Overview
Materuni waterfalls, coffee and village experience
A Materuni day trip is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro without attempting the summit. Nestled in a lush Chagga village, Materuni offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. Your journey typically begins with a guided walk through coffee farms, where you’ll learn the traditional process of growing, roasting, and brewing coffee the Chagga way.
From there, a short scenic hike leads to the spectacular Materuni Waterfall, cascading 90 meters into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by tropical rainforest. Adventurers can take a refreshing dip, while others may simply relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. Many trips also combine Materuni with a visit to the nearby Kikuletwa Hot Springs, where you can unwind in turquoise geothermal waters shaded by fig trees.
With its mix of waterfalls, coffee, culture, and natural hot springs, Materuni is the ideal Kilimanjaro day trip for travelers seeking both adventure and authentic local experiences - all in just a single day.
Route itinerary options
Click to expand the various itinerary options for this route. Itineraries indicated as * Recommended * are chosen for their duration, acclimatization and good route profile.
Day 1 - Moshi (or Arusha) to Materuni to Moshi (or Arusha)
Transfer from Moshi or Arusha (08:00am to 10:00am) and drive to Materuni village on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your day trip could include (time permitting) a village tour, guided waterfall adventure hike, coffee farm experience, banana beer making session, visit to the Kibosho church. A traditional (hot) lunch will be prepared fresh and served to you at lunch time. In the late afternoon you drive back to Moshi or Arusha.
- Approx driving distance: 0.5-1 hour from Moshi / 2 hours from Arusha (one way) / 1-2 hours back to lodge
- Expected game drive: None
- Activities usually included: Materuni village, waterfalls and activity fees
- Optional extras: Pre or post tour accommodation
- Meals included: Traditional hot lunch
- Commonly seen animals: Unknown
- Occasionally seen animals: Unknown
- Rarely seen animals: Unknown
Overnight (optional)
(Speak to a tour consultant for your specific options)
Price, includes & add-ons
Click to see price indication for the various group options and group sizes avaialble. You can always request a custom quote: contact us.
Price per person (USD $)
1 passenger (from/to Moshi)
from $140 per person*2 passengers (from/to Moshi)
from $110 per person*3 passengers (from/to Moshi)
from $95 per person*4 passengers (from/to Moshi)
from $85 per person*5 passengers (from/to Moshi)
from $85 per person*6+ passengers (from/to Moshi)
from $80 per person*Start and/or end the tour in Arusha
from $100 per vehicle*Start and/or end the tour at Kilimanjaro Airport
from $50 per vehicle*Scheduled group (shared departure)
Not available* All prices are in USD ($) and serve as indications only for a standard package excluding pre/post accommodation, add-ons and comfort upgrades.
Private day trips are with their own dedicated crew, equipment and transfers not shared with other hikers. Local activity guides may be common with other groups on the day.
Green season discount
10% off*For day trips starting from 15 March 2026 to 31 May 2026 and 01 November 2026 to 15 December 2026.- * Special offers are only applicable to new bookings and valid only at the time of confirming an itinerary. All numbers after discounts will be rounded to the nearest whole number. Please check with your sales consultant if offers can be combined.
Standard packages usually include
- Guided hike to Materuni Waterfall with professional local guides sharing Chagga culture, history, and traditions.
- Interactive Materuni Coffee Tour, from bean picking to roasting, grinding, and brewing fresh Arabica coffee.
- Authentic Materuni Village experience, discovering Chagga farming practices, traditional lifestyles, and warm hospitality.
- All taxes, VAT and village / activity fees as applicable.
- All National Park DAY conservation or park entry fee as applicable to the planned itinerary
- All National Park NIGHT concession or Wildlife management Area fees as applicable to the planned itinerary
- Specially modified 4x4 Land cruiser with pop up roof, radio calls and English speaking driver-guide, charging ports (Type G socket) and luggage space for a soft bag, max 20kg per person or maximum available space in vehicle. Note that safari vehicles have very limited overall luggage space.
- 1.5lts per person, per day of bottled drinking water
- Basic camping safaris include a tent, mattress, camping equipment and a personal cook (sharing for even numbered groups + 1 single tent for odd numbers)
- Special camping safaris include a tent, mattress, camping equipment and a personal cook (sharing for even numbered groups + 1 single tent for odd numbers) with a private portable camping shower and camping toilet for use at special campsites.
- Budget, medium and high range safaris include full board (or half board / bed and breakfast if indicated) accommodation (sharing or single with a supplement)
Standard packages usually exclude
- Tips / gratuities.
- Beverages such as soft drinks, alcohol etc.
- International flights. Learn More about international airports.
