Mamba & Marangu community

Website: http://www.tanzaniaculturaltourism.com
E-mail: catherinegift@yahoo.com or joenyaki@yahoo.com
Phone: Catherine Gift Temu & Joseph Nyaki: +255 (0)754 818 273 or +255 (0)753 604 865

Communities

Mamba & Marangu community

Who they are

The name Marangu derives from the local Chagga word meaning ‘spring water’ and the village is situated on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro about 40 km from Moshi town. The Chagga are Bantu-speaking indigenous Africans and the third largest ethnic group in Tanzania. They mainly live on the southern and eastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and the Moshi area. Their relative wealth is thanks to a combination of a favourable climate and the successful implementation of ancient agricultural methods such as extensive terraced irrigation systems and the practice of continuous fertilization.

Bananas are their staple food, but they also cultivate various crops including yams, beans, and maize. In agricultural exports, the Chagga are well known for their Arabica coffee, which has now become their main cash crop.

What they offer

There is ample opportunity for travellers and volunteers to learn about the rich chagga culture through homestays with local families. Here you can get stuck in and taste some traditional culinary delights, quench your thirst with the local brew (mbege), and watch some traditional dancing.

This programme offers a variety of half-day trips taking in various natural and cultural sites on the surrounding slopes. For example, there are day tours to the first hut of Mount Kilimanjaro (mandara hut), an ancient Chagga house tour, visits to various water falls such as Ndoro and kinukamori, and learning about the trade of the local black smith.

Location

Mamba and Marangu are easily accessible by public transport. There are frequent buses leaving from Moshi towards Mwika via Marangu.The ride from Moshi town takes approximately one hour and the fare is about TZS 2,000. Local people in Mamba and Marangu can direct you when you arrive at Komakundi church.

All tour arrangements can be made at the cultural office or through the contacts provided above.

View on Google Maps

What you need

- Mosquito repellent
- Light and quick dry clothing
- Raincoat
- Good walking boots
- Sleeping bag and tent if camping
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Towel

Accommodation & Amenities

• There are 3 types of accommodation: Homestay with a local family, hotel / lodges, and camping.
• Modern western style toilets and bathing facilities in the houses.
• There is electricity.
• Local food and international food are available depending on your preference.
• Prices will be available soon.

Share this article