Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND DAR ES SALAAM
Pugu Hills
Pugu Hills, which begins about 15km southwest of Dar es Salaam and extends past Kis-
arawe, is lightly wooded, with two small forest reserves, and offers an escape from the urban
scene. Despite its proximity to the city, the Pugu area is not urbanised, and many communit-
ies have remained quite traditional and conservative. Pugu is also interesting from a histor-
ical perspective: the first Benedictine mission station was established here in 1888, and it's
the site of Pugu Secondary School, where Julius Nyerere taught before entering into politics
full-time.
Many of Pugu's roads are only lightly travelled, and good for biking. Hiking in the Pugu
area, including the adjoining Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve, requires a permit (per person
US$30) from the Mali Asili (Natural Resources) office in Kisarawe, just south of the main
roundabout. There's a military base in Pugu, so don't take pictures anywhere unless you're
sure that you're not in its vicinity.
Pugu Hills Nature Centre
( 0754-565498, 0754-394875;
ht-
tp://pugukwakiki.com
;
entry Tsh5000, camping per person with own/rented tent US$10/15,
d bandas US$80-100; ) is a fantastic, tranquil place located on a hillside backing onto
the Pugu Forest Reserve. It offers four spacious, en suite bungalows. There is also an area
provided to pitch your tent, along with shower facilities and a restaurant serving tasty veget-
arian and other meals. Pugu Hills arranges hikes with a local guide in the hills around the
reserve, ranging from one hour to a full, strenuous day. It's also possible to arrange a visit to
one of East Africa's largest cattle markets (two to three hours on foot), and there's a beauti-
ful nature pool at the centre. Advance bookings, whether via SMS, telephone call or email,
are essential for all visits, day or overnight, to Pugu Hills.
