Visit the Machame Village – For Cultural Tours, Hikes, and Machame Language History

Machame is one of the most popular settlements in the Kilimanjaro region due to the well-preserved culture around the villages and even more popular due to the route that ascends to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro that originates from the Machame Village. Located amidst the verdant slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Machame Village stands as a quaint yet vibrant gateway to one of Africa’s most iconic adventures. Renowned for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and strategic location, Machame Village offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the allure of Kilimanjaro while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the local Chagga community.

Machame, also known as the Kingdom of Machame (Kwamangi ya Mashame in Kichagga) or Ufalme wa Machame in Swahili, was a historically significant sovereign Chagga kingdom that was situated in the Machame Kaskazini ward of the Hai District in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. Historically, the Machame kingdom was referred to as a great African giant by Hans Meyer in the year 1889. The Machame kingdom was also the largest and most populous of all the Chagga sovereign states on Kilimanjaro. Its ruler was considered to be a giant African king as early as 1849, and his influence extended throughout all Chagga states with the exception of Rombo.

During the 1860s, a German explorer named Von der Decken, who was often referred to as Baroni by the Chagga people, depicted Machame as a confederation of western Chagga states. These states included Narumu, Kindi, and Kombo, and they extended all the way to the western end of Kibongoto (Siha). Each of these states had its own chiefs, and they were all ruled by the monarch of Machame. “Baroni” observed that at that time, only two of the Chagga states possessed some degree of autonomy from the monarch of Machame. These states were Kilema and Lambongo, which would eventually become Kibosho under the leadership of the formidable chief Sina.

What Makes Machame Village Unique?

1. Cultural Heritage: Machame Village is inhabited predominantly by the Chagga people, known for their distinct customs, traditions, and hospitality. Visitors can engage with the locals, participate in cultural activities, and gain insight into the Chagga way of life.
2. Gateway to Kilimanjaro: Machame serves as a starting point for the Machame Route, one of the most scenic and popular trails to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro. As climbers embark on their journey, they are treated to breathtaking views of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna.
3. Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush vegetation, banana plantations, and rolling hills, Machame Village offers a serene and picturesque setting for travellers seeking tranquillity amidst nature’s splendour.

How to Get There?

Machame Village is accessible from various cities and towns in Tanzania:

• From Moshi: Machame is approximately 20 kilometres south of Moshi, the nearest major town. Travelers can hire a taxi or take a public bus from Moshi to reach Machame Village in about 30 minutes.
• From Kilimanjaro Airport: The village is located about 60 kilometres southwest of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Visitors can arrange for airport transfers or rent a car to reach Machame in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
• From Arusha: Machame Village is roughly 80 kilometres southeast of Arusha. Travelers can hire a private vehicle or use public transportation to reach Machame in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• From Dar es Salaam: While Dar es Salaam is farther away, Machame can still be reached via flights to Kilimanjaro Airport followed by road transportation.

What to See and Do in Machame Village?

1. Cultural Immersion: Explore the vibrant culture of the Chagga people by visiting local markets, traditional homesteads, and community centers. Engage in cultural activities such as traditional dance, storytelling, and handicraft demonstrations.
2. Trekking and Hiking: Embark on an adventure of a lifetime by trekking the Machame Route up Mount Kilimanjaro. Experience the thrill of ascending Africa’s highest peak while marveling at the breathtaking scenery along the way.
3. Nature Walks: Discover the natural beauty of Machame’s surroundings with leisurely walks through the village and its scenic environs. Admire the lush forests, meandering streams, and panoramic vistas that characterize the landscape.
4. Photography and Birdwatching: Capture stunning photographs of Kilimanjaro’s majestic slopes, vibrant flora, and diverse wildlife. Machame Village and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.
5. Culinary Delights: Sample traditional Chagga cuisine and delicacies at local eateries and restaurants. Savor dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Plan Your Visit to Machame Village

Whether you’re an avid adventurer, a nature enthusiast, or a cultural explorer, Machame Village offers something for everyone. Plan your visit to this charming village and embark on a memorable journey filled with adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Experience the magic of Kilimanjaro from the enchanting gateway of Machame Village.

The Machame Route for Mount Climbing Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa, is a popular destination for climbers who are looking to conquer the mountain. One of the most popular routes. When you rise through rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts on this path, which is also known as the “Whisky Route,” you will ultimately arrive at the snow-capped Uhuru Peak, which is a stunning and diverse scenery.

By gradually ascending in height, the path enables improved acclimatization, which in turn reduces the likelihood of experiencing altitude sickness and increases the likelihood of successfully reaching the peak. If you climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, you will have professional guides and porters to help you along the route. This will ensure that you have an adventure of a lifetime that is both demanding and rewarding.

