Every year, over 50,000 trekkers attempt to conquer Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. However, the mountain is also what the Chagga clan call home. The clan is one of over 260 tribes residing in Tanzania. Since the 1800s they have lived in the village of Marangu. The Bantu people, their descendants, started migrating to the region on the slopes of Kilimanjaro in the first part of the 1000s. The village’s name, “place of water” is certainly appropriate, due to the lovely waterfalls and flowing streams. Besides being the launching point of the renowned hiking route, Marangu also gives visitors the chance to enjoy its fields of coffee plantations and banana groves, and gorges.
Marangu isn’t just a starting point for the most renowned climbing route of the mountain. It
welcomes people with fields and green gorges. They’ll full of lovely groves of bananas, and coffee plantations. It also allows one to observe and experience the incredible local way of life and culture. Those who stay can enjoy a cultural tour that is led by a guide. This allows one to discover the many charming qualities of Marangu. The center is a quaint, one-road locality. However, the remainder of the village is a different story. Due to the thick jungles that conceal it, it’s quite difficult to travel through when one isn’t accompanied.
One can find many lovely budget hotels with basic but comfy rooms, located in rich tropical gardens a short trek from the center of town. Besides coffee and banana plants, one can also find bright red flowers and yucca plants. In this region, mzungu (white people) are rarely spotted. Locals are a bit shy at first. However, they are also thrilled to have their pictures taken. Children enjoy playing with the camera’s dials and viewing all the photos that the camera has taken. Like other children around the world, they enjoy their recreational time, such as their recess at school.
A truly fascinating experience in this region is visiting a local brewer of banana beer. Yes, that’s right—banana beer. Bananas are a major component of Tanzania’s economy. It is the staple food of the locals, and is featured at the Marangu market, which takes place twice weekly. The process of producing banana beer is quite fascinating. First, the banana trees are pruned. Then a blend known as mbegeis cooked over an open fire. It’s mix of millet and bananas. The whole process is laborious and lengthy, but the result is fantastic—a beer that is sweet and a little sour.
While in the Tanzania region, one can enjoy the environment and Chagga culture in several ways. One example is the Chagga Live Museum, an open-air museum that reveals the traditional lifestyle of the Chagga. There’s also the Ndoro Waterfall, a 50 meter-tall natural wonder. While Kilimanjaro is arguably the biggest challenge for visitors to the region, it attracts numerous visitors. However, one’s visit to the region isn’t complete without experiencing all of the fascinating aspects of the Chagga culture.