Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour: Discover one of Tanzania’s most scenic and culturally rich day trips with the Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour, a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and local tradition. Located just 15 km from Moshi Town and about 85 km from Arusha, Materuni village is the last settlement before Kilimanjaro National Park, offering breathtaking views and an authentic glimpse into Chagga tribal life.
Overview
Materuni is the home of the Chagga tribe and is still an authentic tribal village. This charming place is
just 15km away from Moshi Town and about 85 km from Arusha also is the last village before the
Kilimanjaro National Park.
Itinerary
This full-day guided tour takes you deep into the heart of the Chagga tribe, where you’ll explore scenic landscapes, learn about traditional village life, and experience authentic Tanzanian hospitality. Your adventure begins with a guided hike through tropical rainforest and farmland, leading to the breathtaking Materuni Waterfalls, cascading over 80 meters into a natural pool—perfect for a refreshing swim.
First, you will visit the waterfalls, which are around a 40-minute walk away. On the way, your guide
will inform you about the culture of the Chagga, and village life and explain the surrounding fauna and
flora. The views are truly breathtaking, and with some luck, you will see the summit of Kilimanjaro.
When you reach the waterfalls, you will see that they are more than 80 meters high. The pool at the
bottom of the waterfall is an inviting place for a refreshing swim so don‘t forget your swimwear!
After having enjoyed the scenery, you slowly return with your guide to Materuni village, where you
will experience a traditional Chagga lunch. You also will have the opportunity to taste our local
banana beer not to be missed!
But that’s not all.
Next, the coffee experience awaits you. Here you will learn how coffee is cultivated, dried, roasted,
and further processed. You will also be invited to help with the grinding of the coffee, which is
traditionally accompanied by Chagga songs and dances – a fun way to immerse yourself in the local
culture. Before you say goodbye and return in the afternoon to Moshi, you can savor the coffee you
made and appreciate the views of the surrounding rainforest.
Important Information
Cost Includes
- Transport
- Guide Services
- Meals Hot lunch
- Entrance fees
Cost Excludes
- Personal Expenses
- Any additional activities which are not included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Tips for guides and drivers (optional but appreciated).
Frequently Asked Questions
The Materuni Waterfalls and coffee tour is a full-day experience, typically lasting 6 to 8 hours, including transport from Moshi or Arusha, guided hiking, cultural activities, and lunch in the village.
The hike to Materuni Waterfalls is considered moderate and suitable for most fitness levels. It takes about 30–45 minutes each way, passing through scenic farmland and rainforest trails. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Yes, visitors can swim in the natural pool at the base of Materuni Waterfalls. The water is refreshing and cool, so bringing swimwear and a towel is highly recommended.
The coffee tour includes a hands-on experience where you’ll learn how coffee is grown, dried, roasted, and brewed using traditional Chagga methods. You’ll also participate in coffee grinding accompanied by local songs and dances and enjoy freshly brewed coffee.
For the best experience, bring comfortable hiking shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and some cash for tips or personal purchases. A light jacket is also useful due to the cooler climate near Mount Kilimanjaro.
