In 1982, Isaakari Ngoma (known to his friends as "Culture") opened a small shop featuring original East African artwork. Over the years the shop has grown in size and popularity amongst tourists.

ICurio symbolizes the whole excitement of the East African experience - climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (Isaakari has summited several times), going on safari, and engaging with Tanzania's 120 different cultural groups. Through their store Isaakari and Sipe have become community leaders by establishing a strong network of local artisans, contributing to various activities to ensure the sustainability of Tanzania's environment and cultural identity while creating a positive experience for visitors.