TOUR ITINERARY

Start your mini-adventure with theshort but fascinating drive from Moshi up the lush slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to the village of Materuni, approximately 1,800 m above sea level. This is market garden territory and has the perfect mixture of climate and soil to produce some of the best coffee in Africa. You’ll visit a coffee farm and learn about how coffee is grown, harvested and processed, and you’ll try your hand at roasting and preparing a fresh cup of coffee the Chagga way. After a delightful coffee break (so much better than the ones at work!) you’ll take a beautiful 45-minute hike through the hills and valleys en route to the Materuni Falls. You’ll pass through banana and coffee plantations, up and down mini-valleys, across ridges and through narrow splashing rivulets. Along the way your guide will teach you about local plants and how they are used for food and traditional medicine, as well as giving you more insight into the local Chagga culture. It’s your chance to ask questions about a lifestyle that’s probably very different from your own! You’ll hear the Falls before you see them, and once they come into view, you might be lucky enough to see a rainbow sheen as the splashing waters split the sunlight. The Falls are hidden away in a pristine valley with cliffs towering to 200ft overhead. The mountain waters falls straight down in a shimmering curtain to splash in the rippling pool where you can float, take a swimand chill out – literally, as these are pure mountain waters and not yet heated by the sun. But it’ll be welcome after your hike, we bet.

Materuni village is a beautifully lush area to visit on the outskirts of Moshi. Here you can really get to grips with the life of the local Chagga people- wandering through the village and passing their homesteads. Located in the picturesque foothills of Kilimanjaro, Materuni has managed to retain its authentic edge over some of the other tourist attractions as it is not one of the routes for climbing Kilimanjaro.

MATERUNI WATERFALLS

Standing 150m high and nestled in the lush green forests on the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, a Materuni waterfalls tour is an ideal getaway for those strapped for time. The waterfalls are located 30 minutes from Moshi town. This tour is accompanied by a visit to the Materuni village as well as a coffee tour.

Itinerary

You will depart your hotel at around 0900hrs and head to the Materuni village. While at the village you will get to explore the lives of the Chagga people and do a coffee tour to see how the locals grow and brew coffee. After the coffee tour you will head to the waterfalls where you will have your packed lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon. Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi.

Unforgettable Materuni Waterfall and Village Coffee Tour

This very impressive Waterfall is one of the tallest in the area, spewing crystal clear glacier water 70m into its basin. The beautiful path leading to Materuni Waterfall is located 2500m above sea level. It traverses thru valleys and hills covered by tropical rainforest, past coffee, banana and avocado "shambas", the Kiswahili word for farms. On a clear day, great views of Kibo and Moshi can be seen. The hike to the base of the Waterfall can be demanding and hiking boots are recommended. Upon reaching the bottom a picnic lunch will be served before returning to Materuni village, the starting point of the hike.

On the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro lies the village of Materuni. It is one of the many villages in Tanzania populated by the Chagga tribe. Materuni village produces many perishable goods including yam, sugar, maize and beans. However, the main crop that is grown is coffee. In the village you will be able to learn about the process from which coffee is grown, to when it is finally poured, steaming hot into the cup. You will pick you own coffee, remove the cover and then with coffee that has been previously dried out, crush it into coffee granules. After experiencing the complete coffee production process you will be able to enjoy your very own, satisfying and rewarding cup of fresh coffee. What to Expect You will be picked up in Moshi in the morning, by our English-speaking guide, who will drive you to Materuni Village. Upon arrival, you will register at the village office and your trip can begin.
First you will visit the waterfalls, which are around a 40 minute walk away. On the way, your guide will inform you about the culture of the Chagga, village life and explain the surrounding fauna and flora. The views are truly breathtaking, and with some luck you will see the summit of Kilimanjaro. When you reach the waterfalls, you will see that they are more than 80 meters high. The pool at the bottom of the waterfall is an inviting place for a refreshing swim so don‘t forget your swimwear!

After having enjoyed the scenery, you slowly return with your guide to Materuni village, where you will experience a traditional Chagga lunch. You also will have the opportunity to taste our local banana beer – definitely not to be missed!

But that’s not all. Next the coffee experience awaits you. Here you will learn how coffee is cultivated, dried, roasted and further processed. You will also be invited to help with the grinding of the coffee, which is traditionally accompanied by Chagga songs and dances – a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Before you say goodbye and return in the afternoon to Moshi, you can savour the coffee you made and appreciate the views of the surrounding rainforest.

