Northern Tanzania - Tanzania - page 298

Marangu is also the heartland of the Chagga people, and there are many possibilities for
walks and cultural activities. Marangu means 'place of water' and the surrounding area is
laced with small streams and waterfalls (most with a small entry charge) to visit.
Thanks to the large influx of foreign trekkers, the stark contrast between the tourist scene
(or the 'developed' world in general) and local life stands out more in Marangu than just
about anywhere else in Africa because it's so small. Well-heeled trekkers come into town
outfitted with the latest gear and climbing accessories, and drop up to several thousand dol-
lars into the coffers of trekking companies, while, nearby, local vendors hawk their wares
and struggle to find a few hundred dollars per year to pay school fees for their children.
YOHANI KINYALA LAUWO
The first Tanzanian to scale Kilimanjaro was Yohani Kinyala Lauwo, whose
memory is still revered in his home town of Marangu. Lauwo was only 18 in
1889 when he was appointed by Chief Marealle I to be the guide for Hans Mey-
er (the first Westerner to reach Uhuru Peak). In those days the route was not
defined, climbing equipment was rudimentary and wages were much lower.
During his trek, Lauwo earned just Tsh1 per day.
Following this successful ascent, Lauwo remained in Marangu, where he
spent much of the remainder of his life leading foreign trekkers up the mountain
and training new guides. In 1989 at the 100th anniversary celebration of the first
ascent of Kilimanjaro, Lauwo was the only person present who had been around
a century earlier. Lauwo died in 1996 at the claimed age of 125. His family still
lives in Marangu.
SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES
Most hotels can arrange walks and cultural activities in the area. Good bets for learning
more about local culture are Banana Jungle Lodge and Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort, both
of which have authentic models of traditional Chagga houses. At Kilimanjaro Mountain
Resort, there's also the Chagga Live Museum (adult/child US$3/2; 10am-5pm) , a
small outdoor museum illustrating traditional Chagga life. Most hotels can also provide
English-speaking guides (US$10 to US$15 per person per day) to other attractions in the
area, including rather claustrophobic 'caves' (actually dugout holes and tunnels) that were
used by the Chagga for hiding during the era of Maasai raids about 200 years ago, a sac-
red tree, local blacksmiths' workshops and waterfalls. About 6km southwest of Marangu is
Ngangu Hill , with views and the small, old Kilema mission church nearby.