Check out the 7 Days Machame Route itinerary

Tours of Cultural Sites

Machame is not only a place of amazing natural beauty, but it also offers opportunities for cultural inquiry through tours that are both fascinating and educational. Through participation in these trips, tourists are allowed to fully immerse themselves in the many customs and traditions of the Chagga people, who are renowned for their great hospitality and friendly demeanour.

One of the most common components of a cultural trip in Machame is the opportunity to visit local communities and engage in conversation with members of the Chagga community. This presents a one-of-a-kind chance to get the knowledge necessary to understand their way of life, their values, and their profound connection to the land.

During your interactions with the locals, you will have the opportunity to participate in discussions, pose questions, and get a more profound comprehension of their daily routines, customs, and beliefs.

As part of the cultural trip, you will get the opportunity to watch and listen to performances of traditional music and dance.

Dances performed by the Chagga people are characterized by high-energy drum beats and rhythmic motions, which are indicative of their rich cultural past. Not only do these performances serve as a form of entertainment, but they also serve the purpose of preserving and transmitting their cultural legacy to subsequent generations.

Participating in the celebrations, learning some dance moves, and experiencing the joy and unity that these festivals provide are all potential options for you.

Machame Nkweshoo Cultural Tours

Machame-Nkweshoo Cultural Tourism was founded to transform Kilimanjaro into a sustainable hamlet via the medium of tourism.Your tour of Machame will include stops at the following cultural sites, which you will be led to see:

• 1. An excursion to the Nkosalulu Water Falls with a tour guide
• 2. A tour of the local farms responsible for the production of coffee
• 3. A journey to the most historic roads and places of worship
• 4. An excursion to the caves and hides of the Old Chagga
• 5. A look at the traditional tools and some of the local currencies (coins)
• 6. A trip to the Machame Local Community Market is next on the agenda.
• 7. Trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro, which is home to two legendary peaks An excursion to the natural woodland that is located on Kilimanjaro

Hiking to the Waterfalls

The natural beauty of Machame extends well beyond the majestic mountains and the abundant cultural legacy that it has. Further contributing to the region’s charm are the beautiful waterfalls that may be found there.

When you go on a waterfall hiking expedition, you will have the opportunity to find these unknown treasures that are hidden among the verdant landscapes. This will provide you with an experience that is both invigorating and immersing. Within the Machame region, the Materuni Waterfall is often considered to be among the most well-known waterfalls.

This breathtaking waterfall cascades down from a height of 150 meters, producing a fascinating show of rushing water and mist as it falls. The sight and sound of the waterfall are truly awe-inspiring, and it captivates tourists with the natural beauty and strength that it possesses.

Along the way to Materuni Waterfall, you will pass through green woods and picturesque pathways, which will provide you with opportunities to see the region’s wide variety of flora and wildlife. As you get closer to the waterfall, you can feel the chilly mist in the air, which heightens your anticipation for what’s to come.

As one approaches the waterfall for the last time, a stunning view is revealed: the water that is falling down the cascade falls into a pool that is calm below.

Coffee Tours

Machame provides a wonderful opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the coffee-making process, not to mention the fact that Tanzania is well-known for its coffee production. Participate on a tour of the coffee plant and observe the process from the bean to the cup.

Visit coffee estates, get an understanding of the harvesting and drying processes, and take part in coffee-tasting sessions. As a result, you will have a more profound appreciation for this much-liked beverage as well as the laborious process that goes into its creation.

At the same time that you are supporting local farmers, you can indulge in the scent and aromas of freshly brewed coffee.

Wildlife Safaris from Machame

Because of its proximity to a number of Tanzania’s most well-known national parks, Machame is an excellent location from which to go on wildlife safaris. If you want to see the amazing wildlife that the area has to offer, you should go on a safari experience.

From Machame, it is not difficult to reach Tarangire National Park, which is famous for the vast herds of elephants that it contains. Participate on game drives and come face to face with a wide variety of birds and animals, such as lions, giraffes, zebras, and more.

Having the opportunity to witness these wonderful creatures in their native environments is an experience that will remain ingrained in your memory for the rest of your life.

See: Wildlife Safaris from Moshi

Walks in the Canopy and Nature Trails

People who are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in nature may take advantage of the canopy hikes and nature trails that Machame provides in the neighboring jungles. Walk across suspended bridges and take in breathtaking vistas of the thick jungle below you as you experience the excitement of walking across them.