• Guided 40 min hike through tropical forest • Materuni waterfall visit • excursion to Materuni village • Bannana beer tasting • You will learn everything about coffee and make your own coffee • Traditional lunch

A tour of the revered Kikuletwa Hotspring with experienced local guides from Rundugai Cultural Tourism is always enticing. Visitors get a chance to swim in a unique natural pool with strong warm water current surrounded with amazing roots of fig trees. There is a rope swing for jumping into the water. After swimming you will walk to the lunch site. Local lunch is prepared by women group and includes traditional organic food, mostly grown in the village and around swimming to Kikuletwa-swimming-springs can be done after Maasai boma tour or walking tour at Rundugai village. you can visit Maasai boma to experience the real African ethnic group living culture, in reaching to Maasai boma you can learn on age set division of labor where by duties are divided in terms of age and sex also our visitor will have a chance to engage in Mama yeyoo activities such as milking, fetching water for domestic purposes by using donkey as a means of transport. Finally a visitor will have an overnight in Maasai boma and if a visitor interested for a BBQ it will be available on request.

Visit the Hot Springs and experience a very special natural phenomenon where hot water comes up. The water of this source is turquoise blue and crystal clear and invites you to take a refreshing dive.

You leave with a local bus or Daladala from Arusha to Boma N’Gombe. This ride will take about one hour. The road will take you thru the typical African country side past forest land, riverbeds, acacia trees among many other different trees. The vast area, which the Europeans used for hunting ground during the 1800s, is home to many different tribe members, who live in peace with their neighbors. Although the game has long since migrated, it is still home of many animal species, including a great birds variety.

Worth knowing

• • The spring is pretty deep in middle, with a strong current. Swimming to the other side of the spring is a good workout.
• • Garra Rufa Fish are swimming in the water. These smart little fish are used by pedicures around the world. These fish suck and nibble your skin, tenderly removing dead skin cells through natural exfoliation. So you will emerge with shiny, revitalised feet.
• • I have never been one to sufficiently celebrate my birthdays but as I have gotten older the definite it has become to me that I would much rather invest in an experience than throw a party / have one thrown for me.
• • I can’t recall the first time I saw an image of Kikuletwa Hot Springs but the moment I did (the pictures looked incredible), I knew this is a must-visit-destination. Normally when I get such an epiphany, the destination is for the most part out of reach at least financially (oh how I look forward to the day when my pocket matches my travel wants), but this time I was determined to make it happen.
• • The original plan had been to plan everything ourselves (I was traveling with a group of friends) but it got to a point where we decided it would be easier (read less stressful) to book with a travel agent.
• • Itinerary set, we left Nairobi on cold Friday morning headed for Arusha which would be our base station and where we would be spending the nights. The excursion to Kikuletwa was set for Saturday afternoon. The skies were overcast and the weather not at all conducive for swimming. That was definitely not going to dampen our mood, after all, we had crossed the border for this. Kikuletwa also known as Chemka is a natural Oasis in the heart of Sanya plains, about 35 Kilometers from Moshi town.
• • The drive from Arusha to the springs took about 2 + hours, it was for the most part very smooth up until we got off the highway onto a dirt road. The ride though bumpy and sluggish was still a great way to take in all of the local sights and sounds through the smaller towns, farmland and quaint villages. The road is passable during the dry season but come the rainy season there are sections that would be hard to navigate through you’re in a vehicle that is not 4 by 4.
• >• Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Plantation
• • A tour to Materuni Village and Waterfalls is a great way to spend a day away from the bustle of town life. The walk to Materuni Waterfall offers a glimpse into the nature of Tanzania allowing you either to prepare your body for the forthcoming climb to Kilimanjaro or ease your muscles after the climb.

The tour starts with a walk to Materuni Waterfall. It is an opportunity to see how local fruit like avocados, mangos, lemons, and bananas grow, as well as learn some of the local history, traditions, village economy, agricultural and cultural life. When you get to the waterfall, you can refresh yourself in the natural pool, so swimsuits will come in handy!

The tour will continue with a visit to the local village lying in the coffee plantations. The villagers will demonstrate the process of coffee farming and guide you through the preparation of coffee from a bean to a cup. Sing and dance along with the Chaga people as they are grinding, roasting and boiling the beans. When the coffee is ready, villagers will serve lunch - a national Chagga meal.

• Region: Kilimanjaro •

Materuni Village Cultural Tourism or MVCT is a registered cultural tourism program in Tanzania, and we operate around the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Our registration number with the Tourism Board of Tanzania is CTP/REG/0039.

Materuni village is in the Uru area and is the home of Chagga people. The village is located in the northern part of Moshi town, only 15 KM from the town center. Materuni village is also the last village before entering the Kilimanjaro national park and sits approximately 1800 M above sea level.

MVCT is known for working with the local people and we benefit of their huge knowledge about our beloved village. We're proud to provide our guests with an once in a lifetime experience of culture and nature.

