Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Tour from Moshi – Local Village Experience

Summary

Materuni Village Day Trip: Coffee Making & Waterfall Hike

You’ll get to make coffee with locals, hike to a real waterfall, and see daily life in Materuni village. It’s relaxed, hands-on, and gives you a taste of Kilimanjaro’s quieter side.

What’s the experience like?

We left Moshi behind just as the morning haze started to lift, driving about an hour and a half through fields dotted with banana trees and the odd goat wandering too close to the road. Materuni village sits right at the foot of Kilimanjaro, but you won’t see crowds here—just a handful of locals waving as you pass by. The air’s cooler up here, and you can actually smell fresh earth and wood smoke from breakfast fires. Our guide, Joseph, met us with a grin and led us straight to a small coffee farm. He knew everyone by name, and honestly, it felt like visiting family.

Grinding coffee beans by hand is harder than it looks. We took turns with the wooden pestle while Joseph sang a Chagga song—he said it helps the beans roast evenly. The coffee tasted richer than anything I’ve had in town, maybe because we’d worked for it. Afterward, we set off on a short hike to Materuni waterfall. The path was muddy in spots (bring shoes you don’t mind getting dirty), and you could hear the falls before you saw them—a low roar that got louder with every step. When we reached the pool, a few kids were already splashing around. I dipped my toes in; it was freezing but worth it for the view. Lunch was simple—rice, beans, and avocado—served picnic-style on a woven mat. If you want, there’s an option to visit local families and donate supplies directly, which Joseph organized for us. It’s not part of every tour, but it felt right to give back after such a warm welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Materuni Village and Waterfalls

• Drive to Materuni village (1.5 hours)
• Visit coffee farms and learn traditional coffee making
• Trek to Materuni waterfalls
• Swim or relax at the waterfall pool
• Enjoy a picnic lunch

Top questions

Is swimming at Materuni waterfall allowed?

Yes, you can swim in the pool below the waterfall if you like. The water’s cold but refreshing!

How long is the hike to the waterfall?

The walk takes about 45 minutes each way, with some muddy patches—nothing too tough if you’re reasonably fit.

Can I bring donations for local families?

Absolutely. Our guide helps deliver donations directly to families in need—just let us know if you’d like to participate.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport from Moshi, a guided coffee tour, entrance to Materuni waterfall, and a picnic lunch. Public transport options are nearby if needed. All fitness levels are welcome—just wear comfy shoes!