Tanzania was calling. This time, it wasn’t just about the excitement for safari adventures or endless savannahs. It was about reconnecting—with nature, with culture, and, unexpectedly, with a platform that had once shaped my travels in the most meaningful way. After a six-year hiatus, I reactivated my Couchsurfing account, not knowing what to expect. But Tanzania welcomed me back into the fold, offering beautiful experiences we never imagined.
My Couchsurfing comeback in Tanzania
After almost six years of leaving my Couchsurfing days behind, I took the plunge and reactivated my account. Why? Because I’ve always believed in the magic of intercultural exchange. That’s something Couchsurfing had gifted me for years. Sadly, when the platform was privatized in 2018 and Western users had to pay, it lost its charm. But something inside me couldn’t let go of the idea. And now, with the fee more manageable, I’ve jumped back in – although a part of me still questions why some must pay while others don’t.
Despite my reservations, Tanzania proved to be the perfect place to rediscover the Couchsurfing spirit. That’s how we met Allen, our Maasai host from Arusha. His generosity and passion reignited everything I once loved about this platform. Allen isn’t just a host, he embodies what true cultural exchange means – giving time, knowledge, and heart.
The first day together, we even got involved in the French edition of Peking Express. Peking Express is a reality TV adventure race where pairs of contestants travel across various countries with limited money. They rely on locals for transportation, food, and accommodation to reach the final destination first. We, and especially Stefano as a true fan of the series in Italy, were excited to give Mo and Ludivic a hitchhike to the next city.
Discovering the origins of coffee in Materuni
Stefano and I are what you might call coffee lovers. However, until this trip, we had no idea what it really took to make coffee. Our first day with Allen was an unforgettable deep dive into the life of the Chaga tribe in Materuni, where we discovered the origins of Arabica coffee. To say this experience changed how we think about coffee would be an understatement.
In this green and fertile village, the Chaga people not only farm but celebrate everything they are doing. While we peeled, roasted, and ground the coffee beans, our Chaga hosts accompagnied the workshop with singing. It was connection—connection to the jungle village, to the process, and to a way of life that seemed so far removed from the convenience we often take for granted.
For the first time, we could taste the effort, the care, and the love that goes into every cup.
Hiking towards the power of Kilimanjaro
Later, we set out on a 45-minute hike to reach the Materuni Waterfall. Though the path was slippery, there was a certain energy in the air. Our guide, Ozbath, trod the mud with ease in his Crocs. For us, it was a little challenge. Yet, the effort made the sight of the waterfall even more rewarding.
The force of the water, the cool mist on our faces—it was as though Kilimanjaro itself was breathing life into the valley. We stood there, humbled and already envisioning another trip to Tanzania, involving more Kilimanjaro hikes.
Seeing Kilimanjaro for the first time – again
I had seen Kilimanjaro before, from Kenya’s Amboseli National Park (read more about it here). However, on that day, as the clouds parted and revealed its snow-capped peak, I realized I hadn’t truly seen it. This was different. This was Kilimanjaro up close, raw and majestic.
“Travel isn’t always about seeing new places, it’s about seeing with new eyes.”
Marcel Proust
Our journey to Tanzania wasn’t just about ticking another country off a list; it was about understanding the heartbeat of a place and its people. Here, coffee isn’t just a beverage. It’s a cherished tradition. And hosting people isn’t just a means to eventually travel for free. It’s the heartbeat of Tanzanian culture.
This first day, with its learnings, hikes, animals on the way and waterfalls, exhausted us in the best way. We crashed into bed, completely drained but grateful, already excited for what lay ahead.
Practical tips for your visit
- Materuni coffee tour: This experience is a must for coffee lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. It’s hands-on and immersive. It offers a deep dive into the local way of life.
- Hiking gear: Bring proper hiking boots! The trail to Materuni Waterfall can be slippery, especially after rain.
- Best time to see Kilimanjaro: If you want a clear view of Kilimanjaro, plan to visit in the late afternoon when the clouds often part.
- Support local guides: People like Allen and Ozbath bring these experiences to life. Be sure to tip generously—they are sharing their culture with you, and that’s priceless.
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