Our team is a group of passionate and ecologically minded local guides who believe in preserving our beautiful Materuni village and Moshi surroundings . We are dedicated to work with local tour operators, hoteliers, International agents and non-government organizations. If you are Tourism stake holder feel free to contact us for special rate

MVCT exclusively operates Materuni Village Tours - Materuni Waterfall, and Coffee Tours.

Our village tours include the following activities:

village walks, guided waterfall hikes, coffee tours, local primary school visits, Chagga traditional dance demonstrations, local Chagga Foods, banana beer experiences, homestays and camping.



We also offer day hikes to Kilimanjaro and visits to various popular locations such as Kikuletwa Hot springs, Maasai Villages, Marangu Villages, Lake Challa, Old Moshi, and Kibosho Germany Church.

Full Day

Materuni Waterfall

& Coffee Tour

Our most

popular tour package

Experience local Materuni village life with a visit to our beautiful waterfall & coffee ceremony.

When you arrive at the village office, you will meet our English speaking village guide who will welcome you to Materuni village and brief you.

Then you will take a walk to the waterfall (approx. 40 minutes). On the way you will learn about the village economy, agriculture as well as cultural life and also the guide will explain the surrounding fauna and flora.

Upon arrival at the 90m high waterfall, you'll be fascinated by this unique environment. Please bring swim-suit & towel as there is a beautiful place to take a dip and you are most welcome to enjoy the natural pool.

When you are ready to continue, you will walk back to Mama Agnes' home for local Chagga food lunch and our coffee experience. The typical Chagga menu includes rice/pilau, local vegetables and many fruits from the village. For sure, we take care of special food requirements.

You will also experience the traditional coffee processing technique and participate in the process of making organic Materuni coffee. Here you will also learn how to coffee is cultivated, dried and roasted. While you produce your own cup of coffee, you are invited to listen, dance and sing with the Chagga women - a fun way to immerse in the local culture.

Finally, if you are interested in a demonstration of the banana beer making process or visiting a local school or typical Chagga house, we are more than happy to adjust our tour based on your personal preferences. Just let us know.

Prices:

Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Tour (per person)

1. 1. One Traveler: $50
2. 2. Two-Person Group: $45 per person
3. 3. Three-Person Group: $40 per person
4. 4. Four-Person Group: $35 per person
5. 5. Five or More-Person Group: $32 per person

All guides speak English | includes bottled water and entry fees for both the village and the waterfall

Two Day Materuni Tour

Day 1:

Enjoy our most popular package, the Full Day Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Tour.

Extend that experience with overnight camping at Mama Agnes' House and enjoy the view of the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro over dinner.

Day 2:

After breakfast, you'll start a guided hike (approximately 2 hours) enjoying the natural beautiful environment, walking beside local fields and enjoy a breathtaking view on the very top of our route close to the border of Klimanjaro Nationalpark. Afterwards you'll visit one of the local primary schools in Materuni. Following the activities, walk back to the village for farewell celebration songs from the Matruni Traditional Dance Group.

Prices:

Materuni Waterfall, Coffee Tour, overnight & hike + school visit; with private transportation (per person)

1. One Traveler: $110

2. Two-Person Group: $90 per person

3. Three-Person Group: $80 per person

4. Four-Person Group: $75 per person

5. Five or More-Person Group: $70 person



Materuni Waterfall, Coffee Tour, overnight & hike + school visit; with public transportation (per person)

1. One Traveler: $80 2. Two-Person Group: $75 per person

3. Three-Person Group: $70 per person

4. Four-Person Group: $65 per person

5. Five or More-Person Group: $60 per person



All guides speak English | includes bottled water, transportation, camping equipment (mattress and tent) and entry fees for both the village and the waterfall

Please bring swimwear, appropriate footwear, towels and outdoor wear.

Also let us know about any food allergies or sensitivities you might have.

Cooking Tanzanian Food





As an add on service to any tour, we offer a traditional Chagga cooking class.

This cooking class is relaxed - Hakuna Matata! Not only will you get to enjoy and taste the local cuisine, but you will also have the opportunity to learn more about the lifestyles of many villagers in Materuni in a hands-on way.

Accompanied by our village mamas you will go to the farm to source your fresh ingredients, cook dishes by following step by step recipes, and enjoy a lesson on how to serve these traditional dishes.

In our cooking class, you will learn how to cook traditional Chagga food, including Machalari (banana foods), kiburu, kitawa, pilau, ngande, and kitalolo.

You will also get the opportunity to make Ugali.

Ugali is Tanzania's most known dish, made with cassava flour, cornmeal, and millet or sorghum meal.

