For hundreds of years, the Chagga have irrigated their fields with the ice water coming down from the glaciers of Kilimanjaro. The canals are simply dug into the ground or carved into the rock and often are no more than one foot wide. Also during this period (and still in existence to this day) were the establishment of the customary rights regulating the times when water can be taken from the canals. We guide our tour through the unique cultural landscape of the slopes of the Kilimanjaro. You will have the opportunity to learn how the kilometer-long canals were constructed, an amazing feat in light of the fact that they had no measuring instruments.
We will learn about, Traditional food, Family life and Marriage Customs of Chagga, Cultural heritage Religion and believes, and Craft and hobbies
Day by Day
We guide our tour through the unique cultural landscape of the slopes of the Kilimanjaro. You will have the opportunity to learn how the kilometer-long canals were constructed, an amazing feat in light of the fact that they had no measuring instruments. TERRACED FARMING ON THE FARMLAND OF THE CHAGGA Another cultural achievement of the Chagga is the terraced farming of local crops, planted under old and very tall rainforest trees. In turn, the banana trees provide the shade for yet other plants such as coffee, corn (maize), chilli peppers and other plants, with room to spare for the grave of the 100-year-old grandfather. This form of farming is used on the Kihamba gardens and is exemplary for the efficient use of water resources. We will visit a farm of and learn how to harvest bananas (if you guess how you will get a calabash of free banana beer). If you like, you can till African soil with the local tools and balance a banana bunch on your head.