Top Things to do in Marangu
Top 9 Things to do in Marangu, Tanzania
Discover the best top things to do in Marangu, Tanzania including Ndoro Waterfall, Mount Kilimanjaro, Chagga Museum, Kili Land Adventures, Joining Safaris, Marangu Cultural Tour, Lake Chala, Ascend Tanzania, Rock-explorer Tours.
Restaurants in Marangu
1. Ndoro Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Adeyemi O
An awesome stop and wonderful view of water from the mountain. It requires a little Suck it up hike from the main road up the hill and down again thru stone cut steps down to the base of the water fall.
Best to be dressed for a hike up thru slightly rocky terrain and then non-slippery footware for the descent and ascent to/from the waterfall.
Wonderful location and awesome site.
2. Mount Kilimanjaro
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By CentralScrutiniza - Los Angeles, CA
On the mountain, the first time Kilimanjaro peaks out from the clouds, you're overwhelmed with emotion. The massive beauty of Africa’s tallest mountain surpasses even the loftiest expectations!
Majestic Kilimanjaro & Safari and their dedicated team delivered the trip of a lifetime. In 35 years of travel, my wife and I had the best experience – by far! – that we’ve had with a tour operator.
Pole, pole (slowly, slowly), we summited using the Rongai route on a 8-day/7-night trek.
RESEARCHING & DECIDING on a TREKKING COMPANY
I spent a significant amount of time doing due diligence. I was especially dedicated in researching trekking companies because we had been contemplating this trip for over a dozen years.
With many questions before the trek, Tumaini Sandi and Steve Giles, the owners at Majestic Kilimanjaro, responded carefully and quickly to my many, many emails.
Choosing a climbing company is difficult: most who make it to the summit understandably give their trekking company a 5-star review. Along the way, however, as you chat with clients from other companies and observe their experience, you see that Majestic Kilimanjaro offered the highest quality experience each and every day on the mountain.
Ultimately, we chose Majestic Kilimanjaro not only because they were 5-star, but because previous clients wrote review after review passionately describing unsurpassed expertise, dedication, warmth and attention to detail (great food, excellent equipment, private toilet tents, favorable client:staff ratios, excellent guides, personal service, fine hotels, etc).
PRIVATE or GROUP CLIMB?
My wife and I are life-long independent travelers. However, due to cost, we originally planned on a group climb. After comparing the 5-star operators, we learned that Majestic’s fee for a private climb was comparable to other group climbs. We were thrilled by the Prospect of doing a private climb of Kilimanjaro.
Private climbs with Majestic Kilimanjaro provide flexibility, which is important given the challenge of high altitude climbing. I experienced altitude sickness symptoms at the end of Day 3. To combat the altitude, we were able to descend to a lower camp and recover even when this was not part of the original itinerary. Without this flexibility – which would not be possible on a group climb – we may not have summited.
Private climbs allow you to experience the beautiful solitude of Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro can be a busy place, especially at the camps. Quiet can be difficult to find on a group climb. For instance, one large group, trekking with a 5-star operator, blasted music each day as their group traveled along the trail. I love all types of music, but preferred to experience the peaceful sounds of Kilimanjaro.
Majestic Kilimanjaro offers truly personal service. Tumaini picked us up at the airport, was very responsive to our requests and even returned to the Arusha airport to collect and deliver my climbing gear when it was delayed at our connection in Amsterdam.
COST
Majestic Kilimanjaro’s offers superb value and spares no expense. They are not a low-cost operator, nor do they have the highest fees. When comparing rates, Majestic fees were less than other 5-star companies.
STAFF
The Majestic Kilimanjaro staff was excellent. Our experienced guides, Kefas (a true leader, and alpine expert who has even speed-climbed Kilimanjaro!) and assistant guide, Frank, (who often is a lead guide on Kilimanjaro … hey Frankie L!!!) were our constant companions. Our group also included a chef and 11 Porters. By the end of the trek, we knew each staff member by name. We felt absolutely supported and a real communion in camp. The commitment to getting us to the top was admirable!
Kefas and Frank knew the mountain intimately. They were lovely to spend time with and offered insight into climate zones, birds and plants. They constantly monitored our physical health to ensure each day went well.
Importantly, we heard raves about how Majestic Kilimanjaro ownership supports its staff. Employees are well paid, well fed and dedicated Porters are sent to school to become guides. Majestic Kilimanjaro gives back by paying for staff advancement and providing charitable funding to schools in need.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Owner Tumaini Sandi’s many years as a Kilimanjaro guide have allowed him to understand the subtlety necessary to support the best climbing experience. There are so many specifics that make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful climb. Three details particularly impressed me about Majestic Kilimanjaro:
(1) Superior Summit Day Staff Ratios
On summit day, we had a 3:2 ratio. That is, 3 staff members (a guide, assistant guide and an apprentice guide) for my wife and me. (Note: the Porters do not summit, but trek to the next site to set up camp.) Having an equal or greater number of guides per climber ensures that each person can get the specific attention they need. Majestic also insisted that they carry our daypacks on the final summit day! By contrast, a 5-star rated group behind us had a 1:4 ratio of 2 guides and 8 climbers, which does not provide the same flexibility given the range of climbing speeds within a group or if there are any individual health/altitude problems.
