Cultural Program

At the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, outside the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park, lie the beautiful towns of Mamba and Marangu. Here, local people have planned walking tours through valleys and waterfalls depicting mountain village life.

The Chagga tribe

The Chagga tribe originated from the Kilimanjaro region. They are famous for their adaptability. They were one of the first tribes in the area to become converted to Christianity. Some would say that this was because it gave them access to education and health care. Many have become well educated and now live away from Kilimanjaro but have built their "retirement" home on the mountain. It is thought that the biggest income for Tanzania is the money sent in from abroad by Chaggas who have gained good jobs and honour the family tradition by looking after the "clan." They are wonderful business people. They are also very friendly and welcoming. Their villages around Kilimanjaro are very large because each family have a plot of land called their Shamba. There are no streets of houses as in Europe. Walking around Njari is like walking though a farm of banana trees and coffee along dirt tracks. The Chagga are wonderful farmers. They can grow five crops together on their shambas. Coffee, bananas, yams, beans and tomatoes. The Chagga are also famous for their "traditional brew" called Mbege. It is made from a special variety of bananas and millet. You will see people drink MBEGE (Traditional local beer) by sharing a calabash.

Chagga traditional hut

This nature walk tour will take you to the Chagga traditional hut and you will have a first hand experience on how the Chagga lived before they had western influence. You will note that the people lived in one hut which was the kitchen, bedroom as well as the place for animals.

Marangu

Mountain climbing enthusiasts will be delighted to visit the home and memorial of the late Yohano Lauwo, a Marangu native who accompanied Dr. Hans Meyer on the first recorded climb of Kilimanjaro in 1889. He lived for an astonishing 124 years and guided treks up the mountain at the edge of 70 years! Walking tours through Marangu also offer breathtaking scenery. You can visit Kinukamori, Moonjo or Mteshane waterfall depending on your physical condition. You can learn more about the Chagga culture by visiting a traditional Chagga house with straw roof. You can walk through the Chief Mangi area where the first court and primary school of the Northern region are still functioning. At the Kilema Roman catholic mission, you can see the first coffee tree planted in Tanzania by an Irish missionary 100 years ago. Kilimanjaro area is now one of the leading coffee producers in the country. A light climb up Ngangu hill with its fantastic view is a pleasure. On clear days the snow of Kibo Peak is so close, the plains so wide and the Pare Mountains to grab.

All the sites can be visited, on foot, in one full day tour or can be spread more comfortably over two days. From the Makundi blacksmith area to Kilema transport can be organized to cover the distance. Depending on the visitor’s condition, a convenient waterfall will be visited. We will be more than happy to arrange a custom made tour to satisfy your preference if you wish to focus on certain aspects.

Tours on the slopes of Kilimanjaro include:

• Guided tours leading to panoramic viewpoints ideal for photographing waterfalls and Mount Kilimanjaro
• A chance to pass historical sites of clan wars and ancient legends including large caves used for hiding during the Chagga- Maasai wars.
• A visit to local blacksmiths who continue using ancestral methods to prepare Maasai spears and tools.
• Opportunities to experience Chagga culture with a visit to a traditional Chagga house.

Price – Day Tour

1 – 2 $ 75 per person 3 pax onwards $ 60 per person.

This price includes: