Karibu! (You are welcome!)
It has been two years since I had the pleasure of visiting Tanzania. I was in Tanzania for work but arrived the weekend before to ensure I had some time to "play". We attended an event I am sure you are only to find on the continent of Africa: the self proclaimed premier event in Tanzania: The Annual Charity Goat Races. Yes. Goats. Racing. Around a track. People placing bets on those goats. All in the name of charity. But please note, over the last 12 years over 544 million shillings (almost $350k) has been raised for local charities - well done goats!
 |
| Cheering for Goat Nads... |
Tickets to enter the event is 5,000 shillings (approximately $3). Various organizations, prior to the event, have procured a local goat, named their lucky animal (i.e. Goat Nads, Makers Choice, Baaaaaazooka, Pasajero, Go Tee, etc.) and stand in the middle of the race track to cheer on their sponsored goat. Visitors place bets on the goat of their choice. There is no 'rhyme or reason' to choosing the goat - there are not past races which mark winning or losing streak of the goat. You place your bet on the name you believe is the most clever. There are 7 races, ran every 30 minutes so you have more than one chance to lose money er I mean "donate" to charity. Each race is sponsored by an organization and each race has 10 goats and jockeys. Dear Freaks: Do not get excited ~ there is no short man riding the goats LOL Instead there is a man behind each goat running to keep the goat on track and to "force" the goats to run.
 |
| When Goat Nads was focused on winning! |
It was amazing! Quite entertaining and I found myself with (losing) tickets in hand cheering for my goat, "Gooooooo Goat Nads! Come on Goat Nads! You can do it!" Goat Nads was in first and then found something of interest to his left and decided that was more interesting then my making a profit off the 5000 shillings I bet on that goat! I blame his jockey ...
All in all it was quite an experience. Besides the racing there are food vendors, the Savannah tent was quite lively with music, people dancing with beer in their back pockets for later. A man in a condom suit walking around with sunglasses, children playing on moon bounces in the "kiddie area" and local dishes being served. One of them consisted of ... goat. It was a very nice event and if ever you are in Dar es Salaam during this event I would recommend attending!
 |
| I definitely had a "bucking" good time! |
