[su_dropcap style=”flat” size=”5″]D[/su_dropcap]espite the fact that many Tanzanians visited the TAWA pavilion during the Kizimkazi Festival on the Island of Zanzibar with the aim of seeing the various wildlife that Tanzania has to offer, they were left disappointed with the presentation and selection of wildlife. However, they tried to remain positive despite their disappointment. The festival did offer some cultural variety and shows, but they were limited. It appears that the festival was poorly organised, with some attendees feeling that it had been turned into a job for the organisers rather than an enjoyable event. It is important to ensure that events at a presidential level are organised to a high standard to maintain the image of the President. Tanzanians should not tolerate mediocrity in such events.

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi FestivalThe Kizimkazi-Samia festival is currently taking place at the Kashangae grounds in Paje coastal village, Unguja South Region.
During the peak of the festival on the island of Zanzibar, a few tourists were observed in the corners and suburbs of Zanzibar enjoying the festival and the local culture.

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

From an objective point of view, the festival fell short of its aim to honour and promote Tanzanian culture. Instead, it appeared to be a tacky promotion of Samia Suluhu Hassan as a cult figure, rather than a celebration of Zanzibar or Tanzanian culture.
Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi FestivalThe representation of the culture was inadequate, and the animals in the cages were poorly presented. The use of amateurish gimmicks by the so-called foreign visitors, who appeared to be drug abusers, could deter high-class tourists with significant spending power from visiting Zanzibar and Tanzania in general.

Kizimkazi Festival

Kizimkazi Festival

The festival required a clear theme, effective marketing, and presentation. A quality product does not rely on cheap gimmicks to sell. Although the festival had good intentions, it was poorly executed by the organisers, resulting in a missed opportunity to promote Tanzanian culture and tourism. We hope that the management will take this criticism constructively and organise a better festival in the future. Nonetheless, we commend everyone who participated and supported the event.