The coffee route in Tanzania offers a unique experience for coffee lovers and travel enthusiasts. Tanzania is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest coffee varieties, thanks to its fertile soil and favorable climate, particularly in northern regions such as the Kilimanjaro and Arusha areas.
COFFEE PLANTATION TOUR IN NORTHERN TANZANIA
The volcanic area of Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most important regions for coffee cultivation. Here, the plantations are located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, where the altitude, moderate temperature, and mineral-rich volcanic soil create ideal conditions for growing premium Arabica coffee.
The area surrounding the city of Arusha, located at the foot of Mount Meru, also hosts numerous plantations. Many of these plantations are managed by local cooperatives that practice sustainable agriculture, and visitors can learn firsthand about the coffee production process, from harvest to roasting
FROM THE PRODUCTION PROCESS TO COFFEE TASTING
During a plantation tour, visitors can observe all stages of coffee production:
- Manual harvesting of coffee cherries: in the plantations, coffee is handpicked, with only the ripe cherries selected, ensuring a higher quality product.
- Drying and fermentation: after harvesting, the cherries are sun-dried and then fermented to separate the seed from the fruit.
- Roasting: this is a crucial step that determines the aroma and taste of the coffee. Small local roasteries often use traditional and manual methods to roast the beans.
The most anticipated part of the tour is the tasting. Visitors have the chance to savor freshly roasted coffee, recognizing the different aromas and flavors that characterize the local varieties. Tanzanian coffee is known for its full body, with fruity notes and bright acidity, especially in varieties grown at high altitudes.
COFFEE IN TANZANIA, A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Beyond coffee, a tour of these plantations offers an immersion into the local culture. Communities that grow coffee, such as the Wachagga and Wameru, have a long tradition of coffee cultivation, and visitors can learn about techniques passed down through generations.
A tour of the coffee plantations in northern Tanzania is a journey that combines nature, culture, and gastronomy. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the journey of coffee, from plantation to cup, and to taste one of the world’s finest coffee varieties in one of Africa’s most captivating landscapes, in-between safari tours!