The Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour is our most popular day trip from Moshi — a half-day immersion into the stunning natural beauty and living culture of the Chagga people on the southern slopes o...
The Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour is our most popular day trip from Moshi — a half-day immersion into the stunning natural beauty and living culture of the Chagga people on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. In just six hours, you hike through lush banana and coffee plantations to reach a spectacular 90-metre waterfall, then learn the full journey of Tanzanian coffee — from cherry to cup — in a hands-on experience led by local farmers.
Book This TripYour guide collects you from your hotel or lodge in Moshi at 8:00 AM. Enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive through the fertile lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, passing through Chagga villages where terraced farmland and banana plantations climb toward the cloud forest.
Arrive at the trailhead on the edge of the Chagga village of Materuni. Meet your local community guide — a member of the village who will lead you through the plantations and forest. After a brief orientation, begin your gentle hike uphill through coffee and banana plantations.
Reach the base of the spectacular Materuni Waterfalls — a 90-metre curtain of water plunging into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by tropical ferns, mosses, and towering trees. Take time to absorb the atmosphere, take photographs, and — if you wish — swim in the refreshing pool at the base.
Walk to a nearby Chagga family homestead for the highlight of the tour — a hands-on coffee experience. Pick ripe coffee cherries from the bush, hull and sort the beans, roast them over an open fire while your host explains the process, grind the roasted beans with a traditional mortar and pestle, and finally brew and taste your own freshly made coffee.
After the coffee experience, sit down to a traditional Chagga lunch prepared by your host family. Enjoy local dishes that showcase the agricultural bounty of the Kilimanjaro slopes — expect dishes featuring bananas, beans, ugali (maize porridge), and locally grown vegetables.
After lunch, your guide drives you back to Moshi, arriving at your hotel or lodge by mid-afternoon. The return journey takes approximately 45 minutes, giving you time to reflect on the morning's experiences.
Everything you need for a seamless journey — and a clear view of what to arrange yourself.
Reserve your spot with just 20% deposit. From wildlife safaris to cultural tours — our local guides make every moment unforgettable.
Practical details every traveller should read before confirming. We'll cover everything again in your pre-departure pack.
Most nationalities need a Tanzanian tourist visa (USD 50, or USD 100 for US passports). You can apply online via the Tanzania Immigration website or get a visa on arrival at JRO/KIA. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers hiking activities and any optional swimming at the waterfall.
No special vaccinations are required for this day trip. Anti-malaria prophylaxis is recommended for Moshi. Consult a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.
A 30% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due on the morning of the tour. We accept cash (USD or TZS) and mobile money (M-Pesa). Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Tipping is customary and appreciated but not obligatory. A guideline of USD 10–15 per person for your guide is appropriate if you enjoyed the experience.
This tour runs in small groups of 2–12. Private departures with your own guide and vehicle are available year-round on request — ask us for a custom quote.
All transfers are in a private, air-conditioned vehicle from your Moshi hotel or lodge. The vehicle is comfortable and suitable for the unpaved village roads to the trailhead.
Year-round destination. The falls are at their most powerful during the rainy seasons (March–May, October–December). Dry season (June–October) offers clearer skies and easier trail conditions.
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Secure your spot with just 20% deposit. Free cancellation up to 24 hours.