Chagga Tribe in Tanzania

Chagga Tribe in Tanzania : If you are considering enthralling cultural tourism, Tanzania is the best place to be. The country has more than a hundred and twenty tribes, which are located throughout the country. These tribes are different in history and culture, and some of them are more authentic than others, which makes it an intriguing cultural area.

The Chagga tribe is among the most vibrant tribes in Tanzania. As stated earlier, all the details regarding the Chagga will be outlined in this article.

What is the Chagga tribe? If you find yourself asking, where exactly is the Chagga tribe? We have your answer. The Chagga people inhabit the Kilimanjaro area, which is on the southern side of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.

Chagga tribe history

As it was seen by historians, the contemporary Chagga tribe is a consolidation of numerous clans. First of all, the Chagga people are tribes living in clans in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Every clan was supposed to own the land and was headed by a chief known as the “mangi.”. It was also common for clans to coalesce into chiefdoms presided over by a mangi. These chiefdoms were in existence even during colonial times; for instance, Orombo of Kishigonyi, Marealle of Marangu, and Mangi Sina of Kibosho.

You would be surprised at how clans foughtᅳnot with another tribe but against themselves. Some of the known clans are Moshi, Swai, Lvimo, Mrema, and Marealle. Remarkably, all the clans united to form one large Chagga tribe, as is witnessed today.

Origin of the Chagga tribe

The Chagga have their origin in the large Bantu groups. They moved to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro between 250 and 400 years ago. They are now the third largest tribe in Tanzania, with the first being the Sukuma.

Before they arrived on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, several tribes inhabited there, including Wakonyingo, Wangassa, and Umbo. It is not clear whether the Chagga absorbed or displaced these ethnic groups. They currently inhabit the southern and eastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Facts about the Chagga tribe

The Chagga are the most educated people in Tanzania. Their long ties with European missionaries and explorers made them more literate than any tribe in Tanzania. The Europeans exposed them to formal schooling and education.

The Chagga tribe is the wealthiest in Tanzania. Most of them run big-brand businesses in Arusha, Dar es Salaam and other regions. They are well known as mangis. On your safari trip in Tanzania, you may encounter their shops usually nicknamed as Mangi Shop.

Language

The Chagga have their mother tongue, the Kichaga. There are some dialects, such as Wamachame, Wakibosho, Warombo, and so on, though they have no significant difference in their language. They also Kiswahili – the national language of Tanzania. Due to their exposure to the European style of living, most of them can speak English very well.

The Mbege

The diversity of cultures in Tanzania brings an exciting mix of locally-made drinks. The Chagga has a unique style of alcohol brewing. Their iconic “mbege,” is very delicious after taking a mouth-watering meal.

How is Mbege produced?

If you haven’t tasted any local alcohol, you’ll be happy to drink “mbege.” The locals make this local beer from bananas, which undergo a series of steps before turning into an alcoholic beverage. After preparation, the drink is ready for consumption. It is usually served in traditional gatherings and ceremonies.

Chagga cultural beliefs

Unlike many Tanzanian tribes who still hold traditional beliefs, such as witchcraft and rituals, the majority of the Chagga are Christians. Christianity was introduced in the 19th century: The Catholics and Protestants were predominant in the region.

The spread of religion went parallel with the spread of Western education. Therefore, many cultural beliefs were replaced with Christian beliefs. However, much of the cultural beliefs they had in the past have been shed away, they can still be observed in the rural areas.

Before the prevailing of Christianity, the Chagga had their god called Ruwa. According to them, Ruwa is not the supreme creator of the universe, but rather the one who liberates and provides sustenance. Ruwa is also full of mercy and tolerance for his people.

Chagga Tribe in Tanzania
Chagga Tribe in Tanzania

He also provided sweet potatoes, bananas, and yams to his people. The mythical stories about Ruwa and other gods are still held in local Chagga villages. Visitors usually enjoy the legends of the Chagga tribe.

Chagga tribe food

They make use of bananas as their principal diet. Other foods eaten by the Chagga include ugali, the main dish of Tanzania, beans, and cassava, all of which are homegrown food crops. The foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, especially in the east and south are fertile and support the growth of a variety of crops.

Are you interested in getting close to the Chagga? Start planning a trip to Tanzania. You won’t just see the Chagga, but multiple tourist attractions, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and many others. Focus East Africa Tours offers unforgettable safari experiences in Tanzania and other countries in East Africa. Plan a trip with us.

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