This place, as would be expected from its location, offers great hiking opportunities to acclimatise before venturing into mountain climbing. The good news is that this area has a great neighbourhood that extends a short distance from one of the popular route of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
To get there:Machame Nkweseko is located approximately 80 km from Arusha or Moshi thirty minutes self drive making it an ideal destination for travellers looking to experience the “real Africa” before heading to their wonderland safaris.
A recent short trip to Machame, North of Moshi town reminded me once again the reason we just can’t stop travelling
Learning something new everyday keeps me travelling to places I have never thought I would ever be. In travelling, I always make new discoveries. I find myself changing psychologically after every trip, which gets me yearning for more. Be it a short jaunt or a long trip, I always leave feeling slightly different from who I was. Meeting all sorts of people – from fellow travellers to locals, there is a life story behind all these faces.
A recent short trip to Machame, North of Moshi town reminded me once again the reason we just can’t stop travelling.
On the road, you’re constantly acquiring new knowledge, always learning about something you’d never known.
There is always something new, refreshing and beyond your imagination to see.
It’s that element of surprise, sprinkling on you as you uncover a new monument, a new culture, a new dish and so on.
We had entered into the simple lives of the villagers as the clouds cleared and the sun came setting. Driving past waving children and lush banana and coffee trees, we were along a narrow road in the heart of Machame, where villagers were slowly making their way home after a long day of work in the fields. I was in the company of Samuel Swai, the coordinator of the Nkweseko cultural tourism programme.
View of the waterfalls
Dropping our hitchhikers along the way, Swai finally announced that we were here - the best spot for a clear view of the waterfalls. Slightly relieved, I gladly jumped off the car, as the sun looked like it was about to set.
A little anxious, I followed Swai into the forest, carefully watching my steps through the tall bushes, and by the time we got to the much-talked-about spot for a view of the Machame waterfalls, we were covered in knee-high grass and soaked in the rainwater.
The rapidly flowing fresh water gushed past the rocky riverbed. I could imagine how stunning the falls must look as they cascade down the vertical cliff.
Swai made an insightful briefing about the waterfalls and telltale of the surrounding areas, which I thought, hit the spot for all of ‘us’ travel addicts.
We continued hearing the roaring thunder of water as we clambered clumsily up the muddy slopes back onto the car.
Two of us, crazily happy and adventurous, we drove along the stretches of fertile farms.
Vibrant local market
Entering the Machame village market, I stared in awe at the colourful and chaotic market where fresh gorgeous fruits and raw bloody meat were on sale.
The locals would throng through the crowd, picking out the freshest and cheapest of the lot.
The bright and colourful culture of the Tanzanians is reflected in their markets.
These markets were one of the most exciting features of our life in Tanzania.
Their food, people and way of life were reflected here, so vibrant, culturally rich and full of life. Every trip to the market was a magical feast to my eyes and soul. I took everything in, absorbing the wonderful vibes and traditional lifestyle of the villagers.
Later, we headed home, a cottage with four rooms and I found other visitors who were staying for their second night.
