Materuni Waterfall & Chagga Coffee Tour from Moshi or Arusha

Summary

Materuni Village Day Trip: Waterfall Hike & Coffee Making Experience

You’ll hike through lush Materuni village trails to reach an 80-meter waterfall, share a homemade meal with locals, and roast coffee beans alongside Chagga hosts—all in one day. If you want real Kilimanjaro foothills culture plus nature (and don’t mind muddy shoes), this trip’s for you.

What’s the experience like?

The drive out of Moshi is pretty quick—just enough time to watch the city fade into green hills. By the time we reached Materuni village, the air felt cooler and you could hear birds everywhere. Our guide, Joseph, helped us sign in at the little village office (there’s a faded blue sign above the door) before we set off on foot. The path to the waterfall winds past banana trees and small coffee plots; you’ll probably spot a few goats munching on grass along the way. Joseph pointed out wild herbs locals use for tea—honestly, I’d have missed them if he hadn’t stopped us.

The walk isn’t tough, but it’s muddy if it rained the night before—my sneakers were caked by the end. You’ll hear the waterfall before you see it: a low rumble that gets louder as you round a bend. When we finally arrived, spray hung in the air and everything smelled fresh and earthy. The falls are tall—over 80 meters—and there’s a pool at the bottom where some folks braved a swim (the water’s cold!). After drying off in the sun, we headed back to the village for lunch. They served ugali with beans and a side of cooked greens; I tried banana beer too—cloudy and kind of sweet, not like anything I’ve had before.

Later, we joined a group making coffee from scratch. The beans get roasted over an open fire while everyone sings along to Chagga songs—our guide even got us clapping in rhythm. Grinding beans with a big wooden pestle takes more muscle than you’d think! The best part? Tasting your own cup while looking out over all that green forest. On our way back to Moshi, my shoes were still muddy but I didn’t mind—it was worth every step.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Materuni Village and Waterfalls

• Pickup from Moshi or Arusha
• Drive to Materuni Village
• Register at village office
• Walk to Materuni Waterfalls
• Enjoy waterfall and swim
• Return to Materuni Village
• Traditional Chagga lunch
• Coffee cultivation and roasting experience
• Grind coffee with local songs and dances
• Enjoy coffee and rainforest views
• Return to Moshi or Arusha

Top questions

Is swimming at Materuni Waterfall safe?

The pool is natural and can be chilly; swimming is allowed but always check conditions with your guide first.

What should I wear for this tour?

Comfortable walking shoes (that can get muddy), light clothes, swimwear if you plan to swim, and maybe a rain jacket just in case.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes! Just let us know ahead of time—we can provide vegetarian options for lunch.

How long does the whole tour take?

The full experience usually lasts most of the day—expect to return by late afternoon if starting from Moshi or Arusha.

What’s included

Your English-speaking local guide leads all activities; transfers from Moshi or Arusha are included; traditional lunch (vegetarian available); entry fees for both Materuni Waterfalls and Kikuletwa Hotsprings; plus live commentary throughout your visit. If you need anything special—just ask!