Day trip
Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Day Trip
Overview
Above the town of Moshi, on the green lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, Materuni is a farming village of the Chagga people. Its small family plots grow coffee and bananas side by side in rich volcanic soil, and a footpath leads from the village down into a forested gorge where a tall waterfall drops into a cold, clear pool.
The day mixes a country walk with a lesson in where your morning cup comes from. A local guide walks you through the farms to the falls, where there is time for photos and, if you are brave, a swim. Back in the village, a coffee farmer shows you each step from ripe red cherry to fresh brew. You help roast and grind the beans by hand, taste the result and try the banana beer that plays a big part in Chagga life. Lunch is a traditional meal cooked by village families.
Tanzania Tourism Safaris picks you up from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and drives you back in the afternoon. It is a relaxed, sociable outing and a good way to rest your legs, not your curiosity, after a Kilimanjaro climb.
Tour highlights
- Village walk through coffee and banana farms
- Materuni Waterfalls and its plunge pool
- Roast and grind coffee with a local farmer
- A taste of traditional Chagga banana beer
- Home-cooked Chagga lunch in the village
- Hotel pickup in Moshi or Arusha
Day by day
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Day 1 Morning: Farm Walk to Materuni Waterfalls, Then a Coffee Lesson Meals Lunch
Your guide collects you in the morning for the drive up to Materuni, where village hosts welcome you. The walk to the falls follows narrow paths between coffee bushes and banana trees, with your guide explaining the crops and the Chagga way of farming them. After time at the waterfall, return to the village for lunch, then join a farmer to pick, hull, roast and grind coffee and brew a cup together. Banana beer is offered to taste before the drive back.
Prices by season
Per person in US dollars. The price depends on when you travel and how many travelers share the trip.
| Season | 1 traveler | 2 travelers | 4 travelers | 6 travelers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season 1 Mar – 31 May | $127 | $85 | $70 | $58 |
| High season 1 Nov – 20 Dec and 6 Jan – 29 Feb | $134 | $90 | $74 | $62 |
| Peak season Now 1 Jun – 31 Oct and 21 Dec – 5 Jan | $148 | $99 | $82 | $68 |
Tour price includes
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
- Transport in a 4×4 vehicle
- English-speaking local guide
- Village, waterfall and coffee tour fees and taxes
- Guided waterfall walk and hands-on coffee tour
- Traditional lunch and drinks
- Departs with a minimum of two travelers
Tour price excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guide and hosts
- Souvenirs and personal items
Questions about this trip
How demanding is the walk to Materuni Waterfalls?
It is a moderate walk on narrow village and forest paths, with some steep, uneven stretches, especially on the way down into the gorge. After rain it can be slippery, so wear shoes with a good grip. Your guide keeps an easy pace and stops often to talk about the farms.
Can I swim at the waterfall?
Yes, there is a pool at the foot of the falls where you can take a dip. The water comes straight off the mountain, so it is very cold. Bring a swimsuit, a small towel and a dry layer to change into if you plan to go in.
Is this a good trip after climbing Kilimanjaro?
It works well. Materuni is close to Moshi, where many climbs start and finish, and the day is far gentler than anything on the mountain. Bear in mind that the path to the falls has some steep sections, which tired legs will notice.
What should I wear and bring?
Light clothes, a rain jacket, sturdy shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent. A camera is worth bringing for the falls and the farms, and a little cash is handy for tips or small purchases. Lunch and drinks are included.
Before you go
- Best Time To Visit Tanzania
- How Much Does a Tanzania Safari Cost?
- Top Safari Packing List in Tanzania
- The Best Guides on Tanzania Visa Requirement
- Tanzania Travel Insurance
- Tanzania Travel Safety
- Tipping In Tanzania Safari
- Tanzania Safari Faqs
Listed in Cultural safarisDay trips
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