Kilimanjaro and Arusha

Kilimanjaro and Arusha are two of Tanzania’s most important and historically renowned coffee-producing regions, forming the heart of the country’s Arabica coffee sector.

The Kilimanjaro region, located on the fertile southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, is famous for producing some of Africa’s most distinctive washed Arabica coffees. Coffee is grown at high elevations ranging from about 1,200 to over 1,800 meters above sea level, where cool temperatures, abundant rainfall, and rich volcanic soils create ideal growing conditions. Smallholder farmers, many organized into long-established cooperatives, intercrop coffee with bananas, which provide shade, soil moisture retention, and household food security. Kilimanjaro coffee is typically known for its bright acidity, clean cup profile, medium body, and flavors of citrus, stone fruit, and mild sweetness, making it highly valued in specialty markets. Coffee cultivation here is deeply embedded in Chagga culture and has played a central role in rural livelihoods for generations.

The Arusha region, situated west and southwest of Mount Meru and extending toward the northern highlands, is another major Arabica coffee-producing area. Coffee is grown at elevations of approximately 1,300–2,000 meters, benefiting from volcanic ash soils, well-distributed rainfall, and moderate temperatures. Arusha features a mix of smallholder farms and larger estates, some of which date back to the colonial era. This combination allows for diverse production systems, from cooperative-processed smallholder coffee to estate-grown and estate-processed lots. Arusha coffees are generally characterized by balanced acidity, fuller body, and flavor notes of chocolate, nuts, ripe fruit, and subtle floral tones, appealing to both commercial and specialty buyers.

Together, Kilimanjaro and Arusha form the backbone of northern Tanzania’s coffee economy. The regions support hundreds of thousands of farming households, contribute significantly to export earnings, and uphold Tanzania’s reputation for high-quality Arabica coffee. Despite challenges such as climate variability, aging coffee trees, and fluctuating global prices, ongoing efforts in farmer training, cooperative strengthening, improved varieties, and sustainable farming practices continue to enhance both productivity and quality in these iconic coffee landscapes.