- Insurance. Learn More about insurance.
- Visas. Learn More about visas.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Metal & hard plastic water bottles, water bladders etc.
Optional extras, add-ons and comfort upgrades
Although our standard package can be more than enough for most, we appreciate many desire certain comfort upgrades and add-ons and our tours can be customized to include as much or as little as you need.
Airport transfers
Celebration items
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Pre & Post Accommodation for your Materuni waterfalls, coffee and village experience
Before and after your Materuni waterfalls, coffee and village experience trek, relax in charming eco-lodges, rustic guesthouses, or boutique retreats. These stays provide comfort, cultural charm, and the perfect base for exploring or unwinding.
Chanya by Ardhi Africa, Moshi
- Style of lodge: Mid-range garden lodge with pool
- Location: Kiboriloni, Moshi town
- Perfect with: Maasai cultural tours, Kilimanjaro day hikes, northern safari circuits
Chanya by Ardhi Africa is a calm base near Moshi ideal for pairing Maasai cultural visits with Kilimanjaro adventures. Expect leafy gardens, a welcoming pool, and hearty meals between tours.
Bristol Cottages, Moshi
- Style of lodge: Boutique garden hotel with pool
- Location: Central Moshi, near Aga Khan Road
- Perfect with: Maasai cultural tours, Kilimanjaro day hikes, northern circuit safaris
Bristol Cottages is a relaxed Moshi base with leafy gardens and a pool ideal for pairing Maasai cultural visits with Kilimanjaro adventures.
Simba Farm Lodge, Sanya Juu
- Style of lodge: Working farm lodge & country guesthouse
- Location: Sanya Juu, West Kilimanjaro (near Londorossi Gate)
- Perfect with: Maasai cultural tours, Shira Plateau hikes, Lemosho treks, biking
Set on rolling farmlands with views of Kilimanjaro and the Maasai Steppe, Simba Farm Lodge is a relaxing base to pair Maasai cultural visits with Shira Plateau hikes and northern circuit safaris.
Machare Coffee Lodge, Mweka
- Style of lodge: Coffee estate lodge & eco-guesthouse
- Location: Mweka, foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Perfect with: Kilimanjaro treks, coffee tours, village walks
Machare Coffee Lodge sits on a lush organic estate below Kilimanjaro, offering peaceful stays with coffee tours, farm-to-table meals, and stunning mountain views perfect after a trek or cultural day trip.
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
- Style of lodge: Modern boutique hotel
- Location: Moshi town, foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Perfect with: Kilimanjaro climbs, day trips, safari extensions
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is a stylish 4 ★ boutique hotel in Moshi, with a rooftop bar offering sweeping views of Kilimanjaro, comfortable rooms, fitness & spa facilities, and a convenient base for treks or excursions.
Gran Melia, Arusha
- Style of lodge: Luxury resort hotel
- Location: Arusha city, at the foothills of Mount Meru
- Perfect with: Safari departures, Mount Meru excursions, spa & conference stays
Gran Meliá Arusha is a 5 ★ resort set on landscaped coffee & tea plantations with elegant rooms, spa, rooftop bar, and Mount Meru views ideal for unwinding or starting safaris.
Essential Information for Materuni waterfalls, coffee and village experience
Before your trip, review these key travel tips and planning guides to help you prepare for a comfortable and meaningful experience.
Travel Info for Tanzania
Which Airport to Choose?
Vaccinations & Health Tips
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Discover handpicked photos and videos showcasing the Materuni waterfalls, coffee and village experience.
Why Book Your Materuni waterfalls, coffee and village experience s with Shah Tours?
Shah Tours offers expert guides, authentic cultural experiences, and customizable trekking packages in the Materuni waterfalls, coffee and village experience.
Specially Modified
Expert driver-guides
Tailor made itineraries
Comprehensive Safety Measures
All luxury levels
Since 1984!
Frequently Asked Questions About Materuni waterfalls, coffee and village experience
Find answers to common questions about visiting the Materuni waterfalls, coffee and village experience .FAQs help you plan a memorable and well-prepared journey.
Height of Materuni Waterfall
Materuni Waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the Moshi region, plunging about 70–80 meters (230–262 feet) into a refreshing natural pool. Surrounded by lush rainforest and banana plantations, its height creates a dramatic mist and powerful roar. Visitors often combine the waterfall’s impressive view with swimming at its base, making it a highlight of day trips near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Getting to Materuni Waterfall
Materuni Waterfall lies just 15 kilometers from Moshi town and is reached by a scenic drive to Materuni Village. From there, travelers must register at the village office and are guided by a local Chagga guide. The hike takes about 40–45 minutes through coffee and banana plantations and lush rainforest. This journey blends nature, culture, and adventure, making Materuni one of the most accessible waterfalls near Kilimanjaro.
