Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour

A one-day tour to Materuni Waterfalls, and a coffee tour to the charming village of Materuni, home to our Chagga friends and famed for its delicious, creamy coffee, is nestled in the patchwork foothills of majestic Kilimanjaro. On this aromatic and enjoyable day out, you’ll learn how to prepare a decent cup of coffee and learn the secret to the perfect cup of coffee from the Chagga people of the Kilimanjaro region. The hike to the waterfalls goes through some beautiful and lush green surroundings abundant with birds and chameleons. This escapade to Tanzania’s remote side is recommended a day before your safari to cure your jetlag or after your hike from Kilimanjaro as it will help you unwind. The waterfalls offer some cool and refreshing setting, about 70 meters high, making it one of the highest waterfalls in Tanzania. As for the coffee tours part, expect a celebratory mood as you prepare your coffee from the bean to a cup. Form grinding, roasting and boiling the beans, all these while singing and dancing to traditional songs. Once you are done with the process, you will have a taste of the coffee that you just prepared with traditional lunch from the Chagga tribe

Then you’ll trek the short but strenuous trail to Materuni Falls, where you’ll be able to stand beneath the falls as they flow into a serenity pool that’s safe to swim in. And you’ll want to jump right in – there’s nothing more relaxing than basking in the refreshing waters after a sweaty (well, glowing!) trek.

You are allowed to have snacks or your packed meals/lunch during your swimming sessions.

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Day tour to Materuni Village and Waterfalls

A day trip to Materuni Village and Waterfalls is a fantastic way to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The trek to Materuni Waterfall provides a view into Tanzanian nature, allowing you to either prepare your body for the upcoming Kilimanjaro climb or relax your muscles afterward.

A hike to Materuni Waterfall is the first stop on the itinerary. It’s an opportunity to learn about the local history, traditions, village economy, agricultural, and cultural life, as well as observe how native fruits like avocados, mangos, lemons, and bananas grow. Swimsuits will come in handy when you get to the waterfall because you can cool yourself in the natural pool.

Location of Materuni Waterfalls

Located just 15km away from Moshi Town and it is the last village before getting to the Kilimanjaro Park gate. The Materuni village is perched at an altitude of about 1300 m above sea level and it would take you about 45 minutes from Moshi by car and 2 hours 30 minutes from Arusha while driving. The from the entrance ticket office it would take you another 45 minute hike on foot or if you are not fit enough and want to reduce the distance, there is another parking lost higher up the hill. From there it will take you only 15 minutes hike to the waterfalls.

Hiking to the waterfalls of Materuni Village

Local Coffee Tour at the Village

The journey will conclude with a visit to a nearby village nestled among the coffee farms. The villagers will show you how to grow coffee and walk you through the process of making coffee from bean to cup. While the Chagga people are grinding, roasting, and boiling the beans, sing and dance with them. Villagers will provide lunch, a traditional Chagga dish after the coffee is ready.

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Travel Tips for Materuni Day Tours

Preparation:

Check the Weather: Before you set out, review the weather conditions. Rain can make the trail slippery and challenging.
Appropriate Footwear: Opt for sturdy, waterproof footwear with good traction. The trail can get muddy, especially post-rain. On normal days, just wear comfortable shoes or sneakers.
Consider Your Fitness: The hike involves an elevation change of about 500 feet. If you’re over 55 or not in top physical shape, ensure you’re comfortable with uphill and downhill walking and consider using at least a hiking pole.

During the Hike:

Take Your Time: The path includes both an ascent and descent. Pace yourself, particularly on the way down.
Stay on the Path: Stick to the established trail to ensure safety and preserve the environment.
Use Hiking Poles: If available from your guide, use a hiking pole for better balance, especially if you’re not very steady on your feet or recovering from an injury.
Watch Your Step: Be extra cautious of areas with loose footing, particularly after wet weather.

Additional Tips:

Hydration and Nutrition: Carry plenty of water and some snacks. The hike might be more demanding than you expect.
Photography: Bring your camera or ensure your phone battery is charged to capture the stunning waterfall and scenery.
Be Prepared for Swimming: If you plan to take a dip, bring swimwear. Remember, the water can be quite cold from the mountain’s runoff.

Post-Hike:

Change Clothes: If you get wet, change into dry clothes to stay warm and comfortable.
Leave No Trace: Keep the area pristine by taking all your trash with you when you leave.
Cultural Engagement: If there’s an opportunity for local activities like coffee tasting, consider engaging with the community and perhaps bringing small tokens or tips for the hosts or guides.

General Advice:

Hike with a Guide: It’s advisable to have a guide who knows the terrain and can provide insights into the local culture and ecosystem.
Physical Readiness: While the walk is manageable, it’s good to have some level of fitness. If hiking isn’t your regular activity, perhaps do some preparatory walks.
Time Management: Ensure you allocate enough time for the hike, including looking at the falls and any other planned activities, without feeling rushed.

Begin your mini-adventure with a short but interesting journey from Moshi to Materuni, around 1,800 meters above sea level, on the verdant slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. This is market garden country, with the ideal climate and soil conditions for growing some of Africa’s greatest coffee. You’ll go to a coffee farm and learn about how coffee is cultivated, harvested, and processed, as well as try your hand at roasting and making a fresh cup of Chagga coffee. You’ll enjoy a magnificent 45-minute trek through the hills and valleys en way to the Materuni Falls after a delightful coffee break (far better than the ones at work!).

You’ll go through banana and coffee plantations, mini-valleys, hills, and narrow splashing rivulets. Your guide will tell you about local flora and how they are utilized for food and traditional medicine along the trip, as well as provide you with further information about the Chagga culture. It’s your chance to inquire about a lifestyle that’s most likely rather different from your own! You’ll hear the Falls before seeing them, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a rainbow sheen as the splashing waters divide the light. The Falls are tucked away in a beautiful valley with 200-foot-high rocks.

The waters from the mountain plunge in a shimmering curtain into the rippling pool, where you may float, swim, and relax out – literally, for these are pure mountain waters that have not yet been heated by the sun. But we’re sure it’ll be appreciated after your journey.

The cost for the one day Materuni Village, waterfalls, and coffee plantation tour trip includes and excludes the following items