What You Need to Know: The Materuni waterfall and coffee tour from Moshi takes most of a day: a 30–45 minute drive, a walk of about an hour through Chagga farms to the Materuni waterfall, a swim if you like, then a coffee session with a local family, from picking and roasting to grinding and drinking. It costs from US$115 per person from Moshi (US$120 from Arusha), with hotel pickup, a local guide, lunch and fees included; children don't pay.
The Hike to the Materuni Waterfall
The trail leads through banana groves, coffee bushes and small family farms, crossing streams, to a gorge where the Materuni waterfall drops into a cool pool. The walk takes about an hour each way and is steep and slippery in places; our guides help along the way. You can swim in the pool if you don't mind cold water.
Coffee from Bean to Cup with a Chagga Family
Back in the village, a Chagga family shows you their Arabica coffee: picking the red cherries, peeling and drying the beans, roasting them over a fire, and grinding them in a wooden mortar, often to a traditional song. You drink the coffee at the end, and can buy freshly roasted beans from the family.
How the Materuni Day Trip Runs
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Morning | Pickup from your hotel and the drive to Materuni |
| Late morning | Walk to the waterfall; swim if you like |
| Lunch | A local lunch in the village |
| Afternoon | Coffee session with a Chagga family |
| Late afternoon | Back at your hotel |
Distance to Materuni from Moshi and Arusha
| From | Drive time |
|---|---|
| Moshi | About 30–45 minutes (about 9 miles / 15 km) |
| Arusha | About 2 hours |
| Kilimanjaro Airport | About 1 hour |
Visitors need a local guide in the village, which is included in our price.
How Much Does the Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Tour Cost?
From US$115 per person from Moshi, or US$120 from Arusha, with hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide and lunch included; children don't pay.
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel
- A local guide
- Entrance and village fees
- Lunch and bottled water
Combine it with the Chemka hot springs for a full day.
What to Bring to Materuni
- Walking shoes with grip
- Swimwear and a towel
- A light rain jacket
- Some cash for coffee or crafts
Who Is the Materuni Trip For?
- Walkers: about an hour each way on village paths, some of them steep
- Coffee lovers: the coffee tour is part of the day
- Families with children who can manage the walk
- Climbers on a rest day, or anyone with a free day in Moshi
Tips for the Materuni Waterfall Walk
- Wear shoes with grip: the path can be muddy after rain
- Bring swimwear if you want to swim in the cold pool below the falls
- Buy coffee from the family if you enjoy it: it supports them directly
- Expect cooler weather than in Moshi: Materuni is higher on the mountain
Pair it with the Chemka hot springs on another day, or see things to do in Moshi.
Materuni Village on Kilimanjaro's Slopes
Materuni is a Chagga village on Kilimanjaro's lower slopes, about 9 miles (15 km) above Moshi, among banana and coffee gardens. On clear days you see the plains below and sometimes Kilimanjaro's peak above. The walk to the waterfall passes through farms and small homesteads, with your local guide explaining what grows where.
Why Materuni Is Our Most Popular Day Trip
Materuni combines three things guests love in one easy day: a walk through village farms, a spectacular waterfall, and coffee made from bean to cup with a local family. The walk is long enough to feel like a hike but suitable for most people, the waterfall drops about 260 ft (80 m) into a cold pool you can swim in, and the coffee ceremony is fun for adults and children alike.
It also takes you into a living Chagga village rather than a tourist site. Your guide is from the area, lunch is cooked locally, and the fee supports the community. It fits perfectly on a rest day before or after a Kilimanjaro climb; see things to do in Moshi.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Materuni?
Materuni can be visited all year. In the rainy months (March to May and November) the waterfall is at its most powerful and the farms are lush, but the paths are muddy, so good shoes are essential. In the dry months the walk is easier and the views clearer.
Common Questions About the Materuni Waterfall Trip
Can we visit Materuni without a guide?
No. A local guide is required, and the fee supports the village.
Is the walk suitable for children?
Yes, for children who can manage the steep path. Children don't pay on our local trips.
Is it a good day after Kilimanjaro?
It's a gentle day, though the path is steep; Chemka hot springs is easier on tired legs.
How high is Materuni waterfall?
It drops about 260 ft (80 m) into a pool at the foot of a green cliff.
Can I swim at Materuni waterfall?
Yes, in the pool below the falls; the water is cold, straight from the mountain.
How long is the walk to Materuni waterfall?
About an hour each way on village paths.
Is the Materuni walk suitable for older travelers?
Yes, for those used to walking on uneven paths; the guide sets an easy pace, and you can rest along the way.
The Bottom Line
Walk to the waterfall, roast coffee with a Chagga family and be back in Moshi by late afternoon: the best introduction to life on Kilimanjaro's slopes.
Send us your date, where you are staying and the number of travelers (with children's ages) through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our team will confirm the pickup time and send your quotation.