Arusha is known for its coffee farms and a coffee tour is a great way to learn about the coffee making process and the history of coffee in Tanzania. Coffee processing is an essential aspect of coffee production, and Arusha is known for its high-quality Arabica coffee beans, which are grown on the slopes of Mount Meru and the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here’s a brief overview of the coffee processing steps in Arusha.
1. Harvesting: Coffee cherries are harvested by hand, usually between June and December. The cherries must be picked at the right time to ensure they are fully ripe, but not overripe.
2. Sorting: After harvesting, the coffee cherries are sorted to remove any under-ripe or overripe cherries, as well as any debris or leaves. This ensures that only high- quality cherries are used for processing.
3. Wet Processing: In this method, the coffee cherries are pulped to remove the outer fruit and mucilage. The beans are then soaked in water to ferment and remove any remaining fruit. Once the fermentation process is complete, the beans are washed and dried.
4. Dry Processing: In this method, the coffee cherries are sun-dried on large patios. The cherries are raked and turned regularly to ensure even drying. Once the cherries are fully dry, the outer fruit and parchment are removed, leaving only the green coffee beans.
5. Roasting: Once the coffee beans are processed, they are roasted to bring out their unique flavor profile. In Arusha, many coffee farms roast their beans on site using traditional methods.
Coffee processing is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, but the end product is worth it – delicious, aromatic coffee that is highly sought after around the world. Arusha's high-quality Arabica coffee is known for its unique flavor profile, which is a result of the region's climate, soil, and altitude, as well as the processing methods used.
1. Shanga Coffee Tour: This tour is operated by the Shanga River House, which is a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities to people with disabilities. The tour takes you through the entire coffee making process, from picking the beans to roasting and brewing the coffee. You will also learn about the history of coffee in Tanzania and the different types of coffee grown in the region. The tour ends with a tasting session where you can sample different types of coffee and biscuits made by the Shanga team. The tour costs around $25 per person and takes about two hours.
2. Arusha Coffee Lodge Tour: This tour is operated by the Arusha Coffee Lodge, which is a luxury hotel located on a coffee plantation. The tour takes you through the coffee plantation and factory, where you’ll learn about the different stages of coffee production. You'll also learn about the history of coffee in Tanzania and the role it has played in the local economy. The tour ends with a coffee tasting session where you can taste different types of coffee brewed from beans grown on the plantation. The tour costs around $35 per person and takes about two hours.
3. Maasai Coffee Tour: This tour is operated by a Maasai village and provides an opportunity to learn about the traditional way of making coffee in Tanzania. The tour takes you through the entire coffee making process, from picking the beans to roasting and brewing the coffee using traditional methods and equipment. You'll also learn about the cultural significance of coffee in the Maasai community and have a chance to interact with the locals. The tour ends with a coffee tasting session and some traditional Maasai snacks. The tour costs around $30 per person and takes about two hours.
All of these tours are educational and provide a unique opportunity to learn about the history and culture of coffee in Tanzania. They are also a great way to support local communities and social enterprises.
Tanzania Safaris, known for its unparalleled wildlife and landscapes, is Dubu Adventures’ specialty. Travelers can explore iconic destinations such as the Serengeti, famous for the Great Migration, and the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with diverse wildlife. The company also organizes tours to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara..