Swimming at Materuni Waterfall
Yes, swimming is a favorite activity at Materuni Waterfall. The clear plunge pool at the base of the 80-meter cascade is perfect for cooling off after the hike, though the water is crisp and refreshing. Many visitors enjoy the thrill of standing directly under the falls or simply relaxing on nearby rocks. Bringing swimwear, a towel, and waterproof footwear ensures you can fully enjoy this natural highlight.
Materuni Waterfall Tour Inclusions
Most Materuni Waterfall tours combine the hike with a traditional Chagga coffee experience. After visiting the falls, guests join locals in picking, roasting, grinding, and brewing fresh Arabica coffee beans accompanied by cultural songs and stories. Some packages also include a hot local lunch and an optional visit to Chemka Hot Springs. This blend of nature, culture, and authentic interaction makes Materuni tours especially memorable for travelers.
Difficulty of the Materuni Hike
The hike to Materuni Waterfall is considered moderately easy, taking 40–60 minutes each way. The path passes through farms and rainforest, offering scenic views but also uneven and sometimes slippery terrain. During the rainy season, the trail can become muddy and steep in sections, so good walking shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended. Overall, most visitors of average fitness can comfortably complete the hike.
Family Visits to Materuni
Materuni Waterfall is a family-friendly destination suitable for children as young as four years old. The hike is short and manageable, though parents should supervise kids on steeper sections and near the pool, where rocks can be slippery. Children often enjoy both the waterfall swim and the interactive coffee tour, which allows them to learn and participate. This makes Materuni an ideal family day trip from Moshi.
Best Time to Visit Materuni
The best time to visit Materuni Waterfall is during the dry seasons, from June to October and again in January and February. Trails are easier to hike, and skies are generally clear, allowing for beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro. However, visiting just after the rainy season ensures the waterfall is at its most powerful, though trails may be muddy. Both seasons offer rewarding, unique experiences.
Kilimanjaro Views from Materuni
Yes, Materuni offers excellent views of Mount Kilimanjaro, particularly on clear mornings. From the village and parts of the trail, travelers can admire sweeping vistas of Africa’s highest peak, often framed by lush banana and coffee plantations. Combining Kilimanjaro’s breathtaking backdrop with the natural beauty of Materuni Waterfall makes this destination especially popular. Visitors are encouraged to start early to catch the best mountain views.
Packing List for Materuni Trip
When visiting Materuni Waterfall, pack essentials such as sturdy walking shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and a camera. A light rain jacket is recommended during wet months, and waterproof bags protect electronics near the waterfall’s spray. Comfortable clothing is best for hiking, while extra cash may be needed for entrance fees, coffee tours, or optional lunch. These items ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.
Cost of Visiting Materuni Waterfall
Exploring Materuni Waterfall with Shah Tours is designed to be both affordable and enriching. Instead of worrying about scattered entry fees and add-ons, we provide complete packages that combine the waterfall hike, authentic village experiences, and optional coffee tours at a fair price. Our rates are thoughtfully tailored to suit different budgets, making it easy for every traveler to enjoy Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty while supporting the local community.
Other Tours & Destinations Connected to Materuni waterfalls, coffee and village experience
This package is usually combined with one of the below. We can also tailor a custom itinerary combining any of our packages for you.
Ngorongoro Highlands
Climb Kilimanjaro
Climb Meru
Beach holiday
Wildlife Safari
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My group of five colleagues and I climbed Kilimanjaro via the seven-day Machame Route with Shah Tours. Communication with Ramon before and after the climb was seamless and extremely professional. All questions were answered quickly and promptly. Even a glove I forgot in my rental luggage was later delivered to my hotel in Arusha by our guide. Our guides, Baraka, Hillary, and Felix, were excellent mountain guides who provided outstanding support throughout the tour and kept our spirits up even during the most challenging moments. The food during the climb was always freshly prepared. We usually had soup as a starter, followed by either a stew with rice or noodles, or, for example, potatoes with fried fish or meat. A delicious pizza was served the evening before the summit attempt. I would also like to commend the rest of the crew for their consistently positive attitude and courteous service. The rental equipment was of good quality. However, on a future tour, I would opt for better sleeping mats, as the standard ones became quite thin after a while. Overall, it was a great experience to do the climb with Shah Tours.
