Chaga Archaeological Caves as an Untapped Treasure of Tourism Product Diversification

Abstract

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world today. In Tanzania, a large percentage of tourism development relies on wildlife resources, resulting in tremendous pressure on the biological hotspot. However, resources such as archaeological caves found at Kisho ward are relatively undeveloped to carter tourism purposes. This paper, therefore, explored ways in which Chaga archaeological caves can be used as a new opportunity for tourism product diversification. More specifically study examined reasons for the Chaga tribe to construct caves; assessed the current state of Chaga archaeological caves; and ascertained potential caves activities that could enhance tourism. The study found that caves were constructed by the Chaga tribe in the 18th century to provide shelter and protection during warfare. It was further found that caves were disused and dilapidated despite being an important asset to local people's culture and the tourism industry. Caves were also found to contain history which can be linked with other cultural activities such as village walks and coffee tours. The paper concluded that if caves tourism were established could not only enhance the visitor experience and extended stays but also reduce mammoth pressure exerting on wildlife hotspots.

Keywords

• tourism
• caves
• product diversification
• chaga