tanzania
Part 1
Small island north east of Sea Cliff in Dar es Salaam
When someone mentions the country Tanzania, what comes to mind? Those with some knowledge of geography might say that places like the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, and Ngorongoro crater are there. Others more interested in the beach lifestyle might think of Zanzibar, or Pemba, while those who like things that sparkle might think of Tanzanite. But one of the things that doesn't immediately spring to mind is paintball!
Not really surprising since on a recent trip to the UK, I found that paintball is a sport played by a small proportion of people, and can hardly be considered mainstream. This trend seems to be mirrored across Europe, with a small (but growing) paintball community.
So what is the status of paintball in Tanzania? So far my investigations have drawn a complete blank. The only people who have even heard of the sport are ex-pats. Sporting goods stores are as rare as hen's teeth and the only guns you see are the shotguns of security guards. Navigating the city streets during monsoon season might be considered an extreme sport, but none of the traditional extreme sports are in evidence.
Not really surprising since on a recent trip to the UK, I found that paintball is a sport played by a small proportion of people, and can hardly be considered mainstream. This trend seems to be mirrored across Europe, with a small (but growing) paintball community.
So what is the status of paintball in Tanzania? So far my investigations have drawn a complete blank. The only people who have even heard of the sport are ex-pats. Sporting goods stores are as rare as hen's teeth and the only guns you see are the shotguns of security guards. Navigating the city streets during monsoon season might be considered an extreme sport, but none of the traditional extreme sports are in evidence.
Can this situation be remedied? Well, it is said that where there's a will there's a way. The commercial prospects for Paintball are probably quite small, especially amongst native Tanzanians. Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in Africa, where people don't have houses, let alone paintball ranges. There may be an opportunity amongst the numerous ex-pats - many with large amounts of disposable income with little to do, but drink or gamble. Another avenue worth exploring would be some form of Adventure tourism, perhaps combining game viewing, diving and paintball.
The investigation will continue. So if you're travelling to Tanzania anytime soon - look out for a playpaintball sign! - JK
The investigation will continue. So if you're travelling to Tanzania anytime soon - look out for a playpaintball sign! - JK
Sunset over Dar es Salaam
Tanzania