The Journey to Meru

The air was thick with anticipation as I embarked on a journey to the foothills of Mt. Meru, a place far removed from the icy landscapes I had grown accustomed to. The promise of a unique experience, one that would take me from the Arctic’s harsh embrace to the warm, welcoming arms of Tanzania, was too enticing to resist. The Meru Coffee Tour in Nkoaranga was not just about coffee; it was about understanding a culture, a community, and a way of life that revolved around this cherished bean.

As I arrived, the vibrant colors of the landscape struck me. The rich volcanic soil, the lush greenery, and the towering presence of Mt. Meru created a backdrop that was both awe-inspiring and humbling. It was a stark contrast to the white expanses of the polar regions, yet it held a raw beauty of its own. The Small Things, the organization behind this tour, had a mission that resonated deeply with me—empowering orphaned and vulnerable children in the Meru region. It was a cause that added depth to the experience, making every sip of coffee more meaningful.

Immersed in the Coffee Culture

The tour began with a walk through the coffee plantation, where the guides shared their extensive knowledge with a passion that was infectious. I found myself drawn into the world of coffee production, from the picking of the ripe red berries to the intricate process of grinding and roasting. The hands-on experience was a revelation, allowing me to touch, smell, and truly appreciate the journey of the coffee bean.

The guides were patient, answering every question with a smile, and their stories painted a vivid picture of the Meru traditions surrounding coffee. It was fascinating to learn how this crop had become a staple in the region, intertwined with the lives of the people who cultivated it. The process was both an art and a science, much like the work I had done in the Arctic, where understanding the delicate balance of nature was crucial to survival.

A Taste of Tanzania

As the tour concluded, we gathered to enjoy the fruits of our labor—a freshly brewed cup of Tanzanian peasberry coffee. The aroma was intoxicating, and the taste was unlike anything I had experienced before. It was a moment of pure connection, not just with the coffee but with the people and the land that had nurtured it.

The children from The Small Things sang in the background, their voices a reminder of the community that this tour supported. It was a poignant moment, one that underscored the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. As I sipped my coffee, I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness and partake in this beautiful tradition.

Leaving Meru, I carried with me not just bags of coffee as souvenirs but a deeper understanding of a world that was as complex and captivating as the polar regions I had explored. The Meru Coffee Tour was more than an activity; it was a journey into the heart of Tanzania, a place where the simple act of brewing coffee became a celebration of life itself.