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 located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Arrival at the Chagga village. Enjoy a warm greeting from the community.

Traditional Homestead Visit

• Begin your village tour with a visit to a Chagga homestead, where you’ll learn about the traditional Chagga lifestyle, including their family structures and domestic architecture.

Coffee Farm Experience

• Walk through a Chagga-owned coffee plantation. Learn about the cultivation process of Arabica coffee, from planting and harvesting to roasting and grinding. Participate in a hands-on demonstration of coffee processing.

Chagga Underground Tunnels

• Visit the historical underground tunnels (or kilingo) used by the Chagga during conflicts and the rainy season. Hear stories about their significance in Chagga history and defense against invaders.

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

• Stroll through the village, visiting local markets and small shops selling traditional crafts, such as handwoven baskets, pottery, and beadwork.
• Enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding area as you walk to a viewpoint overlooking the lush green landscapes of the Kilimanjaro foothills.
• Begin your journey back to Arusha. Arrive in Arusha and drop-off at your hotel or designated location.

Inclusions:

• Professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Local cultural guide for the Chagga community.
• Transport in a comfortable vehicle.
• Traditional Chagga lunch with local beverages.
• Coffee farm tour and coffee demonstration.
• Entrance fees to Chagga cultural sites, including tunnels and homesteads.

Exclusions:

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