Experience the Taste of Tanzania’s Heart on Your Safari from Zanzibar
When you think of a Tanzania safari from Zanzibar, what comes to mind first is often lions, elephants, and vast savannahs — but high on the lush slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, another adventure awaits. Here, where clouds touch the coffee trees, the Chagga people have cultivated some of the world’s finest Arabica coffee for generations.
This journey isn’t just about drinking coffee it’s about understanding its roots, feeling the warmth of local hospitality, and tasting Tanzania’s culture one cup at a time.
The Spirit of Kilimanjaro Where Coffee and Culture Meet
The slopes of Kilimanjaro are as alive as the morning air fresh, fertile, and rich with stories. This is the land of the Chagga tribe, one of Tanzania’s oldest farming communities, who have mastered the art of growing coffee in perfect harmony with nature.
When you visit a coffee farm near Materuni Village, just outside Moshi town, the experience begins with a walk through green terraces where banana trees shade coffee plants. Your local guide, often a Chagga farmer, explains how their ancestors introduced coffee cultivation during the German colonial period and how traditional practices have been passed down from generation to generation.
Here, everything is organic the beans are handpicked, washed in spring water, and sun-dried on wooden racks. You’ll see women pounding roasted beans in wooden mortars while singing rhythmic Chagga songs, celebrating community and harvest.
From Cherry to Cup The Coffee-Making Experience
Nothing connects you to Tanzania’s heart quite like making your own cup of coffee at its source. During the Materuni coffee tour, you’ll take part in the full process:
Pick ripe red coffee cherries straight from the tree.
Pulp and wash them in cold mountain water.
Roast the beans over an open fire while the sweet, smoky aroma fills the air.
Grind them by hand using a traditional pestle and mortar.
Finally, brew and taste your own creation — a cup of Kilimanjaro coffee with flavor notes of chocolate, spice, and earth.
It’s more than coffee — it’s a ceremony of culture, shared laughter, and connection. And as you sip, the view of Mount Kilimanjaro rises majestically in the distance — a perfect backdrop for a moment of pure Tanzania.
How to Include This Experience in Your Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar
A coffee tour in Materuni or Moshi can easily be added to your Tanzania safari from Zanzibar. Many travelers begin their trip with a short flight from Zanzibar to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, spending the first day exploring Tanzania’s cultural highlands before heading to the national parks.
Here’s how you can include it:
Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha or Kilimanjaro (approx. 1 hour)
Transfer to Materuni Village or Moshi for a half-day coffee and waterfall tour.
Combine the experience with a Tarangire, Ngorongoro, or Serengeti safari for the perfect mix of culture and wildlife.
Return to Zanzibar for beach relaxation — a complete Tanzania adventure from bean to beach!
Geo Tip: Materuni Village is located just 15 km from Moshi town in the Kilimanjaro region, about a 2-hour drive from Arusha.
Why Coffee Belongs on Your Tanzania Safari Itinerary
While Tanzania’s wildlife safaris steal the spotlight, its coffee culture tells a story of community, sustainability, and heritage. By visiting smallholder farms, you directly support local families who depend on fair-trade tourism.
Each visitor helps preserve traditional farming methods and promotes eco-tourism a gentle reminder that adventure isn’t just about what you see, but what you support.
At the end of the day, as you sip freshly brewed Kilimanjaro coffee under the shade of banana trees, you realize this is more than a stop — it’s a connection to Tanzania’s soul.
Plan Your Coffee Adventure with Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari Experts
At Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari Experts, we design journeys that go beyond game drives. Our itineraries blend wildlife safaris, cultural encounters, and authentic local experiences like the Materuni Coffee Tour to give you a deeper taste of Tanzania.
Whether you’re flying from Zanzibar to Arusha for a few days of adventure or planning a full northern circuit safari, our team ensures every detail from flights to farm visits runs smoothly.