10 Unique Cultural Practices You’ll Only Find in Iringa

If you've never been to Iringa, you might not know how rich and alive the culture is. While many travelers head straight for the national parks, those who stop in Iringa get a totally different experience, one that's full of tradition, meaning, and true Tanzanian spirit.

Here are 10 unique cultural practices you’ll only find in this part of the country, especially among the Hehe people, the proud custodians of Iringa’s heritage.

1. Greeting With Both Hands and kisses

Among the Hehe and other tribes in Iringa, greetings are a big deal. People often use both hands when shaking to show deep respect, especially when greeting elders. It's not rushed, it's warm and genuine. The unique thing about this greeting is that you are supposed to kiss the hand of your neighbor several times.

2. Traditional "Ngoma" Dances

Whether it's a wedding, harvest, or spiritual event, the beating of drums and powerful warrior-style dances are central. These dances tell stories, celebrate life, and sometimes even settle disputes! Hehe people wear heavy bells on their legs as instrumental to produce nice music. 

3. Cooking in Clay Pots Over Firewood

In many homes, food is still cooked the traditional way over a three-stone fire, in clay pots. The taste? Absolutely unforgettable. Meals are slow-cooked, rich in flavor, and shared communally.

4. Milking Cows in the Morning Fog

In rural Iringa, especially among pastoralist families, morning milking is almost ceremonial. It’s quiet, peaceful, and full of fun, a beautiful way to start the day.

5. Naming Children Based on Events or Situations 👶

Hehe names often carry deep meanings. A child might be named based on the season, a challenge the family went through, or even a dream. Each name tells a story.

6. Traditional Healing With Local Herbs

Before modern medicine, the Hehe relied (and still do, in some areas) on plant-based healing passed down through generations. Herbalists are respected figures in many communities.

7. Storytelling Circles by the Fire

Elders love to gather children in the evenings to tell folktales and riddles. These stories are more than entertainment, they carry morals, history, and cultural wisdom.

8. Respecting Elders by Kneeling or Sitting Lower

Showing respect is everything. Younger people often kneel slightly or sit lower than elders when speaking to them, not out of fear, but as a sign of deep honor. But this is practiced mostly by women.

9. Unique Hairstyles for Identity & Celebration

Certain hairstyles mark age groups, marital status, or even spiritual roles. Some are simple, while others are incredibly intricate and beautiful.

10. Colorful Ceremonies with Ulanzi, Music & Vitenge
Iringa’s ceremonies are vibrant and full of life. Locals brew Ulanzi, a traditional bamboo wine, days in advance. As drums echo, dancers perform with energy, and women shine in bright Vitenge, adding color and elegance. It’s a celebration of culture, unity, and tradition.

Want to Experience These Traditions Yourself?

At Wanyalukolo Cultural Tours, we don’t just talk about culture, we live it. You can join us for a day, a weekend, or even longer, and experience these beautiful practices firsthand.

+255 757 455 133

wanyalukoloculturaltours@gmail.com

Iringa isn’t just a stopover. It’s a story waiting to be heard and lived.