Our Story · Iringa, Tanzania
Rooted in Bamboo,
Grown by Community
Who We Are
A Living Eco-Tourism Destination
Igeleke Bamboo Village is a special place in Iringa where visitors explore bamboo forests, taste unique bamboo wine, enjoy traditional foods and dances, forest lunches, and see how bamboo becomes amazing products - all while supporting eco-tourism and the local community.
Founded in 2023, we transform bamboo from an overlooked resource into a cornerstone of sustainable tourism - combining nature, culture, and community empowerment for tourists, researchers, and investors.
Leadership
Founding Team
Bahati Golyama
Director · BSc Wildlife (SUA), MBA (Tumaini University)
11+ years in natural resources & tourism
Community Volunteers
2 dedicated volunteers supporting daily operations and cultural programming
Local Artisans
Skilled craftspeople producing bamboo wine, furniture, and handmade goods
Purpose
Environmental & Social Impact
Bamboo cultivation integrated with local livelihoods - creating jobs, conserving forests, and building a model for sustainable East African eco-tourism.
Conservation
Bamboo as a renewable resource - promoting cultivation practices that protect biodiversity and reduce pressure on native forests.
Community
Direct employment in tourism, manufacturing, and hospitality - empowering local families with sustainable income streams.
SDG Alignment
Contributing to No Poverty, Decent Work, Responsible Consumption, and Life on Land through every village experience.