Through the canopy walk, visitors are able to get a bird’s-eye view of the verdant trees and have the opportunity to see a variety of primates and bird species. Additionally, you should go on a stroll through the beautiful landscapes and explore the nature paths. While doing so, you will find hidden treasures and appreciate the tranquility of the surrounding area.

Maundi Crater Hike

Those looking for a walk that is not just shorter but also more rewarding should consider the Maundi Crater. There are breathtaking vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro and the landscapes that surround it that can be seen from the rim of a volcanic crater, which can be reached by following this reasonably straightforward journey.

Those who are short on time or who are looking for a picturesque trip that does not require the strenuous demands of a multi-day climb will find this excursion to be ideal. While you are there, take some amazing photographs of the spectacular mountain and take pleasure in the tranquil atmosphere of the crater.

The language of Machame

Machame is a unique language, despite the fact that it is frequently grouped along with other Chaga languages. Machame is sometimes referred to as “Kimachame” in Swahili, while it is described as “Kimashame” or “Kimashami” in the Machame language dialect itself. Kimachame is the first language spoken by the majority of people who live in Machame and Masama (also known as the Machame “tribe”), including children who were born and reared in this region. Swahili and English are learnt via formal education.

History of Machame

The ancient ancestors of the clans who are currently dominating in the Kikafu region, which contains Masama, had a reverence for an early ancestor who was known as Mashame. Machame was the term that was already in use when the first European explorer, Rebmann, came on the east bank of the Kikafu in the year 1848. In his honor, the entire region that was surrounded by this network of hilly rivers was given the name Machame. To this day, Mashame is recognized as the individual who traversed the Kikafu valley until he reached the core region of the new homeland, which was situated between the junction of the Namwi and Kikafu rivers (or, maybe more exactly, between the Namwi and Marire rivers near Sienyi). Following Mashame were even more prominent ancestors, whose treks across the plain to the Kikafu were remembered in holy shrines. Mashame was the first of these ancestors. There are also reports that assert that the Machame people and the Meru people are supposed to have moved to the Kilimanjaro Region from the Usambara highlands in the Tanga Region around four hundred years ago.

According to the documented history of the region that was compiled by European Dr. Bruno Gutmann, Machame was the most populous and biggest kingdom that existed on Kilimanjaro. As a result of their accounts, it is plainly clear that the first settlers came from the plains in the south and gradually made their way up to their land. Their faith, as is so frequently the case, managed to keep their history intact. The oldest ancestral temple may be found on the bank of the Kikafu River, in a plain that stretches beyond the highway that connects Moshi and Arusha. The village that is the oldest is simply referred to as “Nkukun,” which literally means “the old man’s place.”

Previously, the mangi had journeyed there to give sacrifices to this long-dead first ancestor, escorted by all of his men clothed in combat gear. He had done this in the past. The “Shrine of the Secret Path” may be found in the undergrowth of the empty plain that lies between this memorial and the location where they are now residing. As this phrase implies, the country that is located in close proximity to it is almost deserted. In addition, the identity of the commander whose bones are buried there has not been disclosed. One of the sacrifices that the mangi made throughout his journey to Nkukun was also made here. It is possible to go on a path that is nearly straight from the second shrine to the third shrine. As a result of the fact that the ancestor who is buried there led the people to the prosperous nation that they are currently living in, this is the place where the tradition is said to have begun.

Masami (Mashame) is the name that his descendants have continued to use. The straight line that emanates from this highly regarded shrine curves towards the peak of Kibo and then points upwards like an arrow that has been twisted to reach the slopes of the mountain and the contemporary residence of the chief. The Grove Uroki is the next shrine to be found in the Usaa (Uswa) area. It is situated further up the slope. A powerful and pristine spring arose from the bones of Mashame’s wife, which provided water to a beautiful sacrificial pond. This forest sprouted over the grave of Mashame’s wife. All members of the Machame tribe hold this elderly woman in high regard as their ancestral progenitor. In the neighborhood of the Kikafu valley, her son is laid to rest beneath a linden tree. This is located close to the farmhouse that is the lowest of the present chief’s households.

Another name that was derived from Masami was that of the Machame people. They fought the indigenous people who were occupying the land for a very long period, presumably the Koningo, and eventually took control of the nation. They climbed stealthily up the forested valley, concealing themselves behind stones until daybreak, and then they launched their assaults on the naive peasants whom they took for granted. They were the first to use iron spears with broad blades and short lengths in this region to defend themselves. They had a clear edge as a result of the firepower that they had. Initially, the first people to settle in the region that is now Shira were driven to the western slopes of the mountain. Even at that time period, they had a large amount of Maasai blood in their blood line. Considering that the Maasai people came in Kenya from the north around the beginning of the 19th century, the latter is highly improbable.

