Why Visit Materuni
Materuni is a small farming village of the Chagga people, who have grown coffee on Kilimanjaro's fertile slopes for generations. Life here moves at a gentle pace among coffee bushes, banana plants and small family farms, a world away from the busy towns below. The highlight of the walk is Materuni Waterfall, which drops around 80 to 90 m from a green cliff into a rocky pool, surrounded by ferns and mist. Back in the village, the coffee experience is warm, hands-on and full of laughter, often with songs as you pound the beans. It is one of the best ways to see rural Tanzanian life and meet the people behind your morning cup.
Your Day in Materuni
Your guide collects you in the morning from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Moshi is just a short drive away, while the journey from Arusha takes longer, which is why this is a full day tour. On arrival, a local guide leads you on a 30 to 45 minute walk to the waterfall, along narrow paths through farms and forest, with views of the valleys below. After time at the falls, you head back to the village for a traditional Chagga lunch, either before or after the coffee experience depending on timing. At the coffee farm, you follow the journey from bean to cup: picking, peeling and roasting the beans over an open fire, grinding them by hand, and finally tasting your own freshly brewed coffee. Transport, entrance fees, lunch and your guide are all included, and you return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Good to Know Before You Go
The walk to the waterfall is short but includes steep sections that can be slippery, especially after rain, so wear shoes with good grip. A light rain jacket is useful, as the mountain slopes are often damp and cool. Children aged 5 and above are welcome, as long as they are comfortable walking on steep paths, and as the tour is private, your guide sets a comfortable pace for your group. Bring some cash if you would like to buy freshly roasted coffee to take home.
Add Materuni to Your Tanzania Trip
Materuni is a favourite with climbers, as the gentle walk is a great way to stretch your legs before a Kilimanjaro climb on routes such as the Machame Route or Lemosho Route. It also adds a cultural day to any Tanzania safari, works beautifully on a family safari or honeymoon safari, and makes a relaxed final day before flying to Zanzibar. Staying in Moshi or Arusha for a few days? Pair it with a Kilimanjaro day hike, a lazy swim at Kikuletwa Hot Springs or an Arusha city tour. Browse all our Tanzania activities to plan more days out.
