Located in the East Usambara mountains in Muheza district of the Tanga Region, Magoroto is one of two private forests.
The history of Magoroto was narrated to me by the village chairman, Mr. Suleiman up in Mwembeni Village where all touristic adventures are paid for: such as fees to go hiking in any of the mountains.
The farm was established more than 100 years ago during the Germany colonial era. During that time the land was owned by the chiefs under their administration. On the right side of the estate was Chief Goroto and Chief Mgongo on the Eastern side of the estate. The Germans had to use order to occupy the area. They in fact took possession of large portions of land that had the chiefs complaining.The name Magoroto took its origin from Chief Goroto who owned most of the estate prior to Germany occupation. Chief Goroto administered farms all the way to Mlinga Peak while Chief Mgongo oversaw farms towards Kitulwe Peak.
As the population increased, the Chiefs filed complains to the government demanding more land from the Germans. The Germans concerted to this and returned back to the Chiefs Mt. Kitulwe and Mlinga. The Germans were given more land at Pongwe to compensate for the land given back to the Chiefs.
Initially the farm was planted with trees for timber harvesting (Mikabela), Gam, Coffee and plam oil. The Germans later on tried planting cashewnuts, tea, vanilla, vegetables and
Donkeys were the major means of transport back then. Agricultural harvests from the estate were all put in carts and transported by donkeys. The Donkeys were bred in large numbers in farm number 3 at Kizungu.
After the German Colonial era ended a new administration came in. But the Estate and its activities was closed in 1993.
The farm remains of a very fertile land, cool climate and an attractive topology. There are a total of twenty three (23) sources of water and commercial crops such as palm oil and spices. The Estate remains a forest reserve with deep tropical forests.
You can read about The African Wanderlusts Magoroto experience on this post
