Tanzania
Uganda
Kenya
Zanzibar
CHAGGA PEOPLE
For hundreds of years, the Chagga have irrigated their fields with the ice water coming down from the glaciers of Kilimanjaro. The canals are simply dug into the ground or carved into the rock and often are no more than one foot wide. Also during this period (and still in existence to this day) were the establishment of customary rights regulating the times when water can be taken from the canals.
We guide our tour through the unique cultural landscape of the slopes of Kilimanjaro. You will have the opportunity to learn how the kilometer-long canals were constructed, an amazing feat in light of the fact that they had no measuring instruments.
Terraced Farming On The Farmland Of The Chagga
Another cultural achievement of the Chagga is the terraced farming of local crops, planted under old and very tall rainforest trees. In turn, the banana trees provide the shade for yet other plants such as coffee, corn (maize), chili peppers, and other plants, with room to spare for the grave of the 100-year-old grandfather. This form of farming is used in the Kihamba gardens and is exemplary for the efficient use of water resources.
We will visit a farm and learn how to harvest bananas (if you guess how you will get a calabash of free banana beer). If you like, you can till African soil with the local tools and balance a banana bunch on your head.
We will learn about, Traditional food, Family life and Marriage Customs of Chagga, Cultural heritage Religion and beliefs, and Craft and hobbies
MAASAI
Maasai is one of the unique African tribes that still live in their own culture. They have a good and fantastic social, political, and religious tradition. Maasai are nomadic tribes they are living on a pastoral lifestyle and manage themselves in their own culture.
They are among the best-known local populations due to their residence near the many game parks of the African Great Lakes, and their distinctive customs and dress. The Maasai speak Maa (?l Maa), a member of the Nilo-Saharan language family that is related to Dinka and Nuer. They are also educated in the official languages of Kenya and Tanzania, Swahili and English. Visit Maasai Boma, Maasai medicine walk, and Maasai dance. We offer day trips, two days tours, 3 days tours, and more.
CHEMKA HOTSPRING
"Chemka" means boiling or bubbling. This beautiful mineral spring that originates from Kilimanjaro ground waters releases bubbles as it comes up into the natural pool surrounded by large fig trees. Here you can swim and snorkel in the transparent warm water (26 degrees), sunbathe, or relax in hammocks in the shade.
Located approximately 2 hours' drive from Moshi town and hidden by a beautiful green forest lie natural hot springs, ideal for taking a relaxing dip or simply to use as a backdrop for a tranquil picnic or BBQ. You will be accompanied by a driver and guide and can spend as little or as long as you like, with the option to camp overnight in this idyllic spot. If lucky, you may be able to spot baboons hanging on the tree tops above you.
MATERUNI WATERFALLS
This very impressive Waterfall is one of the tallest in the area, spewing crystal clear glacier water 70m into its basin. The beautiful path leading to Materuni Waterfall is located 2500m above sea level. It traverses thru valleys and hills covered by tropical rainforest, past coffee, banana, and avocado "shambas", the Kiswahili word for farms. On a clear day, great views of Kibo and Moshi can be seen. The hike to the base of the Waterfall can be demanding and hiking boots are recommended. Upon reaching the bottom a picnic lunch will be served before returning to Materuni village, the starting point of the hike.
On the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro lies the village of Materuni. It is one of the many villages in Tanzania populated by the Chagga tribe. Materuni village produces many perishable goods including yam, sugar, maize, and beans. However, the main crop that is grown is coffee. In the village you will be able to learn about the process from which coffee is grown, to when it is finally poured, steaming hot into the cup. You will pick your own coffee, remove the cover, and then with coffee that has been previously dried out, crush it into coffee granules. After experiencing the complete coffee production process you will be able to enjoy your very own, satisfying, and rewarding cup of fresh coffee.
You will also learn how the Chagga tribe lives, such as their home set-up, the types of food they cook and eat, and how they rear their animals.
LAKE CHALA
A crater lake in a caldera form with the beautiful sight of green-blue color water, the entire water is formed from the underground spring from Mount Kilimanjaro. Lake Chala is surrounded by ancient rock and a variety of green vegetation such as long grass and trees. Going down to the shore of the lake is a depth of 100m you will only need to have nice shoes for hiking to avoid slipperily. Lake Chala has a variety of singing birds which will make you not forget this amazing place.
Our guide will be at the hotel around 9 am to 10 am to pick you up and drive from Moshi town to Lake Chala which is 52Km and a 1-hour drive. Upon your arrival at Lake Chala, you will complete all the government entrance fees payment, and drive inside the park. Before beginning to descend, you will pass by the restaurant of Lake Chala with a beautiful view of the Lake so you may have a chance to take some stunning photos for your memory. Going down to the lake is really easy and you will enjoy seeing some birds and monkeys around the trees, down the shore you may enjoy swimming or Kayaking and also see the other part of Kenya since the lake is at the border of Tanzania and Kenya, After that, you will take your lunch and the guide will drive you back to the hotel.