(2) The Ability to Adjust Itineraries while on the Mountain
Our itinerary was adjusted, mid-route, to give us a greater chance in reaching the summit. When I had altitude sickness at the end of Day 3, our wonderful guide, Kefas, adjusted our itinerary. Instead of staying at high altitude on Day 4, we descended to Third Cave from Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Using a little-used route (we saw no climbers all day!), we were able to descend, better adjust to the altitude and not lose any time! This change in itinerary was only possible because of the experience of our guide (the little-used route is not on the map) and because he was empowered to make the change. Of course, my wife and I were consulted by Kefas before the itinerary change. We knew to trust our guide’s experience.
(3) Truly Personal Service
Hotels vary significantly in Tanzania. We loved Planet Lodge in Arusha, which became our home away from home. We were originally booked in two different hotels during our time in Arusha and Tumaini graciously switched us back to Planet Lodge upon our request. Majestic Kilimanjaro provided the kind of wonderful, personal service that made our trip special.
FINAL THOUGHT
As another Majestic Kilimanjaro client and Trip Advisor reviewer wrote: “I have never tipped so much in my life.” This was true for us, too. We tipped as generously as we could possibly afford. Simply, every person supporting our climb deserved to be rewarded for their excellence and dedication. Thank you, Steve, Tumaini, Kefas, Frank and all of the Majestic staff, we will never forget the loving care you showed us!
3. Chagga Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By lsdourte - Anaheim, California
this was a very interesting day trip from the Marangu Hotel. We went with a villager to learn about local culture and some Chagga history. Lots of walking, but very worth it.
4. Kili Land Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Kili Land Adventures is a local owned company and run by Tanzanians, is firm specializes in providing ultimate Mountain climbing, day trips, Zanzibar beach holidays and African safari experience. As natives who were born and raised in Tanzania, we have firsthand knowledge of Mountain climbing insights, the natural landscape, wildlife and local culture.
Reviewed By Melina p
My first time to visit Africa and i work with Kili Land Adventure. I really like this Company we climb Mount Kilimanjaro me and my friend and we really enjoy our trip our guide John was really have agood experience show as a respect and thats the most thing we need. Thanks Kili Land Adventures thanks John for guide as up to UHURU.
5. Joining Safaris
Overall Ratings
5 based on 102 reviews
Our Safaris and tours are out-of-the-ordinary with special attention to unique destinations such as sightseeing Safaris to view Tanzania wildlife, mountain trekking, arrangements for clients to live with families in villages participating in social-economical activities, cycling, beach Safaris and island tours.
Reviewed By Andrew T
Having a group of 6, completing medical electives in Zanzibar and Arusha, Erick was seamless in both organising a competitive price for us and organising a great itinerary of both Kilimanjaro (Rongai 7 day) and 4 day safari (tarangire, serengeti 2 day and Ngorongoro crater), to top this off between our successful trek and safari Erick kindly invited us and the mountain team for a feast at his house.
The trek was great, with real highlights being the team that helped us get there, great food, great morale builders like local songs sung with us before most days we climbed (and during our summit climb). the team's energy and welcoming nature truly made the climb the great experience it was. Our guides were Andronus and Amedeus, with our chief guide being Frumence. Watch out for Frumence, knowledgable and attentive guide he is, he won't hesitate to cheat in card games in the dining tent!
Although we had booked for 7 day (allowing 2 attempts for summit day) we had actually completed the trek in 6, smoothly Erick and Frumence organised us an extra night of accomodation at our hotel, and thankfully gave us a rest and organisation day before we commenced our safari. This was communicated in full by Frumence, and gave us the option to stay on the mountain another day - but i think we were all ready for a hotel shower!
Our Safari was great with guide Emmaneul, very adaptable to what we wanted to see that day and answered all of our questions, we all had a great time on safari and really have no qualms or complaints here.
Lastly - having lost my credit card earlier in my travels - Erick was extremely helpful in picking it up from the post office in moshi whilst i was off on safari and meeting me with my travel companions bag at our hotel in Arusha from where we set off to continue our adventure.
Overall a great experience had by all of us, couldn't recommend joining safari more!
