Tanzania Cultural :Mamba and Marangu cultural tour

Mamba: A morning visit to the ancient sites in the Makundi area recalls clan wars and historic legends. You can enter the Laka Holes, large hiding caves which were used to protect women and children during the Maasai-Chagga wars. Visitors will actually get to see blacksmiths who still use traditional methods to prepare spears and tools used by Maasai people today. A local woodcarving school allows visitors to meet a skilled teacher who is one of the oldest active members within the community.

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 Mt. Kilimanjaro in 1889. He lived for astonishing 124 years and guided treks up the mountain at the age of 70 years. Walking tours through Marangu also offer breathtaking scenery. You can visit Kinukamori, Moongo or Mteshani waterfall depending n 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 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.

GUIDES: All the guides have been living in the Kilimanjaro area for many years and are conversant in English. Many of them are experienced guides for Kilimanjaro treks and can recount tales from their climbing adventures. They are all-familiar with the surrounding area and are sure to captivate you with interesting stories and facts about the different cultures, nature and areas. All the guides of the Cultural Tourism Programme have an identity card, and you are advised not to walk with unauthorized guides.

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT: Development fees from each tour will go towards the Village Education Project. This project strives to improve primary schools in the villages on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Through your participation, you will help improve the quality of education in the Kilimanjaro area. All development fees should be paid in the donation box in the participating hotel. A representative from the Village Education Project will come by periodically to collect the development fees. Please note that the minimum fee for the development project is 10 % of what you pay for your tour; make sure that the money is put in the box.