The Founder:
​Dr. Joel J Bwemelo is a Medical specialist and visionary founder of APAO Village, a cultural, ecological, and regenerative-living hub in Kigamboni, Tanzania. Dr Bwemelo combines over 20 years of hospital experience with environmental stewardship to restore degraded landscapes and empower communities.
He leads SERA2030, transforming homesteads into Moringa-based carbon sinks that support climate resilience, green livelihoods, and environmental education, aligned with SDG 13, NetZero2050, Tanzania’s DIRA2050, and the African Union Agenda 2063.
Through biodiversity documentation platforms such as iNaturalist, and as founder of the Global Moringa Research Network, he promotes research on Moringa ecology, carbon dioxide removal (CDR) initiative, and community-led sustainability while welcoming collaborators, students, interns, volunteers, and environmental changemakers worldwide to share this experience.
Advisory Board |
KARIBU KWETU
APAO Village is an eco-friendly destination in Kigamboni offering culture, recreation, relaxation, coworking, eco-tourism, and sustainability experiences, located 24 km from the ferry and 1.5 km from the beach.
Vision
To become a community-based vibrant and leading natural hub, cultural, and eco-tourism destination in Tanzania
Mission
To create a sustainable, community-led eco-tourism destination that protects nature and culture, empowers locals through economic opportunities, and promotes environmental solutions for future generations.
Goal
Our goal is to promote Regenerative Living by preserving culture and nature, supporting local economies, advancing eco-tourism, promoting innovation, and strong community partnerships.​
Objectives
​​​
1. To host at least one annual events showcasing Tanzania's traditions, arts, nature and culture. ​
2. To scale up environmental sustainability project "Moringa-based Reforestation" (SERA)
3. To create at least 100 job opportunities by 2030 and establish sustainability partnerships
​
4. To develop and market unique eco-tourism packages, mostly "Sustainability Products"
​
Bustani Yetu
APAO Village offers an Asilia experience where sustainability meets culture, with guided botanic garden experiences, relaxation, eco-friendly stays, community connection, and access to the nearby beach.
Sustainable Green Cover
Sustainable Environmental Reforestation and Adaptation (SERA2030)
APAO Village offers a unique Moringa oleifera experience where one tree delivers three powerful benefits.
Carbon dioxide Removal (CDR) improves air quality, creating family income through products like moringa powder and seedlings, and promoting health through nutrient-rich superfood powder. Visitors can learn, explore, plant, and take home a greener future with them.
Through guided tours and hands-on demonstrations, guests see how sustainability can become part of everyday life. Every visit supports a model of regenerative living that connects climate action, wellness, and community prosperity.
Moringa Oleifera Tree
Preserved Innovation
Mshonge to Kitetei since 200BC
Discover APAO Village's tribute to ancient ingenuity with the "Kitetei" exhibit. This showcase highlights the Wahaya tribe's innovative adaptation of the fire-prone Mshonge houses into the more resilient Kitetei architecture around 200 BC. This transformation not only improved safety but also reshaped their community's way of life. Though modern architecture has since prevailed, APAO Village preserves this significant innovation, offering visitors a chance to explore authentic Kitetei houses and their historical impact. Experience how this architectural evolution safeguarded the Wahaya and continues to inspire through APAO's cultural celebration.
Innovation from Mshonge to Kitetei
Day&night air Detox
400 Snake Plants
APAO Village is more than a retreat, it’s a hub for environmental advocacy and air purification. Through our initiative of planting snake plants and Moringa trees, we’ve not only created a haven of fresh air within the village but also contributed to broader environmental conservation. Our commitment ensures a healthier environment for everyone, day and night.
​
Visit the APAO Botanic Garden to explore a variety of preserved plants and flowers. Discover the remarkable benefits of snake plants, which improve indoor air quality by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, at night, and removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. These low-maintenance plants thrive in any light condition, making them the perfect natural solution for enhancing your living space.
Snake Plant
Traditional Games
Inua Asili Yetu (iNUASILI YETU)
At APAO Village Dry Beach, guests enjoy a vibrant collection of traditional and recreational games designed for fun, bonding, and wellness.
Challenge your mind with Bao, draft, and cards that sharpen concentration, strategy, and decision-making skills; build teamwork and strength through tug-of-war, netball, and sack races. Test balance, coordination, and agility with bottle races, egg-on-spoon races, darts, and javelin throws.
These activities create laughter, healthy competition, physical fitness, and unforgettable social connections for families, friends, schools, and corporate groups. We warmly welcome you to an amazing experience at APAO Village, where culture, play, and nature come together.
_JPG.jpg)
Bao (Mancala or Oware)