Immerse yourself in Chagga culture, hike to a stunning waterfall, and experience traditional coffee making
Located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Materuni Village offers an authentic cultural experience combined with breathtaking natural beauty. This tour takes you through lush banana and coffee plantations to the stunning Materuni Waterfall, followed by a traditional Chagga coffee-making experience.
You'll hike through beautiful scenery, learn about local traditions, taste freshly brewed coffee, and even have the opportunity to swim in the refreshing pool at the base of the waterfall. This is a perfect day trip for those interested in culture, nature, and authentic local experiences.
Follow our carefully planned itinerary for an unforgettable cultural experience
Start your cultural adventure with convenient pickup
Your day begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Moshi. Meet your friendly guide who will accompany you throughout the day and provide insights about the Chagga culture and local traditions.
We'll begin our scenic drive to Materuni Village, located on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey takes approximately 1 hour, offering beautiful views of the countryside and local life.
Meet the local community and start your hike
Upon arrival at Materuni Village, you'll meet your local Chagga guide who will lead the hike to the waterfall. The village is situated at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, offering beautiful views and a pleasant climate.
Before starting the hike, your guide will provide a brief orientation about the area, the Chagga culture, and what to expect during the tour. This is also a good time to use restroom facilities before beginning the trek.
Trek through beautiful landscapes to the waterfall
The hike to Materuni Waterfall takes approximately 45-60 minutes each way, passing through lush banana and coffee plantations, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is moderately challenging but suitable for most fitness levels.
Along the way, your guide will point out various plants and trees, explain their traditional uses, and share stories about Chagga culture and traditions. You'll learn about local farming practices and might even spot some wildlife.
Experience the majestic 80-meter waterfall
Arrive at the breathtaking Materuni Waterfall, which cascades approximately 80 meters into a beautiful natural pool. The sight and sound of the powerful waterfall surrounded by lush green vegetation is truly spectacular.
You'll have time to take photos, swim in the refreshing pool at the base of the waterfall (weather permitting), and simply enjoy the magnificent natural surroundings. The mist from the waterfall creates rainbows on sunny days, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Learn about and participate in Chagga coffee making
After returning from the waterfall, you'll participate in a traditional Chagga coffee-making experience. You'll learn about the entire process from bean to cup, including harvesting, roasting, grinding, and brewing using traditional methods.
This hands-on experience allows you to participate in the process yourself. You'll roast coffee beans over an open fire, grind them using traditional tools, and finally brew and taste the freshly made coffee. This is often accompanied by a taste of local bananas.
Enjoy a authentic Chagga meal
After the coffee experience, you'll enjoy a traditional Chagga lunch prepared by local villagers. The meal typically includes local dishes such as "mtori" (banana and meat soup), "ugali" (maize porridge), vegetables, and fresh fruits.
This is not just a meal but another cultural experience, as you'll learn about local food traditions and eating customs. The lunch is served in a traditional setting, often with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Journey back with unforgettable memories
After lunch, we'll begin our journey back to Moshi. We typically depart around 3:00 PM to ensure we get you back to your accommodation at a reasonable hour.
The return drive takes approximately 1 hour, giving you time to relax and reflect on your amazing cultural experience. We'll drop you off at your hotel in Moshi, typically arriving around 4:00 PM.
Return Time: ~4:00 PM
Drive Time: 1 hour
Hiking Time: 1.5-2 hours
Everything you need to know about what's included in your Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour
All these services are covered in your package
Comfortable transport to and from your hotel in Moshi
Experienced English-speaking guide throughout the trip
Village entrance fees and waterfall access
Authentic Chagga meal with local dishes
Traditional coffee making and tasting session
Additional expenses to consider
Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks
Gratuities for your guide and local hosts (recommended)
Souvenirs, additional snacks, or personal purchases
Please bring your own swimwear and towels if you plan to swim
Personal travel insurance is not included
Find answers to frequently asked questions about our Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, swimwear and a towel (if you plan to swim), sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, a camera, some cash for souvenirs or tips, and a light rain jacket (depending on the season). Don't forget any personal medications you might need.
The hike is moderately challenging but suitable for most people with average fitness. The trail involves some uphill sections and can be slippery when wet. The hike takes about 45-60 minutes each way. We take regular breaks and proceed at a comfortable pace suitable for the group.
The tour is suitable for children aged 8 and above who are accustomed to walking. For elderly participants, it depends on their fitness level. The hike can be challenging for those with mobility issues or joint problems. We recommend assessing your physical condition before booking. We can sometimes arrange for a shorter, less strenuous version of the tour upon request.
The tour generally proceeds rain or shine, as we provide rain ponchos if needed. However, in case of severe weather that makes the hike unsafe, we will either reschedule your tour or provide a full refund. Light rain can actually make the waterfall more impressive and the forest more lush and beautiful.
Yes, you'll have the opportunity to purchase freshly roasted coffee beans directly from the local community. This is a great way to support the local economy and bring home a authentic souvenir. The coffee is typically sold at very reasonable prices.
Yes, we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary requirements with advance notice. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when you book the tour so we can make appropriate arrangements with the local community who prepares the traditional lunch.
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