In my early 20ies, I had the chance to visit East Africa. My time in Tanzania was filled with new friends, delicious food and great experiences. I want to share some small tours around northeast Tanzania in this blog post.
Nibbling fish pool – Chemka Hot Spring
We were sitting in a Bajaji on the way to Chemka. The road felt endless. Wherever I looked, I saw a flat step landscape. But after a while, suddenly, an oasis in the middle of the steppe appears in front of us. Behind the trees was the so-called “hot spring”. The water was warm and whenever I told still, I felt the fish nibbling on my skin, which was funny. You can reach Chemka from Moshi or Arusha, stop at Boma, the town in-between Moshi and Arusha. From there, you will need to go on a Bajaji to Chemka. The way from Boma to the hot spring was longer than I expected. I hope you are already used to the bumpy roads of Tanzania. Watch out for an untrustworthy Bajaji driver and deal with the price (I’m glad I went there with some locals).
The taste of African coffee – Materuni Coffee Tour
Usually, I’m not a fan of guided nature walking tours, but this one was amazing. The journey starts from Moshi. From where your guides will drive you up to a mountain village. After the registration at the village office, the 45-minutes hike to the waterfall starts. Let me tell you, the North-Tanzanian vegetation is simply unique. The flesh green, diverse flora is a highlight for every nature lover.
Watch out: when it was/is rainy, the path can get very slippery. The Materuni waterfall was stunning. You can get closer to it, experience the power of water and enjoy this natural spectacle.
From there you will take the path to the village where a delicious lunch is waiting for you. And don’t worry if you are a vegetarian. There are almost always veggie options.
After lunch, the fascinating coffee-making procedure and tasting start. Our tour guide gave us information about the Tanzanian coffee and village where the Chagga tribe lived. You can also take the hand on and try to mash the coffee beans yourself.
This day was one of my most memorable experiences in Tanzania. I can highly recommend it. The entrance fee money directly supports the Chagga tribe in the village.
Into the African Jungle – Ndoro Waterfall
There are a few waterfalls hidden in the surrounding forest of the village. Ndoro Waterfall is one of them. First, you walk on a road, it becomes a path and after paying the entrance fee, the way turns into a small dense bush trail down to the waterfall. Again, all around me was this intense flesh of green flora. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the waterfall, as it was a little bit hidden behind the rocks.
Lushoto in the Usambara Mountains – a breathtaking view of Tanzania
Lushoto is a small village in Tanzania between Moshi and Tanga. The town was already famous in colonial times and German history. Today, it is still a favorite tourist hot spot and I can’t think about why you shouldn’t visit it. The street from the main road to Lushoto is very curvy and will reveal spectacular views. As I was on my way to my next job on the coast and my schedule was already a mess, I only spent one night in this lovely village. But there are plenty of hikes, waterfalls, and viewpoints in the Usambara Mountains. The Irente Viewpoint is the best-known viewing point. Standing there and having this incredible view of all of Tanzania (that’s what it feels like) is literally breathtaking.
Great article! The hot spring looks amazing! I completely agree with you about the kids and the view they have of tourists, I find it really sad.
Thank you 🙂 Yeah it’s sad, I don’t like this kind of tourists.