LION KING HOMESTAY
THINGS TO DO
Stay in the Heart of African Life!
EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES.
Turn your Lion King Homestay visit into an exciting mix of cultural experiences with a range of fun and educational activities, and wonderful hospitality treats.
Things to Do
Arabica Coffee Tour
Not more than 15 minutes’ drive from the clatter and chaos of Moshi, you can find yourself on the lower slopes of Iconic Mt Kilimanjaro, deep in the homeland of the traditional Chagga people, tribal monarchs of this land.
Amid the dense vegetation of green bananas, wild canna lilies, ferns and avocado trees, glimpses of decaying remnants of ancient dwellings remind you, you are on sacred ground.
The ground of the Chagga tribe, rich and fertile and kept moist in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. When Arabica coffee plants were introduced to Tanzania in the 16th century from Ethiopia by the German Colonists, these ideal lush, cool and clean growing conditions soon saw Arabica coffee production thrive in this region.
Things to Do
Kikuletwa Hot Springs
Well deep under every volcano there are hot rocks with the potential to heat water as it is making its way to the surface.
The Kilimanjaro Region, that “somewhere” is where you find Kikuletwa Hot Springs - an absolute “Must Do” while in this amazing country.
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Known locally as Chemka Hot Springs, ”Boiling”, so named because of the appearance of the water bubbling from deep underground.
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The sparkling waters of Kikuletwa, surrounded by palm trees, giant bamboo and shaded by ancient ficus trees is a sacred location of the ancient Chagga tribespeople.
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Today tourists and locals are welcomed everyday by cheerful young guides keen to ensure you a memorable experience with assistance in the water and providing their gayly decorated rubber floatation tubes for a totally relax, re-set and recharge.
Local Experiences
Cultural Experiences
The energy driving Moshi is rapid, vibrant and a charismatic mix of cultural influences, tribal traditions, and artisans being created and sold right there on the street amid the frenzy of traffic chaos.
Nestled at the foot of the world’s highest freestanding mountain, “the roof of Africa”, the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi has attracted interest from adventure seekers, explorers, and other nations for centuries.
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Moshi today is one of the few city locations where women still dress in their traditional kitenge fabrics brightening the streets with colour in creative dresses fashioned by one of the many tailors still operating their businesses on the city footpaths.
Things to do
Market Days
Africa could almost be where the concept of market selling began - before shops, there were Markets!
As the trendy Farmer’s Market became the place to hang out on Saturday morning or sell your home grown, organic, free range, handmade, fairtrade products throughout the western world, Africans had survived that way forever, bartering with cowrie shells or trade beads.
Today, in Tanzania as young innovative small business entrepreneurs explore exciting new skills, Farmer’s Markets are gaining popularity as a place to grow your business.
Things to do
Lake Charla
Featuring spectacular views of the eastern side of Kilimanjaro, the two hour drive almost all the way to the Kenyan border from Moshi takes you to the shores of breathtaking Lake Chala.
A crater lake formed around 250,000 years ago which today straddles the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Covering an expanse of 4.2 square kilometers, Lake Chala is a popular destination for water lovers offering canoeing and swimming at the water’s edge.
A number of guided walks offer a range of opportunities to view local flora, small reptiles, butterflies and a wide range of birdlife.
Things to do
Napuru Falls
When the frantic rush of Moshi’s chaos and clatter all becomes too much, and you need to get back to nature, Napuru Waterfalls awaits.
A serene, green vista, far from the madding crowds, Napuru Falls offers a pristine nature walk with rural views, glimpses of the simple lifestyle of the Arusha-Maasai people and Meru tribe living on the lower slopes of the ever-watchful guardian of Arusha Town, Mount Meru.
A perpetual waterfall, fed from melting glacier and snow high on the peaks of Tanzania’s second tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Meru, Napuru Falls forged its way during the last century to quickly become a popular day trip for locals and visitors to the Arusha and Moshi regions.
Things to Do
Homestay Dining
Authentic Tanzanian dinners can certainly be a feature at the Lion King Homestay.
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House Hostess, Sophia has a great understanding of local speciality dishes, where to source the best ingredients and is at the ready to demonstrate traditional cooking to guests at the Homestay.
Kachumbari, a refreshing salad designed around the plentiful fresh ingredients grown locally is a combination of tomato, cucumber, parachichi (avocado) green capsicum, carrot (if wished), and onion, all finely sliced and dressed with lemon juice which offers a tasty accompaniment to many of the dishes eaten daily in Tanzania.
Chicken is a favourite meat, potato chips and Kachumbari is a satisfying, nourishing dish with a western spin enjoyed often by locals and visitors alike.
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Traditionally at the Homestay, Kachumbari would be served with local favourite Pilau, a fragrant rice dish, spicy and tasty, with lots of appeal.
Chips Mayai, (Chips in Eggs) another dish prepared on the stove top in the absence of an oven, is a potato (or sweet potato) chip frittata, pan cooked and served with salad. Coleslaw, tossed greens, avocado, but best with Kachumbari.
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Firm favourite in the Moshi area, home of the Chagga Tribe, is Machalari, Green Banana Stew, a dish which has developed around the availability of locally grown green bananas which grow on the cool slopes of Kilimanjaro.
A variety traditionally used for cooking they are very starchy in nature and less sweet than a dessert banana, they break down over the slow cooking process and create their own delicious sauce around meat or beans, and other vegetables.
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​Eat in with Sophia and savour local dishes while enjoying the Homestay comfort and hospitality
Tailored Tours & Travel Advice
Looking for something specific to compliment your Lion King Homestay experience?
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For any travel advice or reccomendations on local cultural experiences and things to do, please contact us so we can help answer your questions and point you in the right direction.
Ensuring you have a wonderful stay is our first priority.
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PARTNERS.
Tumaini for Africa Foundation
A family managed Children’s Centre in Arusha, where children from vulnerable backgrounds thrive in a safe. caring environment, and education is a priority.
OneLoveTanzania.com has partnered with Tumaini for 13 years to transform future expectations and influence better education paths for Tumaini children.
Team Vista
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An Australian based NGO (certified by Global Development Group) bringing compassionate support in the poorest, forgotten Kaloleni area of Moshi.
Highly respected by Local Tanzanian Authorities, other NGO’s, Private and Government Schools in the Kaloleni region, Team Vista is responsible for the education sponsorship of 350 primary, secondary and tertiary students.​
Upendo Foundation Australia - Children's Home
An Australian-based not for profit charity whose sole purpose is to provide the financial means to operate a children’s home for orphaned and street kids in Moshi, Tanzania.
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With a mission to help children out of poverty by providing hope for the future, a safe, loving and nurturing environment, nourishing food and quality education
