Kilimanjaro Series Thatched Roofs

Capture the breathtaking wonders of Tanzania and create your own African inspired thatch roof. A heavy reed texture and stunning color blend make Kilimanjaro the perfect material for recreating a traditional weathered, African cape reed roof.

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Thatched roofs have a long-standing tradition and practical purpose in East Africa, adding a distinctive charm to the country’s architectural landscape. In rural areas and some coastal regions, thatched roofs continue to be used for various structures, reflecting the cultural heritage and local building practices.

Our engineered Kilamanjaro shingle replicates the traditional material of the region– cape reed. This slow-growing reed is renowned for its durability but is difficult to cultivate as it’s only viable as a building material after many years of growth.

Traditionally, this reed-based roof would have been erected on a simple round hut. While these domiciles are known by different names based on the region, the construction was largely similar. A single circular wall was either made of mud bricks or grasses that were then plastered with mud. These can be elaborately decorated with tribal symbols or left plain. In all cases, the hut would be topped with the cape reed roof.

Modern people typically prefer squared buildings for ease of furnishing and daily living. However, you can bring some of the charms of East Africa to your project with our Kilimanjaro engineered shingle.