Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Tour: Local Guide, Lunch, Pickup

Summary

Walk to Materuni Waterfall taste Chagga coffee and share lunch

You’ll walk through Materuni village with a local guide, see daily life up close, reach the tall waterfall (and maybe brave its icy pool), then learn how Chagga coffee is made by hand before sharing a home-cooked lunch with your hosts—real moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

We’d already left Moshi behind when the road started getting bumpy — not uncomfortable, just enough to make me laugh at my own attempt to balance my water bottle. Our guide, Emmanuel, waved at nearly everyone we passed. He seemed to know every face in Materuni village. The air smelled like wet earth and something sweet I couldn’t place. We started walking through the village, past small plots of bananas and beans. Emmanuel pointed out which plants belonged to which family — he even stopped to greet an old woman who handed us a tiny green chili “for luck.” I still have no idea if that’s a thing or if she was just being kind.

The walk to Materuni Waterfall took about 45 minutes but didn’t feel long at all. There was this constant sound of water somewhere ahead — louder as we got closer — and then suddenly there it was: this tall ribbon of water crashing down into a pool that looked almost too cold to touch. Some people from our group actually went in (I dipped a toe and instantly regretted it). Emmanuel told us the waterfall is one of the tallest around Kilimanjaro, about 70 meters or so. If you’re lucky with the weather, you can see Kilimanjaro itself peeking through the clouds above Moshi city — we only got a glimpse but it felt special anyway.

After drying off (or in my case, warming up), we walked back toward the village for the coffee part of the tour. This was honestly my favorite bit. We sat under a tin roof while Emmanuel’s cousin showed us how they roast beans over an open fire — smoky, rich smell everywhere. We tried grinding them with these heavy wooden pestles (harder than it looks) and sang along as best we could when they started clapping out some Chagga songs. My hands still smelled like roasted coffee hours later.

Lunch was simple but good — rice, beans, greens from someone’s garden nearby. It wasn’t fancy but tasted like something people actually eat here every day. I liked that. On the drive back to Moshi I kept thinking about that first splash of cold water and how everyone laughed when I jumped back out so fast. Sometimes it’s those tiny moments that stick with you more than any photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour

• Walk to Materuni Waterfalls and swim
• Visit local farm for coffee tour

Top questions

How long does it take to walk to Materuni Waterfall?

The walk from Materuni village to the waterfall takes about 40-50 minutes each way.

Is swimming allowed at Materuni Waterfall?

Yes, you can swim at the falls, but be aware that the water can be quite cold.

What is included in this Materuni Waterfall tour?

The tour includes private transportation, all fees and taxes, a local guide, traditional lunch, and bottled water.

Can I see Mount Kilimanjaro on this day trip?

You might see Mount Kilimanjaro if weather conditions are clear during your visit.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator.

Are infants or young children allowed on this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Are service animals permitted on this experience?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Moshi?

The tour includes private transportation; check with your provider for pickup details.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Moshi with a friendly local guide leading you through Materuni village and up to the waterfall; entry fees are covered; after exploring you’ll join in a hands-on Chagga coffee-making session before sitting down for a traditional home-cooked lunch—plus bottled water along the way.