Every morning the delicious aroma of freshly ground coffee wafts through the air at Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge. Being located in the middle of a coffee plantation, known the world over as producing some of the finest coffee is a real privilege. It awakens the senses as not only does the coffee smell delicious, but the plantation ensures stunning views across the hills.
Coffee is Tanzania’s biggest export and was introduced to the country from Ethiopia in the 16th century.
In those early years the beans weren’t brewed, they were boiled and steamed, mixed with herbs and chewed as a stimulant. The Ethiopian Robusta beans were grown in the North Western part of the country and this is the only region still producing Robusta beans today.
Arabica beans were first planted commercially on the slopes of Kilimanjaro by the Germans in 1893. After World War I, when Tanganika became a British protectorate coffee production was expanded into the Western regions. In 1961, when Tanzania was granted independence, coffee production was one of the key economic strategies of the new government.
Today 90% of coffee is grown on small holdings by about 450,000 farmers. This in turn is supporting 4.5 million family members and labourers.
Coffee is therefore a vital part of what makes up Tanzania today, and therefore wonderful to be able to experience first hand, how the process works on a smallholding.
Neptune Ngorongoro grow and harvest their own coffee and guests can take part in a coffee experience.
This board at Neptune Ngorongoro shows the process and gives you and idea of what you will learn.
Come and join the team as they take you through the process from harvesting, pulping, washing, drying, roasting and grinding until you are finally brewing and then drinking your very own coffee.