You will be picked up at the hotel/lodge in Moshi/Arusha and drive to Marangu which will take around 2 and a half hours. Start the tour at Marangu Gate with elevation of 1860m and it is the starting point of the Marangu route [also known as Coca cola route], one of the most popular route to the top of Kilimanjaro. Here you will get from your guide a brief introduction to the history of Kilimanjaro, the beginnings of its ascent and the individual routes to the summit. During your visit at the gate you also have the opportunity to observe the mountaineers in their preparations. Afterwards, we will take a short hike to a nearby valley with a small waterfall, which the locals call the “evergreen valley”.
After the hike it is time to learn more about the history of the Chagga tribe. You will visit the caves dug by the Chagga. You will venture down into the inky black darkness of the tunnels/caves in which Chagga sheltered when the Maasai would raid from the lowlands. Your guide will guide you unerringly through the underground labyrinth as he describes the days of warfare and how the people survived underground for so long. During the excursion you will also have the opportunity to visit a replica of a traditional Chagga house.
Before having lunch at one of the local restaurants, you will visit the very beautiful Kilasiya Waterfall. The walk to these picturesque falls is a leisurely hike through local banana plantations and quiet clusters of homes. You’ll use stepping stones to cross the river and there’s a bit of muddy downhill hiking to get there, but the reward at the end is a towering waterfall with blessedly cool waters beneath. The particularly adventurous may even wish to hop in for a quick swim. The short but exhausting trail is worth the effort. After lunch it is time to head
