Programs

Arrival and Introduction

• Meet your guide at the designated starting point in Machame.

• Brief introduction to the local ecosystem and natural vegetation of the area.

Morning Forest Trek

• Embark on a guided hike through lush forests, exploring the diverse flora and fauna.

• Learn about indigenous trees, plants, and their traditional uses by the local community.

• Pause at scenic viewpoints for photography and to appreciate the natural beauty.

Afternoon Exploration: Wildlife and Vegetation

• Observe local wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and other forest inhabitants.

• Study the different layers of vegetation, from ground cover to towering canopies, with insights from your guide.

Environmental Conservation Insights

• Visit a local conservation project or reforestation initiative.

• Learn about the community’s efforts to protect and sustain the forest ecosystem.

Wrap-Up

• Conclude the visit with a Q&A session with your guide.

• Option to plant a tree or contribute to conservation projects.

Price Includes

• Guided forest tour with a knowledgeable local guide.

• Entry fees to conservation areas, if applicable.

• Light refreshments during the visit.

Price Excludes

• Transportation to and from Machame.

• Personal purchases or donations to conservation initiatives.

• Optional tips for the guide.

Hidden beneath the fig trees and volcanic soil of Machame lies a legacy few have touched—Chaga old coins, once used by Mangis and clan elders to seal marriages, trade cattle, and honor spirits. These weren’t just currency—they were sacred emblems of power, lineage, and protection.

Old Tools: Hands That Shaped the Highlands

• These aren’t just farming implements—they’re symbols of survival.
• Iron spears, hoes, and carving knives tell of a people who defended their land, cultivated steep slopes, and built underground hides to outwit raiders.
• Blacksmiths were revered as protectors and providers, their forges echoing with ancestral rhythm.

Coins: Echoes of Colonial Currents

• Machame’s old coins span German East Africa, British rule, and early Tanzanian independence.
• Some were used in barter, others hidden in clay pots during tribal wars.
• Locals say certain coins carry “luck” or “curse”—depending on who finds them and where.

Where to See Them

• Machame Nkweshoo Cultural Tourism offers guided visits to view these artifacts.
• You’ll hear stories from elders about how tools were passed down, and how coins were buried to protect wealth from colonial confiscation.
• The experience is more than visual—it’s emotional, historical, and deeply local.

What You’ll Discover

• Oral histories from Machame elders about sente za Mangi and their spiritual significance.
• Visits to former ceremonial sites where coins were buried or exchanged.
• A glimpse of replica coins and rare originals (if elders permit).
• Cultural performances and storytelling that bring the past to life.

Group discounts available. Advance booking recommended.