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Nils Bindauf14 September 2026Verified
Kilimandscharo It was the best experience we have ever had with Shah Tours. We always felt completely comfortable and well taken care of. The guides, porters, and cook were incredibly kind and friendly. They always greeted us with a smile and even sang for us. Even at 4,700 meters above sea level, they baked us a cake because it was our wedding anniversary. That was such a special and unforgettable gesture. I can honestly say that this was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives, and we would recommend Shah Tours to anyone without hesitation! Thank you all and best wishes to Mathayo, Felix and the Team! We miss you guys.
Laura S2 September 20267-Day Kilimanjaro Machame circuit climb Our Kilimanjaro trek via the 7-day Machame Route was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The admission fee for our group of 12 was included in the tour package. The route itself was breathtaking, with incredible scenery that changed every day—from lush rainforest and dramatic valleys to rocky alpine landscapes and the spectacular summit views above the clouds. What truly made the trip exceptional was the professionalism and kindness of the Shah Tour and guides with special mention of Matheyo. The Matheyo and team was organized, supportive, and attentive throughout the hike. Our guides set a steady, comfortable pace, constantly checked on everyone’s wellbeing, and shared valuable encouragement and knowledge about the mountain. Their experience and calm leadership gave us confidence, especially on the more challenging summit night. The porters and camp crew also deserve enormous appreciation. They worked incredibly hard to make sure we were comfortable, well fed, and prepared each day. The meals were delicious and surprisingly varied for a mountain trek, and the camps were always ready when we arrived. Reaching Uhuru Peak was one of the proudest moments of our lives, and we could not have done it without this amazing team. We highly recommend this company to anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route. Their care, expertise, and genuine commitment to their guests made this adventure truly special.
2jipatel25 August 2026Great Kili hike Great hike! Guides and support staff handled all the logistics and we made it up to the summit. A challenging hike, but our experience was great
Cooper N22 August 2026Pole pole to the roof of africa with Shah, was great. When deciding which company to book for our Kilimanjaro and Safari trip in Tanzanie we have been in contact with several companies. We wanted to do the private tour as a couple. We had 9 full days to organize. Firstly we thought we will do 7 days and 2 days safari (Tarangire and Ngorngoro). Nevertheless, as our priority was Kilimanjaro we selected 8 days Lemosho route to increase our chances to reach the top. This left only 1 day for safari first. I was trying to discuss with companies the options to go faster If we feel well and then possibly have time to do both national Parks of Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Shah Tours tourned out to be the only very flexible operator to offer this option of shortening the trip If everything goes well. So, on the day 6, when arriving to Kosovo camp from Karaga camp, we asked If we could proceed with our summit on the same day, they did not hesitate to support us. During the whole trip the guides (Innocent and Leon) and the porters shared very positive energy and support. A Lot of dancing, laughter and happy faces even in hard moments. Finally, thanks to all that, we manager to finish our hike in 7 days instead of 8 and had enough time to include another day of safari in our itinerary. No planning, no phone calls, no waiting. Shah was monitoring our progress and once the office received the message we are descending on day 7, everything was organized (additional accomodation and guide for safari, food and transport). We had amazing time in tanzanie, Thank you Shah Tours for your work and efforts in making our trip unforgetable.
Anna M17 August 2026Verified
Enjoyed We started our tour with 4 guides, the walk through the different terrains was an amazing experience, i was happy that Shah Tours catered for vegan food through and the chef cooked delicious food apt for mountain climbing. This route was hard for me as a beginner but i made it. All the personal porters were amazing.
Krunali G16 August 2026An unforgettable experience we wouldn't want to miss Great, motivating guides, superbly organized tour, very customer-focused, friendly, courteous, and very attentive porters… absolutely no complaints! Highly recommended!
Esther D12 August 2026Unique, years-long contact with Shah Tours. There's nothing better for travel off the beaten track.
(Translated by Google, see original)Andreas kurt B6 August 2026Kilimanjaro I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with Joker as the main tour operator and Shah Tours as the local partner. It was truly an unforgettable experience, thanks to the amazing team that supported us throughout the entire trek. Our head guide, Calvin, and our second guide, August, were both incredibly experienced, professional, and motivating. Their knowledge and guidance made me feel safe and confident every step of the way. They did everything they could to help us reach the summit safely and successfully. The entire crew, including the porters and cooks, was outstanding. After seven days together on the mountain, they felt like a second family. Their kindness, encouragement, and dedication made this challenging adventure even more special and memorable. I highly recommend Joker and Shah Tours to anyone planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Thank you for an incredible experience—I will never forget it!Justine A25 July 2026Just do it whit shah tours! We had a great experience!! From emails at home to pickup, hotel,... Shoutout to our guide Mathayo, he's the best. Amazing work by the porters!! So much respect.
Lennert F24 July 2026
