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.
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.
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?
Answer: Fore more information on mammals and birds, please click on the selected group of interest. Over the years we have seen some 10 different species of snakes.
.
Yes, the Pool Is Open
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.
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. 7/-.
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?
Answer: The operation of Pugu Hills Centre is expensive in comparison to equivalent establishments in Dar es Salaam where water, electricity, access roads and other services are readily available. In order to cover these extra cost we depend on our income from the restaurant it is not feasible to offer you the atmosphere and excitement of the Pugu Hills for free. Therefore we hope you will respect the regulation not to bring your own food and beverage to Pugu Hills Nature Centre.
(This regulation does not apply for Campers)
In addition to the obvious more physically oriented activities;
Hiking, swimming, sports (football pit), volleyball, tennis (under construction)
mountain biking, hash an the like,
guests come for research in the forest, bird watching, butterfly catching, star watching or game spotting and photographing
More culturally interested guests visit a local Ngoma (Dance) the cattle market, the bat cave, the Pugu school, where Mwalimu Nyerere taught, and which is one of the historical places of the early German missionaries (Benedictines Order).
Please inform our manager for organizing one of the activities.
and last but not least you can always RELAX at Pugu Hills