6. Marangu Cultural Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Day Trip to Marangu village the full packageBook your lifetime adventure at Marangu village.Come and experience an exciting mix of cultures. Meet friendly people and Discover hooting beautiful scenarios which are not to be found anywhere around Africa. Visit the most excited areas for cultural and Recreational walking as Marangu village. Also this walking is very important for acclimatization before and after hiking the Mt.Kilimanjaro and those from long safari. A day at Marangu village your lifetime adventure! Tour price including the following; WATERFALLSExplore the natural beauty of the slopes of Mt.Kilimanjaro. Enjoy and rest in the nature beauty and peace of this magnificent natural site. The music from the Waterfalls and radiant colors of the valley transform our inner and outer environment. CHAGGA LIVE MUSEUMThe Chagga culture and history can be explored by visiting the Chagga live museum site. Several Exhibitions include a reconstruction of a thatched chagga house with a complete livestock inside. The museum also has a display of traditional chagga tools, farm equipments, rope made from the balk of the mringaringa (Cordia africana)) tree, a genealogical look at the history of the chagga, some drums and a ’bugle’ made of kudu horns. LOCAL MARKET.There are colorful local markets in different location within walking distances held twice a week in where “bananas” selling takes place. Marangu is the largest market for the sale of bananas in the country and attracts buyers from all over Tanzania. CHAGGA BLACKSMITHS.Various indigenous tools are made using iron. These are made for farming activities like hoes, machetes etc.And also chagga people gets job opportunity by being self employed. The products which are made they sell to earn income for their daily survival. CELEBRATE.After the successful of hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro, safari or gentle walking, relax and enjoy the exotic country Gardens. You can also drop at the local bars (chagga bar) drink the traditional “mbege” a local chagga brew made from millet and banana wine. MT. KILIMANJARO VIEW POINT Depending on weather condition, on clear day you can get the gorgeous views of Mt.Kilimanjaro. UNDERGROUND TURNNELS (CHAGGA BOLT HOLE)These were used by the chagga people to hide themselves from the enemies, in which inside the tunnel it comprises of different partitions/galleries like kitchen, Sleeping room, mortuary, livestock pattern and ambushing chamber. COFFEE AND BANANA FARMS.From the blessed presence of the fertile volcanic soils on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro majority of villagers are subsistence farmers, practicing cultivation on crops like coffee, banana, beans, yams potatoes etc Tradition meals (Hot lunch) and drinking waterExperience local life.Enjoy a delicious, home – cooked meal in Chagga house. Learn how to cook Chagga food especially cooked plantain bananas ‘’Machalari’’. Coffee tourHave a cup of homemade coffee with our local people. Take a walk through Marangu coffee farms and visit a local home where you will learn the whole process of preparing coffee in tradition way from beans to cup and then you will enjoy a delicious cup of Kilimanjaro coffee. All local fees; goes to the social development in the village. Professional guides Tour guides his friendly, professional, organized and certified. They all adopted and realize tour guide code of conduct and morals. They posses broad range knowledge of the area, and therefore you will hear a lot about the Chagga culture from them.MAKE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR AND LONG LIFE MEMORIES.
Reviewed By Frank M - Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
We recently took a trip to Marangu village but this was a hiking inside the forest.The weather was real good..The hike took us almost 3hours to the first Hut ''Mandara'' We sat there gazing at this massive trees with Black and White monkeys jumping all over from one tree to the other.It was such a nice experience .After this we took a short walk about 45 minutes to the Maundu crater....we had a very magnifficient view of the mountain. That's how we spent our one day hike.
Thanks to Friendly Frank for arranging this tour
Mziry
7. Lake Chala
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By piedresybarro - Oviedo, Spain
We camp there for one night. The camping site is amazing, and the facilities are fully equiped and clean. The staff is very friendly and the food is ok. Dinner in the restaurant, in the night with the lake down there, is really nice.
8. Ascend Tanzania
Overall Ratings
5 based on 52 reviews
A Once in a Lifetime African Experience, Customized to You! Locally Owned and Operated, Licensed & Registered Tour Company. We'll handle all aspects of your Tanzanian Holiday, including: Mt. Kilimanjaro & Mt. Meru Treks Safari Personalized to Your Interests & Needs Hiking Biking Gear Rental Airport Transfer Accommodation Arrangements & More Join us for your dream Tanzanian Holiday!
Reviewed By Hannah M
I just returned home from completing the 6-day Machame route to Mt. Kilimanjaro. The trip was great- very difficult, but completely worth it. Booking was made easy with the quick responses and clear information. Our guides, Tino and Fanuel, were fabulous; they were communicative, supportive and helpful. The chef prepared good food, the Porters kept our gear safe and dry, the route was beautiful and we went at a great pace the entire trek... and we summited! I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro.
9. Rock-explorer Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By manus s
As an experienced traveler i have rarely met someone as hospitable and welcoming as George from Rock explorer.
A friend of mine got me in touch with rock explorer to organise a safari for a fair price. George is well organised, answered my mails quickly and met with me in person to discuss the trip.
Not only does he organise your trip very professionally and makes sure everything is tailored to your needs, he goes above and beyond to give you an incredible authentic experience!
He welcomed me (+ 2 of my friends) into his house for a home stay of 2 days! We went to the market with his friends and all cooked local food together. He also helped me on my way for my further travels, got me a busticket whilst i was on safari and dropped me off at the busstation. The last night he invited me to go a concert of one his favourite artists together in moshi and we partied as friends!
I sincerely recommend rock explorer to organise you safari / kilimanjaro / etc… You get much more then just a well organised trip! Thanks again george! see you again in Amsterdam or Moshi!
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