Mamba and Marangu Cultural Tourism Programme
This Cultural Tourism Programme has been developed with advice and assistance from the Dutch Aid organisation SNV and the Tanzanian Tourist Board. The information below is copied from their brochure. In addition to these activities our Tanzanian Director is from this area and she can arrange numerous other local insights.
IAt the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro outside the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park lie the beautiful towns of Mamba and Marangu. Here, local people have planned walking tours through valleys and waterfalls depicting mountain village life. Activities on the slopes of Kilimanjaro include:
- Guided tours leading to panoramic viewpoints ideal for photographing waterfalls and Mount Kilimanjaro
- Visits to historical sites of clan wars and ancient legends including large caves used for hiding during the Chagga - Maasai wars
- Visit local blacksmiths who continue using ancestral methods to prepare Maasai spears and tools
- Opportunities to experience Chagga culture with a visit to a traditional Chagga house
- Exploration of the small coffee, banana and other farms with their ancient irrigation schemes
- School visits
Mamba and Marangu
Magnificent views of valleys and waterfalls offer great entertainment for nature lovers and bird watchers. With more than seven waterfalls in the vicinity one can spend a whole day enjoying the picture postcard views. Walking tours will provide magnificent views overlooking the area including points where the lights of Nairobi can be seen at night. Walking through the well-maintained coffee and banana fields is a pleasure. Visits to tree, flower and fruit nurseries help to portray mountain life and give guests the chance to see a wide range of unique flora and fauna.
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 Kilimanjaro in 1889. He lived for an 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 Kinulkamori, Moongo or Weshani waterfall depending on 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 trees planted by Irish missionaries 100 years ago. A short climb up Ngangu Hill with it’s fantastic views is a pleasure. On a clear day the snows of Kibo seem so close, the plains so wide and the Pare Mountains close enough to grab.
Different Options
All the sites can be visited, on foot, in one full day tour or can be spread more comfortably over two days. From the Makundi blacksmith area to Kilema transport can be organised to cover the distance. Depending on the visitors condition, a convenient waterfall will be visited. We will be more than happy to arrange a custom made tour to satisfy your preference if you wish to focus on certain aspects.
