Waterfalls and Cultural Trips

Mt Kilimanjaro offers a variety of activities other than climbing to Uhuru Peak. The beauty and culture of the Kilimanjaro Region and its Chagga tribe presents a fascinating opportunity to experience the relationship between the mountain and its inhabitants.

Options for activities include: visits to the local people and their environment or walk to one or more of the majestic waterfalls (Makoa Waterfall, Mongioni Waterfall, Manambe Waterfall,Masare Waterfall,Rau Waterfall and Uru Waterfall). There is the chance to visit historical sites of clan wars and ancient legends including large caves that were used for hiding during the Chagga vs Maasai wars.

Visiting Makoa Waterfalls (a 10m waterfalls created by the Makoa River in Machame) is well worth an afternoon?s stroll. It is surrounded by banana and coffee plantations where you will see the indigenous people farming by traditional means.

Uru Waterfall is a 50m waterfall where you can swim in the plunge pool at the base of the falls. Local farms where you will have a glimpse into the past surround the falls. The 50 meter waterfall is a hidden treasures of Kilimanjaro Region and provides you with the chance to trek through coffee farms and enjoy spectacular views. After walking you swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall to cool off before enjoying a delicious picnic lunch at the base of the waterfall.

Another great cultural activity around Kilimanjaro is to visit to local Chagga blacksmiths who continue using ancestral methods to prepare Maasai spears and tools. You can also visit a traditional Chagga house.

Marangu is 30km northeast of Moshi town at an altitude of 1800m. Getting there takes around a 45 minutes by car form Moshi town. Tours which can either be a either full or half day in length. Attractions here include waterfalls, great views, coffee bushes (this is where the first coffee bush in Tanzania was planted by German Missionaries), traditional Chagga arts and crafts will also be available to buy.

Some walking tours can visit points where the lights of Nairobi can be seen at night. For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains please Contact Us.