and crafts. The predecessors of these art forms are the hundreds of ancient Nyangoma rock paintings overlooking a valley.
A privy of dancing attires and musical instruments match the traditional dances and songs that come in a variety of styles, usually dealing with subjects like funeral, wedding, and spirituality. Stories and legends of ancient times are also commonly told at night by elders.
Apart from culture, Kagera hosts wildlife sanctuaries and Tanzania's only island national park, Rubondo, whose beaches and forests have the highest density of fish eagles found anywhere in the world.
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