Ugali is served with meat or fish stew, vegetables, or some beans. All our customers will be given the recipes to bring home so you can share them with loved ones

. Our guides will be there throughout the cooking class to assist and answer any questions you may have.

Come and join us for an unforgettable and fun cooking experience!

Prices:

1. Per Person: $15 Please be aware that any wheat, corn, or nut allergies/sensitivities may prevent you from participating in this experience.

Transportation depends on the combination of tours. Please contact us directly via the contact form below. We are happy to provide you with a personalized offer.

Itinerary

Materuni is the home of the Chagga tribe and is still an authentic tribal village. This charming place is just 15km away from Moshi Town and is the last village before the Kilimanjaro National Park.

You will be picked up in Moshi in the morning, by our English-speaking guide, who will drive you to Materuni Village. Upon arrival, you will register at the village office and your trip can begin.

First you will visit the waterfalls, which are around a 40 minute walk away. On the way, your guide will inform you about the culture of the Chagga, village life and explain the surrounding fauna and flora. The views are truly breathtaking, and with some luck you will see the summit of Kilimanjaro. When you reach the waterfalls, you will see that they are more than 80 meters high. The pool at the bottom of the waterfall is an inviting place for a refreshing swim so don‘t forget your swimwear!

After having enjoyed the scenery, you slowly return with your guide to Materuni village, where you will experience a traditional Chagga lunch. You also will have the opportunity to taste our local banana beer – definitely not to be missed!

But that’s not all. Next the coffee experience awaits you. Here you will learn how coffee is cultivated, dried, roasted and further processed. You will also be invited to help with the grinding of the coffee, which is traditionally accompanied by Chagga songs and dances - a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Before you say goodbye and return in the afternoon to Moshi, you can savour the coffee you made and appreciate the views of the surrounding rainforest.

Around 20 -30 minutes outside of Moshi are Materuni waterfalls. As this trip is so close by it is ideal for those people with limited time but who would still like to see some of the nature and beauty that this region of Tanzania has to offer. These falls are smaller than the previously described Ndoro, but still pretty impresive at 150 meters high and definitely a sight worth seeing.

From Materuni Village we will walk some 30 minutes to the waterfall. The walk itself is extremely interesting, as you will see some smaller waterfalls and lots of waterways which are part of the irrigation system of the local farmers who grow coffee, bananas and many other fruits and vegetables.

Coffee Tour

Materuni village produces many perishable goods including yam, sugar, maize and beans. However, the main crop that is grown is coffee. In the village you will be able to learn about the process from which coffee is grown, to when it is finally poured, steaming hot into the cup.

You will pick you own coffee, remove the cover and then with coffee that has been previously dried out, crush it into coffee granules. After experiencing the complete coffee production process you will be able to enjoy your very own, satisfying and rewarding cup of fresh coffee. You will also learn how the Chagga tribe lives, such as their home set-up, the types of food they cook and eat and how they rear their animals.

Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Tour

You will drive to the slopes of Kilimanjaro, up to Materuni village. From there you will hike for about 30 minutes and pass by the local coffee farmers where you will get a chance to hear how local farmers grow coffee and process it till it’s sold. Also you will get time to prepare your own coffee and drink and take some home with you. This will take about an hour. After this you will walk for 45 minutes to the waterfall, passing villages of the Chagga, which is a native tribe that lives on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Near the waterfall you will have lunch and a possibility to rest and enjoy the nature around. You will see a variety of exotic plants and trees, coffee and banana trees, different fruits and animals, especially many different birds.

Moshi is great place and area around Moshi offers much more than just Kilimanjaro trips. If you are looking for things to do in Moshi, here are some exciting hikes to Materuni watefalls, making coffee with locals and even a home stay with local family.

Materuni Village is located on the northern part of Moshi town. It is the last village before Kilimanjaro national park and it is only 15 Km from Moshi town. You travel on both a tarmac and rough roads; there are a number of different options for transportation modes to reach Materuni. You can either use a public transport (commonly known as daladala) or private transport in a car or Bajaj experience or motor cycle and pikipiki experience. Please contact us so that we can help you to arrange your transport at a reasonable price.things to in moshi local homestay

Materuni Village Full Day Tour

Enjoy a full day village tour with English speaking guide. Immersion into village life including a visit to our local Materuni home. Upon arrival at the village office meet by our village guide register office then go to our briefing area, after briefing have a short walk to the waterfall approximately 40 minutes to the Materuni waterfalls.

On the way to the waterfall learn about village economy, agricultural and cultural life. Arrive at the waterfall pool, the waterfall is about 80 M high, please bring your swim costumes since there is a nice place to swim.