Additionally, there were Wakamba settlements in the vicinity that indulged in activities such as hunting and the production of pottery. From the very beginning of their history on the mountain, the Machame were a clan that was loosely organized into groups. Each clan steadily expanded and eventually inhabited the territory that it does now. The initial settler is revered by every community since they are considered to be the clan’s progenitor. As a consequence of this, the history of the Machame leaders only goes back a modest number of generations. There is still talk about the individual who was successful in defeating the clan leaders. Kivarya was the name of a famous and affluent king.

Following this, Gutmann goes into great detail on how Kivárya (Kiwaria) was made fun of due to the fact that he exclusively had females under his care. After he had a son named Rengua, he ultimately dispatched him “to the Varoo on Mount Meru to the west of Kilimanjaro, which was also colonized from Machame” while he was dressed as a lady. This particular location was located on Mount Meru. He matured into a strong young man throughout his time there, and he finally returned to his hometown. With the name of Rengua, Gutmann pushes us as far forward in time as the early 19th century, to the time when written records first appear and oral traditions begin to become richer; the period of Rengua is the furthest point in time to which old men’s recollections can now be concretely traced.

The conversation is aided by the foundation that is provided by Gutmann’s story. The five ancestor shrines, which serve as a memory of their passage into the nation, are the first to be constructed. The existence of these shrines cannot be questioned in any way. Even in this day and age, when the question of origins is substantially more problematic than it was during Gutmann’s day, oral traditions continue to provide support for them. One of the first two shrines mentioned by Gutmann, maybe the first and oldest of all, is the solitary upright smooth white stone that is standing on the plain on the property that belongs to the Nkya clan. This has been demonstrated by visual evidence.

Around the year 1945, the Machame chief relocated the sacred stone from its known original location in order to create place for a road that was broader. Since 1964, it has been situated in close proximity to the tilled ground. According to the mythology, there existed a temple long before there was a mangi in Machame. This temple was also the location of the initiation ceremony for young people. It is possible that the name Nkunda, which is given to a man by a particular branch of the Nkya clan, is a reference to the oldest shrine, which Gutmann refers to as “Nkukun” or “at the old man’s” in his book. The stories that circulate suggest that there are two further places of devotion in the vicinity, which would correspond to the first three shrines that Gutmann constructed.

The third shrine, which was devoted to the ancestor Mashame, was situated higher up on the slope than the other two shrines, and it was situated further away from the point where the Namwi and Marire rivers met. In other places, Gutmann asserts that it was in the region of Ngira, which is now a part of Mtaa Sonu, and that the holy forest Uroki, which was located above it, was the location where Mashame’s wife was laid to rest. The sacrifice pond, which Gutmann refers to as the Sienyi pond, was nourished by a spring that flowed from her corpse.

Men are remembered as the early ancestors in other sections of Kilimanjaro, such as Ngasseni, which is now a part of Usseri. This is the case in other parts of the mountain. On occasion, however, on the eastern side of the mountain, there is a celebration that commemorates the arrival of the first ancestor along with his wife, who was given a name, but who is not offered the same level of reverence as Mashame’s wife.

According to Gutmann, the three holy shrines that symbolized Mashame, his wife, and his son were still in existence during Gutmann’s time. Furthermore, Gutmann claims that the chiefs themselves paid a visit to these shrines in order to give sacrifices to the ancestors of the tribe. These monasteries may be found in close proximity to Sienyi. Over the course of Mangi Ngulelo of Machame’s reign, which lasted from 1901 until 1917, sacrifices were also carried out in accordance with the oral traditions that are still around now. It was common for elderly men who believed their deaths were impending to travel to Sienyi, where they would promptly pass away. There is an incredible amount of proof that Sienyi is holy, and this evidence is for all of the clans in the Kikafu basin. As a result of this, Gutmann decided to have his initial baptism as a Christian in the region, using water from the renowned spring that is located within the Uroki pine forest.

However, by the year 1960, the whole tradition that brought together the most powerful clans in devotion of their common ancestors Mashame and his wife had been tamed, if not totally eradicated, and no man dared to visit the spot Sienyi. Because of the effect of Christian missions, which attempted to reduce the authority of such a pagan ceremonial hub, the transition may be traced to the influence of Christian missions. In spite of this, there is no reason to suppose that they would not leave the memories alone regardless of the circumstances. Not only did Christian missionaries put a stop to the ancient fire-worshiping society that had joined the Shira plateau peoples to the west in Siha, but they did not make any attempt to overlook the historical significance of the community.

