Tanzania · Coffee Plantation Tours

5-Hour Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour from Moshi with Chagga Culture

5 Hours Round trip from Moshi Moderate pace

Unwind across the majestic views of Materuni Waterfall

Swim in the enchanting Materuni Waterfalls

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Hike through lush landscapes to the impressive Materuni Waterfalls
02 Swim in the tranquil pool beneath the waterfall
03 Experience an authentic coffee tour in Materuni Village, from picking beans to brewing your own cup
04 Learn about the traditional way of life of the Chagga tribe

Embark on a fascinating 5-hour expedition to the stunning Materuni Waterfalls, just 30-40 minutes outside Moshi. Hike through beautiful, nature-rich surroundings, passing smaller waterfalls and local irrigation channels before reaching the impressive falls. In Materuni Village, enjoy an interactive coffee tour where you'll pick, grind, and brew your own coffee while learning about the traditional way of life of the Chagga tribe. You can also swim in the tranquil pool beneath the waterfall for a refreshing finish to the experience.

In the village, you will be able to learn about the entire coffee-making process, from how it is grown to when it is finally poured, steaming hot, into your cup.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

City Moshi

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Materuni Waterfalls Hike and Coffee Experience

Around 30-40 minutes outside Moshi are the Materuni Waterfalls.
As this trip is so close by, it is ideal for those who have limited time but would still like to see some of the nature and beauty that this region of Tanzania offers. These falls are impressive at 150 meters high and are well worth seeing.
From Materuni Village, we will walk for about 30-40 minutes to the waterfall. The walk itself is extremely interesting, as you will see smaller waterfalls and lots of waterways that form part of the irrigation system used by local farmers who grow coffee, bananas, and many other fruits and vegetables.
Materuni Village produces many perishable goods, including yam, sugar, maize, and beans. However, the main crop grown here is coffee.
In the village, you will be able to learn about the entire coffee-making process, from how it is grown to when it is finally poured, steaming hot, into your cup.
You will pick your own coffee, remove the outer cover, and then, using coffee that has already been dried, crush it into coffee granules.
After experiencing the coffee production process, you can enjoy your satisfying and rewarding cup of fresh coffee.
You will also learn how the Chagga tribe lives, including their home set-up, the types of food they cook and eat, and how they rear their animals.

Where this trip takes you

Materuni Waterfalls, Materuni Village, Moshi countryside

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 1 city · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport by private car
Village & waterfall fees
Coffee ceremony
Local guide
Hot local lunch or lunch box
1.5 L bottle of water

What's Not Included

Personal items
Gratuities/tips for the guide
Travel insurance
Accommodation

What to bring

Wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Bring a rain jacket.
Sunscreen.
A hat.
A camera.
Swimsuits are useful if you plan to swim.
Bring cash in case you need to buy some local items.

Know before you go

1. Location and Accessibility

Distance from Moshi: Materuni Waterfall is located about 15 kilometers (around 45 minutes) from Moshi town, making it an ideal half-day or full-day trip.
Road Conditions: The road to Materuni Village can be a bit bumpy and muddy, especially during the rainy season, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

2. Entrance Fees

There is a small entrance fee for Materuni Waterfall, usually ranging between $10 and $15 USD, which goes to support the local community and conservation efforts. Fees may also cover a village tour and guide services.

3. Hiking to the Waterfall

Hike Duration: The hike to Materuni Waterfall is about 45 minutes to 1 hour each way, depending on your pace.
Difficulty: The trail is mostly moderate but can be muddy and slippery, especially during the rainy season, so proper hiking shoes are recommended.
What You'll See: The trail winds through lush banana and coffee plantations, offering stunning views of the Kilimanjaro foothills and local village life.

4. What to Bring

Comfortable Shoes: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are essential, especially since the trail can be slippery.
Water and Snacks: While the hike isn't too long, staying hydrated is important. Bring your own water and light snacks.
Swimwear: The waterfall's pool is perfect for a refreshing dip after your hike. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to swim.
Warm Clothing: Even though it's warm in Moshi, it can get cooler around the waterfall, especially after swimming. A light jacket or sweater may be helpful.
Rain Gear: If you're visiting during the rainy season, pack a raincoat or poncho to stay dry.

5. Cultural Experience

Village Tour: Many tours to Materuni Waterfall also include a visit to Materuni Village, where you'll learn about the Chagga people's way of life, agriculture, and culture.
Coffee Tour: Materuni is famous for its coffee. You can participate in a coffee-making experience, where you'll learn the traditional methods of harvesting, roasting, and brewing coffee, ending with a fresh cup of local brew.

6. Best Time to Visit

Dry Season: The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to October), when the trail is easier to navigate and the weather is clear.
Rainy Season: While the rainy season (March to May and November) brings more slippery trails, the waterfall is at its most powerful and dramatic during this time.

7. Photography and Wildlife

Materuni offers plenty of opportunities for stunning photography. From the lush green surroundings to the dramatic waterfall itself, it's a photographer's paradise.
You may also spot some wildlife, such as birds, monkeys, or small mammals, as you hike through the forest.

8. Responsible Tourism

Leave No Trace: Help keep Materuni beautiful by not littering and staying on marked trails.
Support the Community: By paying entrance fees and participating in local tours, you're directly supporting the Materuni community and their conservation efforts.

9. Guided Tours

While you can visit Materuni on your own, a local guide can enhance your experience by providing insights into the local culture, flora, and fauna. Many tours also include extras like the coffee-making experience.

Materuni is a place inside a village called Uru, located in Kilimanjaro. The 50-meter Materuni Waterfall is one of the hidden treasures of the Kilimanjaro region and offers you the opportunity to hike through coffee farms and enjoy spectacular views. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the base of the Materuni Waterfall and swim in the pool beneath the falls.

Nestled in the patchwork foothills of magnificent Kilimanjaro lies the beautiful village of Materuni, home to our Chagga friends and famous for its aromatic, rich coffee.

On this fragrant and fun day out, you'll get a chance to make your own cup of coffee the proper way, and you'll find out the secret to the perfect cup of coffee from the local Chagga people.

Next, you'll hike the short but challenging route to the Materuni Falls, where you can stand under the waters as they cascade into a tranquil pool that is safe for bathing. After getting sweaty from your hike, there's nothing more soothing than floating in the cool waters. Enjoy your packed lunch before or after your swim - there are no rules!

The Materuni Waterfall cascades 80 meters of crystalline glacier water into its basin. You'll pass coffee, banana, and avocado plantations along the journey, all of which are situated in a tropical jungle. On a clear day, you can see all the way down to Moshi and up to the Kibo caldera.

Logistics