Elder Knowledge Digital Archive
Preserving centuries of wisdom, traditions, and cultural heritage for future generations through digital storytelling.
Featured Videos
Zawadi Tech Lodge the Vision
Zawadi Tech Lodge: where Swahili heritage meets AI. A boutique stay with creator studios and an academy empowering Zanzibar youth, the African diaspora and the world—learn, create, and connect through culture, technology, and sustainable hospitality.
Zawadi Tech Lodge the Premier Tech Destination in Zanzibar
Zawadi Tech Lodge the premier tech destination in Zanzibar!
Cultural Stories
International culture nights
Celebrate global diversity through vibrant evenings showcasing music, dance, cuisine, and traditions from around the world. Guests and local community members share their cultural heritage, creating meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. These dynamic gatherings foster Ubuntu—our spirit of community—while highlighting connections between African traditions and international cultures, building bridges through shared stories and celebrations.
Daily Swahili Lessons with AI Language Apps
Immerse yourself in Swahili through interactive daily lessons powered by AI language companions. Our adaptive learning technology personalizes your journey, combining traditional language instruction with cutting-edge AI tutors. Perfect for guests seeking authentic cultural connection, these sessions blend Zanzibar's linguistic heritage with modern digital learning tools for accelerated fluency.
Traditional cooking classes
Discover Zanzibar's rich culinary heritage through hands-on cooking experiences led by local chefs. Learn to prepare authentic Swahili dishes using island spices and traditional techniques, while exploring the cultural stories behind each recipe. These immersive classes blend ancestral cooking methods with modern culinary innovation, creating unforgettable flavors and lasting cultural connections.
Dhow sailing with drone photography
Sail Zanzibar's turquoise waters aboard traditional dhow vessels while being captured by breathtaking aerial footage with professional drones. Learn ancient navigation techniques from local sailors and document the journey. This unique experience merges maritime heritage with cutting-edge technology, creating stunning visual content that showcases the island's beauty from perspectives never before possible.
Taarab music sessions with digital music production
Experience Zanzibar's iconic Taarab music tradition while learning modern digital production techniques. Collaborate with local musicians to explore this poetic musical genre, then transform traditional sounds using professional recording equipment and production software. Bridge centuries of cultural heritage with contemporary music technology, creating unique fusion tracks that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Spice Tour
Explore Zanzibar's legendary spice plantations that earned the island its "Spice Island" nickname. Discover cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, and exotic fruits while learning their historical significance in global trade routes. Touch, smell, and taste fresh spices straight from the source, understanding their cultural importance and traditional medicinal uses in Swahili communities throughout centuries.
African diaspora film screenings
Journey through powerful cinematic narratives exploring African diaspora experiences across continents. Our curated film series showcases stories from the Caribbean, Brazil, Americas, and Europe, highlighting cultural connections and shared heritage. Engage in post-screening discussions with fellow guests and local community members, fostering cross-cultural dialogue that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the global African experience.