Day Trip

Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour

Duration6 hours

USD 95 per person

At a glance

Trip Overview

Duration 6 hours

Type Day Trip

From $95

Trip overview

What to Expect

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.

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Why this journey

Trip Highlights

Hike to the 90-metre Materuni Waterfalls — one of the tallest in East Africa

Swim in the cool, clear pool at the base of the waterfall

Hands-on coffee experience: pick, roast, grind, and brew your own cup

Walk through lush Chagga banana and coffee plantations on Kilimanjaro's slopes

Visit a traditional Chagga family homestead and learn about their culture

Enjoy a traditional Chagga lunch of local dishes

Private transport with English-speaking local guide from Moshi

Small-group experience — maximum 12 travellers for a personal touch

6 stops

Trip Itinerary

1 Stop

8:00 AM — Hotel Pickup in Moshi

Your 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.

2 Stop

9:30 AM — Arrive at Materuni Trailhead

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.

3 Stop

10:15 AM — Materuni Waterfalls

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.

4 Stop

12:00 PM — Coffee Experience

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.

5 Stop

1:30 PM — Traditional Chagga Lunch

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.

6 Stop

2:30 PM — Return to Moshi

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.

What's covered

Included & Excluded

Everything you need for a seamless journey — and a clear view of what to arrange yourself.

What's included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Moshi
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Professional English-speaking guide
Materuni Waterfalls entry fee
Guided waterfall hike with local community guide
Hands-on coffee picking, roasting, and brewing experience
Traditional Chagga lunch
Bottled water during the tour
All government taxes and VAT (18%)

Not included

Tips for your guide (appreciated, not required)
Drinks and beverages beyond bottled water
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Tanzania visa (if applicable)
Accommodation in Moshi (can be arranged on request)

Adventure Calls

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Reserve your spot with just 20% deposit. From wildlife safaris to cultural tours — our local guides make every moment unforgettable.

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Free Cancellation up to 24h

20% Deposit to confirm

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Before you book

Important information

Practical details every traveller should read before confirming. We'll cover everything again in your pre-departure pack.

Visa & Entry

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.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers hiking activities and any optional swimming at the waterfall.

Health & Vaccinations

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.

Payment & Deposits

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

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.

Group Size & Privacy

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.

Transport

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.

Best Time to Go

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.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your day trip. Can't find your answer? Get in touch.

Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for outdoor activities. For safaris, wear neutral/earth colours (khaki, green, brown). For walks and hikes, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Bring a light jacket for early mornings and a hat/sunscreen for sun protection.

Day trips run rain or shine. We provide rain ponchos for walking tours. Safari vehicles have covered roofs. In case of severe weather, we may adjust the itinerary for safety — you will be informed in advance.

Yes! Private departures with customised itineraries are available on request. Simply mention your preferences when booking and we will tailor the experience to your interests.

Most full-day trips include a packed picnic lunch. Half-day trips do not include lunch. Specific inclusions are listed on each trip page.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a 50% fee. No-shows are non-refundable.

Yes! Children of all ages are welcome. Children under 3 travel free. Children 3–12 receive a 50% discount on park fees. Family-friendly activities are highlighted on each trip page.

Get in Touch

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Why Book With Us

Free Cancellation Up to 24 hours before departure

Secure Booking Pay only 20% deposit to confirm

24/7 Support Personal travel consultant assigned

or contact us directly

+255 783 884 129

info@bushliontours.com

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We'll respond within 24 hours with a personalized quote.

Secure your spot with just 20% deposit. Free cancellation up to 24 hours.