The Chagga tribe, originally from the slopes of the majestic Kilimanjaro, has evolved from a nomadic and pastoral society to settling in permanent villages. Traditionally, the Chagga were cattle herders, but over time, they adapted their lifestyle to the mountainous environment where they established crops. Today, they are known for their agricultural skills and cultivate a variety of products such as bananas, coffee, maize, potatoes, and beans. The region’s fertile climate and abundant rainfall allow them to maintain a livelihood based on farming.
In addition to agriculture, the Chagga also produce traditional alcoholic beverages, such as mbege, a fermented mixture of maize and banana, and wanzuki, made from honey. These beverages are an essential part of their social rituals and celebrations.
The Chagga are structured into clans, each with its own leaders and traditions. Their language is Bantu, and they keep their ancestral customs alive, including rituals and ceremonies related to agriculture, family life, and spirituality. Despite modern influences, the Chagga in Marangu remain an example of a close-knit community, preserving their cultural identity while adapting to the changes of the 21st century.
At the foot of the majestic Kilimanjaro, we will visit the Chagga and Maasai Museum, where we will learn about the history of the tunnels excavated by the Chagga tribe to protect themselves from Maasai attacks. We will also explore a Chagga village and one of their traditional houses—circular huts built with shrub branches and banana leaves, a structure completely different from today’s homes, which are made of mud and wood. This experience will give us deep insight into one of the largest tribes in Tanzania and their way of life.
The visit is part of a tour that also includes a trip to the stunning Marangu waterfalls, a gastronomic experience with traditional Tanzanian food, and even the opportunity to roast coffee with our own hands!
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