Waterfalls around Kilimanjaro

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). A chance to pass historical sites of clan wars and ancient legends including large caves that were used for hiding during the Chagga vs Maasai wars.

Another great cultural activity around Kilimanjaro is to visit to local Chagga blacksmiths who continue using ancestral methods to prepare Maasai spears and tools. Amongst other opportunities to experience Chagga culture is a visit to a traditional Chagga house.

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
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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 can swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall before enjoying a delicious picnic lunch at the base of the waterfall.

Marangu is 30km northeast of Moshi town at an altitude of 1800m. Getting there takes around a 45 minutes by car form Moshi town. There are locally organized 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.

Walking tours provide great views overlooking the area including points where the lights of Nairobi can be seen at night.
For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris

Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.