Early visitors from Uluguru
The Wazaramo is the most important ethnic group around Pugu Hills. Originally they came from the Uluguru Area (Morogoro).
The first settlers in Dar es Salaam, which was then called Mzizima were challenged by the Kamba who came from Kenya. The coastal people asked the Zaramo Chief (Pazi) Kimbamanduka, a renowned elephant hunter, to fight the Kamba, the Pazi came down with a large army, fought the Kamba and drove them away.
The Pazi did not stay long on the coast he returned to his own country, telling the coastal people they should pay taxes to him. Oral tradition states that Buguruni, Mtoni and Kurasini (villages absorbed by present day Dar es Salaam) were given to the Zaramo as reward for driving the Kamba away. The resulting migration of Zaramo and intermarriage with the coastal people, established a blood relationship.
Even the name of Zaramo is suggested, to be derived from those who moved to the coast "the Zalamo" meaning those who have sunk or remained down below. Even so, there was not a great influx of Zaramo into the City until after the Second World War.
Once a year the neighbouring Zaramo have their religious ceremony in Pugu Forest as ritual requirement fulfilled towards the Zaramo family ancestors and spirits, called Tambiko (ritual offering).
Traditional practices still fulfil an important function in Zaramo life in which also traditional medicine found in Pugu Forest plays an important role.
Addresses and Contacts:
For more information about Pugu Hills Centre, the Forests and the history, please visit our web site:
(also a copy of this booklet can be downloaded from the website)
for booking, and your experiences or contributions to the web site use:
