Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Day Trip

Overview

Experience the perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure on this full-day tour to Materuni Village and Kikuletwa (Chemka) Hot Springs. Designed for active travelers and cultural enthusiasts, this excursion takes you to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, where you’ll enjoy a scenic hike to Materuni Waterfalls and cool off with a refreshing swim. The journey continues with an immersive cultural experience, offering insight into Tanzania’s traditional coffee-making process and local way of life, all complemented by lunch and round-trip transportation from your Arusha hotel.

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Day Trip

Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha, followed by a scenic drive toward Materuni Village, home of the Chagga tribe and one of the last settlements before Kilimanjaro National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll set off on a guided walk of approximately 40 minutes to reach Materuni Waterfalls, following a trail that winds through lush vegetation and local farmland. The path can be muddy and slippery at times, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape and, on clear days, glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit.

Reaching the base of the impressive 80-meter-high waterfall, you’ll have time to relax, take photos, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool below—so don’t forget your swimwear. Afterward, you’ll walk back to Materuni Village, where a traditional Chagga lunch awaits. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste local banana beer, a specialty of the Chagga people.

The cultural experience continues with a hands-on coffee tour, where you’ll learn how coffee is grown, harvested, dried, roasted, and prepared using traditional methods. Guests are invited to take part in grinding the coffee, accompanied by lively Chagga songs and dances, creating a fun and authentic cultural moment. Before the tour concludes, you’ll enjoy the freshly prepared coffee while taking in beautiful views of the surrounding rainforest, before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Inclusions & Exclusion

Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Day Trip

Tour Cost

2 pax

$120 USD*

4 pax

$95 USD*

6 pax

$90 USD*

Ready to Book Your Tanzania Day Trip?

Reserve your spot today or let us tailor the experience to your travel dates and preferences.

Frequently Ask Questions

What currency should I bring?

We would recommend bringing USD (United States Dollars) with you and withdrawing some Tanzanian Shillings once you arrive. There are ATMs in Arusha/JRO Airport. Most places that you will visit accept USD but it’s always good idea to have local currency.

You will require vaccinations for your trip. All travellers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic about 3 months before departure. Ask your doctor about vaccinations recommended by your government before travelling to Tanzania. Yellow Fever Vaccination is compulsory and to be taken at least 10 days before arriving in Tanzania. The other recommended vaccinations are Tetanus, Polio and, Malaria (prophylaxis).

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 60km (60 min) from Arusha city centre. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest International Airport to Arusha.

Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is on the outskirts of Arusha but only operates domestic flights (Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti).

Other options include flying to Dar es Salaam and then catching a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro or Arusha. You can also fly to Nairobi (Kenya). International flights to this destination are often cheaper. You can then fly from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro or take a bus from Nairobi Airport to Arusha (approximately 7 hours).

A 30% to 50% deposit will already be taken to reserve your slot. The remaining balance can be paid by using one of the below methods:
  • Cash in USD before the tour start.
  • Pay by card before the tour starts with a 5% card processing fee. (Applicable throughout Tanzania)
  • Pay by bank transfer at least 4 weeks in advance.

Waterproof, windproof, breathable pants and jacket with hood Goretex is excellent. packs (like Camelbaks) also work well, although the hose can freeze on the summit climb. Headlamp with extra batteries You might also consider a backup flashlight in case your headlamp fails.

Kilimanjaro and Safaris Packing List You can hire the required gear on the spot when you arrive in Tanzania.

Should I bring a First aid kit?

There will be basic First Aid Kit in the Safari Vehicle, also we have it for the Kilimanjaro climbing, but still we recommend bringing a personal First Aid Kit. This is a suggested list of supplies: Sun Screen, Antihistamine cream & tablets,

The weather varies greatly, depending on where you are. Whatever time of year you come, please bring some warm clothes! It gets really cold in some places because of the high altitude, especially in June, July and August. It can also get very hot during afternoon. We advise dressing in layers. Typically, the long rains are March, April, and May. The short rains are in November / early December.

It is possible to visit one of several Maasai villages during your safari. However, these villages are close to the main roads and whilst you will meet many Maasai, have a tour around their village and have an opportunity to learn about their culture, some clients have given the feedback that the experience felt a little uncomfortable. It costs $25 per person and during the visit, you will be encouraged to buy some of their jewellery/craft (this is by no means compulsory). It is inevitable that over time, the experience has become less authentic and we are in the process of sourcing alternative options for our clients. You are very welcome to visit, but we wanted to be open and transparent about the kind of experience you can currently expect.

Tipping is highly expected in Tanzania. There is a well- established culture of tipping.

Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 10-15 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.

Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in Reception. We would recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).

The crews for one person for Kilimanjaro climbing include:
=> 1 Guide 
=> 1 Chef Cook
=> 1 Waiter
=> 1 Toilet Porters 
=> 4 Supporting Porters