Nyumbanitu

Nyumbanitu is a forest near the village of Mlevela, [Mdandu] ward in Wanging'ombe District of Tanzania's Njombe Region. It is at a distance of 15 km (9.3 mi) from Njombe.

It is notable as one of only three habitats for the rare Udzungwa forest partridge (Xenoperdix udzungwensis)[1] and important site for the mythology for the local Bena people.[2]

The caves inside the forest served as a hiding places during wars between the local Bena and their Hehe neighbours during the 19th century and also during the Maji Maji Rebellion in 1905–1906.[3]

It has been used for worship and sacrifice by traditionalists.[4]

A number of legends are connected to the forest.

Footnotes

References

  1. ↑ Xenoperdix udzungwensis, IUCN redlist, lookup April 2018
  2. ↑ Stanley Elias, Inside Nyumbanitu
  3. ↑ Stanley Elias, Inside Nyumbanitu
  4. ↑ Tumaini Msowoya, Msitu wa Nyumbanitu