Kilimanjaro Cultural Tour: Chagga, Songs, Cuisine & Community

One goal our family has is to experience the local culture of the country we are visiting. This was such an incredible experience. Not only do you learn so much, eat some incredible food, meet some amazing people but you are also supporting an incredible cause.

We spent a joyful, beautiful day with Mama Stella and her "sisters." We cooked, danced, and sang together. Now we are all sisters. We were guided through Machame by Peter, who explained a lot about Chagga culture and the flora and fauna. A wonderful, worthwhile excursion!

What a fantastic day! We had a spare day before starting the Machame route and decided to visit the nearby Nkweshoo village . For context, the cultural tour offered is organised by a local group of women with all profits directed to local projects, so for us it was a no-brainer to go with them. We were picked up from our hotel and were greeted in the village with a traditional song and dance. We then had a packed itinerary with our guide Peter who was very knowledgeable, answering all our questions on the loca Chagga culture, agriculture and ecology. We were shown round the wonderful homestead with their circular farming methods, taken on a hike to the nearby waterfalls (which were spectacular!!) via the local bar to be shown how the local banana beer is brewed. We were then welcomed back with an incredible feast with a wide variety of local food: chapo, pillau, mboga and the local wild avocado (all food grown in the homestead). We then finished the day with a tour of the museum and by preparing a cup of own coffee. Could not recommend more!! Definitely come to Machame Nkweshoo if you’re visiting Moshi and Kilimanjaro!!

I had a fantastic day with Stella, Edith and Peter exploring the local scenery and learning about Chaga life and farming. Everyone was super friendly and knowledgable, the views of the waterfall we visited on our hike were amazing and the food was spectacular

This was so awesome!!! We saw and participated in some cool traditions, and got to see a local school and hospital and even meet some local people. And also did a great hike to a beautiful waterfall. I loved it!!! And the ladies and Peter were all wonderful! THANK YOU! This did not disappoint!!!!!

Great authentic experience of life in the Chagga community. The hike was superb and we even had chance to look around the new health centre donated by previous visitors which is vital to the community. The waterfalls were beautiful and our guide Peter was very informative and enthusiastic. The Mamas back in the homestay were brilliant, full of song and dance. Made us fantastic traditional food as well as teaching how coffee is produced and brewed the traditional way. Overall a fantastic experience everyone should try. Asante sana!

Very good intimate experience with Chagga culture on the edge of Kilimanjaro, we learned a lot, including local music, coffee making and culture about how life works in Tanzania. Peter was a very good guide, I recommend 🥰

It was a great experience. We shared a delicious meal with them, we learned about their customs. We also took a beautiful walk to the waterfall and to the school. We learned how to make coffee. It was all a great experience

Very nice discovery of chagga customs and songs and a big thank you to mam Stella and mama Edith for their benevolence and welcome. Asante sana.

We received a very warm and family welcome at Mama Stella. A real human adventure, authentic and very rewarding, not to mention the breathtaking landscape. Now we are the kings of chapatis 😁👌😋!