Cultural Journey through Chagga Heritage

Duration: 1 Day

Tour Highlights:

• Experience the unique culture and traditions of the Chagga people.
• Visit traditional Chagga homesteads and coffee farms on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Learn about the Chagga's historical relationship with Mount Kilimanjaro and their agricultural practices.
• Engage in traditional Chagga songs, dances, and food.

Day Itinerary: Arusha – Chagga Village – Arusha

Morning

• Pick-up from your hotel in Arusha by your professional tour guide.
• Depart for a scenic drive to a traditional Chagga village on Mount Kilimanjaro's lower slopes.
• Arrival at the Chagga village and a warm greeting from the community.

Traditional Homestead Visit

• Explore a Chagga homestead and learn about their family structures and domestic architecture.

Coffee Farm Experience

• Walk through a Chagga-owned coffee plantation and learn about Arabica coffee cultivation.
• Participate in a hands-on coffee processing demonstration.

Chagga Underground Tunnels

• Visit the historical underground tunnels (kilingo) used for protection during conflicts.
• Learn about their significance in Chagga history.

Afternoon

• Enjoy a traditional Chagga lunch at a local home or community center. The meal typically includes local dishes such as ugali (maize meal), machalari (vegetable stew), and nyama choma (grilled meat). Refresh with mbege, a traditional Chagga banana beer, or fresh fruit juice.
• Cultural Exchange: Participate in a cultural demonstration where you will learn traditional Chagga dances, songs, and music. You may even have the chance to try out the Chagga’s traditional instruments, such as the nkongoro (drum) or ndere (flute).
• Storytelling Session: Enjoy a fascinating session of storytelling where the village elders will share ancient Chagga myths, legends, and the history of their relationship with Mount Kilimanjaro.

Evening

• Visit local markets and shops selling traditional crafts.
• Walk to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Kilimanjaro foothills.
• Return to Arusha and drop-off at your hotel.

Inclusions:

• Professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Local cultural guide from the Chagga community.
• Comfortable transport.
• Traditional Chagga lunch with beverages.
• Coffee farm tour and demonstration.
• Entrance fees to cultural sites, including tunnels and homesteads.

Exclusions:

• Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, tips).
• Travel insurance.
• Alcoholic beverages beyond traditional Mbege.