When looking for the major reason behind the destruction of the Sienyi shrines of the ancestors, it is necessary to search wherever else. This may be found by analyzing the continual competition that has existed amongst the leading clans over the course of the last one hundred years. In terms of size and power, the Kombe, Lema, Nkya, and Shoo clans are the most powerful and influential. Following the reign of Rengua, who ruled during the second part of the nineteenth century, the Kombe clan has been responsible for producing the rulers of the area.

With the creation of the German government in 1886, invading colonizers became present. These colonizers were initially German and subsequently British, and they placed a significant amount of importance on the duration of their governing dynasty when determining the value of the individual chiefs. Since it offered them two ways to strengthen the institution of chieftainship and set the ruling royal clan above and apart from the rest, chiefs would likely have adopted the idea of lengthening one’s dynasty as well as asserting, sometimes quite without foundation, that one’s clan was the oldest and most originally settled; however, the process was undoubtedly sped up as a shrewd reaction to the standards of the European colonizers.

Because of this, the Machame mangis did not accept the notion that all clans descend from the same progenitor and had a same ancestral home. This tradition was begun in the 1890s, when Machame was still a minor chiefdom, and it was resolutely followed in the years that followed 1923, when Machame swiftly developed to become the dominating power on Kilimanjaro under the guidance of intelligent individuals. It was essential to find solutions to two problems. First, the tradition of clans moving together during migration. Secondly, there was a tradition that one of their clans, and not the Kombe clan, was accorded a higher position than the other clans due to the fact that it had stronger attachments to the great grandpa.

Machame’s several clans

Historiographically speaking, two mitaa were already generating acknowledged leaders. These mitaa were Masama, where the Moro clan had already established itself as the dominating one, and Ngira, which was a portion of Sonu where the Nkya clan was already powerful. During this historical period, it is quite probable that the clans Kimaro and Sawe had already been formed in Lemira and Sawe, respectively. On the other hand, the Swai clan appears to have arrived in Roo as a later arrival. The origins of each of these clans may be traced back to ancestors who had originally lived in the compact core of the Kikafu system, which is a triangle piece of land created by mitaa Sonu, Uswa, and Shari.

The second region, which consisted of the mitaa Uswa, Shari, and Keri, was a populous and fruitful enclave from which people who had gone to other places had split out. Between the east bank of the Marire River and the west bank of the Kikafu River was where it happened to be situated. It was without a doubt one of the locations with the highest population density, particularly in the lower portions of Uswa and Shari that were located there. Because this region was later the one most affected by feuds that had spread from the eastern bank of the Kikafu, serving as a base for various factions to seek refuge and exact revenge, and having the most erratic population due to migration into and out of it, the leaders that it did have have since been forgotten. There are a number of reasons for this.

The third area, which was located to the east of the Kikafu and was concentrated on mitaa Nronga, Foo, Wari, and Nkuu, was intended to be the location where the core of the people that had been created centrally would stay more stable. Foo, which had been inhabited for the longest period of time, served as the focal point. In that region, the Lema, Kombe, and Nkya clans had coexisted side by side from west to east on territories that were next to one another. This arrangement had taken place between the steep gorges of the Semira and Mwanga rivers. During this time, the Lema clan traveled west over the Semira to join the Nronga people, while the Nkya clan progressively moved east to join the Nkuu people.

During the rule of Rengua’s successor, the Kombe clan, which had previously dwelt between them, continued to exert its influence in Foo and spread its power farther down the hillside to the Wari, which was located nearby. The fundamental principle of these three major clans was to maintain their integrity in the same mitaa up until the present day, despite the fact that in certain instances, whole groups and even individuals were forced to escape.

Clans that hold power in Machame

The oral traditions of the Nkya clan state that it may be traced back to a man named Nkya, who was considered to be an ancestor of the clan by all members of the clan. Many people believe that Nkya established his home on the plain, namely in a place that is referred to as Mululuni. He has a number of sons living there. It was Mashame, who travelled and eventually resided in Sienyi, who was one of them. In addition to Mremi, who eventually moved to the Meru people, he was the progenitor of the Kombe, Lema, Shoo, and other clans that originated in Machame.

Both the fact that Leitai, another son of Nkya, migrated southward from Mululuni over the plains to the Masai and the fact that the Masai of the Mbatian-Lenana group swear by the name of Nkya in Kimasai, calling him “Kidonyoi,” which translates to “the tail” or “the beginning,” are pieces of evidence that support this assertion. The chiefs of Uru are claimed to be descended from a third son of Nkya by the name of Mshanga who is reported to have gone from Mululuni to a site in lower Uru, then to Njoro (the spring in present-day Moshi town), and lastly up to the heart of Uru. For more information about the Chaggah tribe, see this page.