It is sometimes difficult to explain what can be expected especially to describe the joy of nature and the refreshing experience of an outing in the country side, through a poor receiving mobile phone.
The intention of our website is to create realistic expectations.
Our guests, of course, are the best references, please read two comments (for more views click here).
I was reminded how important it is to take a break from life to simply take in one's surroundings.
I remembered what it was like in New York - when days and nights all melted together in a great blur, because people were always in a rush, always had things to do, places to be.
But here, in Pugu Hills, lost in the forests of Tanzania, there was no place to be but in the moment, and the only thing to do was to enjoy.
read more......
Saturday, March 24, 2007
By the time we got back - and I had been obeying with alacrity the frequent admonition "pumzika" (Rest!)- I had a hearty appetite for what turned out to be an excellent lunch and a severe case of dehydration. The heat of the day although lessened by the forest shade, and some cooling hill breezes, was still strong.Following lunch, we acted like the wazee we are and fell asleep on the couches - I did say it was comfortable. When we finally left sated and happy, even the the craziness of the Dar rush hour couldn't spoil it - well not for me, I wasn't driving.
Of course the time of year you visit Pugu Hills matters, with the lush greens in April - June (it just starts raining while writing 25/5/2010) you find an other "Pugu" than in September or February. Interestingly the fauna is very visible and active in the dry periods, more mobile and hard working to survive.
Also interesting features occur, at the time Pugu Hills looks waste land, like the sprouting of the Pod Mahogany (Afzelia quanzensis) in the barren soil, and you ask yourself where it has stored all the energy and water to produce the fresh leaves with all surrounding plants falling apart with crispy dry branches.
There are very few times when I do the 1 KM hike that I do not meet one or more interesting features.
ANSWER: Due to the private character of Pugu Hills Nature Centre and the limited number of visitors, we only work with bookings either by e-mail, or phone.
A
common question is "Are
We have never seen one but heard stories of Lions passing near the pump house of Kisarawe Water Supply (Water Reservoir) and encounters on other locations in the Forest. It would not be surprising to have once in a while a strolling Lion in Pugu, with Ruvu West Forest Reserve just some 2 kilometres from Pugu Forest Reserve. The chances to meet one are slim and are becoming slimmer with the expansion of Dar es Salaam. If you still feel uncomfortable with the idea ask for an escort we offer for free (a tip is always appreciated) to join you on your hike in the Forest.
(February 9th, 2003)
Yes, there was a lion in Pugu. While most lions around Dar es Salaam make it to the news papers, the one which visited the area one week ago has not become a celebrity. The dogs have done their job and alarmed the watchmen every night he passed. Our worry was the donkey. Now it is quiet again - the question remains, was this the last visit?
May 25th, 2010
We like to update you on the latest developments, last week (week of May 31st) new rumors of sitings have been heard (cattle market, graveyard Tazara). It is only at night time, and the short search of the police helicopter (also last week) should not being taking too serious. we will keep you posted.
administrator, June 6th, 2010
Where Did you get the Bamboos?
Answer: The bamboo
specie used at Pugu Hills (bambusa
vulgaris) commonly known as yellow bamboo is
introduced in Tanzania and planted in gardens. The size used for
construction of the hall is found in Kyela. In this
humid fertile area north of Lake Nyasa, the Wanyakiusa traditionally grow
these bamboos for firewood, construction of their houses, food storage and
even very cute chicken houses elevated and accessible by a bamboo stairs.
With the growing popularity of the cement blocks and corrugated roof
sheeting, the use of bamboo and consequently the growing of bamboo becomes
less relevant.
Some
830 bamboos have been
used at the Pugu Hills Nature Centre and still more bamboos are required
for future constructions. The selection of the bamboos for construction
requires some skills to determine the age of the bamboo. Only mature
bamboos (5 years or more) are suitable. Also the time of year is
important for optimal evapotranspiration which will result in effective
sap displacement by the preservative impregnated for durable use of the
poles. By placing the stem, directly after cutting, in a poisonous
preservative the suction of the leaves will result in displacing the saps
in the culm by the preservative (sap displacement). After some three days
the leaves have died and no further impregnation takes place.
Again, a skilled eye is
required to distinguish how far the preservative has reached inside the
bamboo culm. Only the
adequately treated part is collected. The distribution of
preservative is not equal along the bamboo lengths. Predictably, the
concentration will decrease with increasing
height. With adequate
concentration of the preservative protection for many years (10 or more)
can be achieved. Not treated or inadequately treated bamboo in contact
with the soil may be destroyed by termites
within a few days.
A green variety of the bambusa
vulgaris is planted at several locations of the Pugu Hills Centre and
is also treated and used for the constructions.
Are there animals,
snakes in the Forest?
Yes, the Pool Is Open and has been transformed to a Nature Pool since May 2010
Can we hike in the Pugu Forest?
Answer: The Ministry of Natural Resources introduced an amendment to the Forest Regulations which includes the introduction of a fee of 30USD (Non-residents) per person for hiking in Pugu Forest Reserve, for residents there has no rate been indicated Tanzanians pay TZS 3.000. The process of obtaining a permit has proven difficult.
Outside the Forest Reserve various alternative hikes are possible, with the hike to the cattle market being one of the most popular.
In a latest development there are signals that the long overdue Nature Trails in Pugu Forest will be revived and expanded! (we will keep you posted)
(May 25, 2010)
Answer: Four luxurious Nature Huts are available for overnight stays at Pugu Hills. Please inquire about availability and arrangements click here
Camping arrangements are possible at the Pugu Hills Nature Centre a camping site with sanitary facilities is available. The price per person per night is USD. 10/-.
Answer. Yes both the bandas and the beds are protected with netting, our staff will be pleased to prepare the banda for the night, on your request.
Can we bring our own food and
drinks?
(This regulation does not apply for Campers)
Allthough "Pugu Hills" does organise sporadic events, the main attraction is Nature, Silence, Privacy and Hiking.
The Nature Pool is for enjoying Nature, not for ball games and other entertainment for which we suggest 'Wet and Wild". We do have a 6 a site football pit for more sportive exercise, also the 1 KM nature trail can be used for excercise.
The visit to the cattle market is a favorite activity of most of our guest, if you look for a "black" hiking track we suggest the - 6 hills hike - for the extra fit among you..
For any specific activity please ask our staff, they will be pleased to organise it for you if it is within their ability.
and last but not least you can always RELAX at Pugu Hills
