Tanzania Government has officially recognized and registered the historic Chagga Tunnel, a 700 - metre underground tunnel at the College of African Wildlife Management, commonly known as Mweka College located near the village of that name on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, above the city of Moshi, about 14 kilometres north of its centre as a national tourism attraction.
Dating to 1918, the tunnel was carved through solid rock by the Chagga, a Bantu - speaking ethnic group and the third - largest tribe in Tanzania, as a “built hole” to serve as a secure underground shelter and refuge during conflict with the Maasai.
Designed for survival the interior includes dedicated sections consisting in distinct chambers including sleeping and cooking areas, storage rooms and livestock spaces. The site has a relevant cultural significance representing a testament to the traditional ingenuity and resilience of the Chagga people.
The Tanzanian government has allocated over TShl120 million to develop the site covering lighting installation, improved visitor access and safety infrastructure upgrades.
The site gained national attention following a visit by the Parliament Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism, whose members endorsed the tunnel as a unique cultural asset capable of broadening Tanzania’s tourism offer beyond wildlife safaris and mountain climbing.
With the site situated/ near Mount Kilimanjaro Park, one of Africa’s most visited destinations, tourism stakeholders expect the attraction to encourage longer visitor stays in the Kilimanjaro region, generate employment for local guides and support growth across hospitality, transport, and craft sectors in and around Moshi.
Mweka College Deputy Principal Alex Kisingo described the tunnel as a symbol of Tanzania’s cultural resilience and traditional ingenuity.
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Thanks a lot to read and note.