Follow forest trails on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro to a thundering waterfall, then learn the Chagga way of growing, roasting and brewing coffee.
Materuni is a Chagga village about 15 km above Moshi, set among banana groves, coffee bushes and cool green ridges on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. From the village, a local guide leads you on foot through smallholder farms and patches of forest to the Materuni waterfall, which drops roughly 80 metres into a fern-lined pool. On a clear morning you may also catch views of Kibo and the plains far below — a beautiful contrast to the mountain’s high slopes.
After the walk, you visit a family coffee farm to follow the whole journey from bean to cup. You pick ripe cherries in season, peel and roast the beans over an open fire, and grind them by hand in a wooden mortar to the rhythm of a traditional Chagga song, before tasting the fresh coffee you have made. A home-cooked lunch of local dishes is often served in the village, with time to ask questions about Chagga farming, family life and the mountain.
The experience is gentle and suits most travellers, including families, and is a popular way to spend a day before or after a Kilimanjaro climb or safari. The trail can be steep and slippery in places, especially after rain, so good shoes are important. Swimming in the pool is possible when conditions allow — the water is cold and fresh from the mountain.
A tall, misty cascade of around 80 m in a lush forest gorge.
Pick, roast, grind and brew your own coffee with a Chagga family.
Banana groves, smallholder farms and warm local hospitality.
Cool air, forest trails and, on clear days, views of Kibo.
A home-cooked meal of local dishes in the village.
Meet your guide at your hotel and drive about 40 minutes up through farmland to Materuni village.
Follow footpaths through banana and coffee farms, crossing streams and forest patches — roughly 45–60 minutes each way.
Rest beside the pool, take photographs and swim if conditions allow. The spray keeps the gorge cool and green all year.
Learn how coffee is grown and processed, roast the beans over a fire, grind them by hand and taste your own brew.
A home-cooked meal of local dishes, with time to talk about Chagga culture and farming.
Drive back down the mountain, arriving at your hotel in the mid-afternoon.
Per person in US dollars. The more travellers in your group, the lower the price per person.
Just your party, with your own guide and vehicle — set your own pace and start time.
Indicative per-person prices in US dollars for a private experience with your own guide and vehicle. Your final price depends on your date, group size and pick-up point, and is always confirmed in writing before you book.
Prices are per adult for a private group of one, two, four or six travellers. Larger groups are quoted on request.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotels in Moshi town are included. Pick-ups from Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport or rural lodges are quoted on request.
Village, waterfall and coffee-tour fees are included at current rates.
Reduced rates apply for children; ages and any minimum age are confirmed with your quote.
Rain, road or park conditions can change the order or timing of the day. Your guide always adjusts the plan with safety first.
Availability, pick-up time and the final price are confirmed in writing before you pay.
Pair this experience with another on the same day or during your stay — we arrange the timing and transfers.
Spend the afternoon swimming in the clear, warm spring-fed pools south of Moshi.
Afternoon · Combined dayDiscover →Walk into the mountain’s rainforest to Mandara Hut and the Maundi Crater.
Full dayDiscover →Markets, coffee houses and everyday life in Kilimanjaro’s gateway town.
Half dayDiscover →
This experience fits naturally into these itineraries — ask us to add it to your quote.
Kilimanjaro · the Machame route
The Whiskey Route at a more gradual pace: rainforest, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall, with an extra night at Karanga Camp.
Kilimanjaro · the Lemosho route
The western wilderness at a gradual pace: Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall and a night at Karanga before the summit.
Kilimanjaro · the Marangu route
The historic hut route to Uhuru Peak, with an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut and a guided walk to Zebra Rocks.
Day journey
Chemka (Kikuletwa), south of Moshi
Swim in the clear, warm, spring-fed pools of Chemka (Kikuletwa), an oasis of fig trees and turquoise water in the dry plains south of Moshi.
Day journey
Marangu Gate, Kilimanjaro National Park
Walk into Kilimanjaro’s montane rainforest on the Marangu Route to Mandara Hut (2,720 m) and the Maundi Crater, without committing to a ful…
Day journey
Lake Chala (Rombo) & Marangu
A turquoise crater lake on the Kenyan border, Marangu’s waterfalls and the historic Chagga caves — a full day on Kilimanjaro’s eastern slop…
Usually 45–60 minutes each way on rural footpaths, with some steep and uneven sections.
Yes, when your guide judges conditions safe. The water is cold, and swimming is at your own discretion.
Yes — children usually enjoy roasting and grinding the beans. Reduced rates apply.
Often, yes. Families sell their own roasted coffee, which directly supports the village.
Yes. Many guests visit Materuni in the morning and Chemka in the afternoon on a full combined day.
Tell us your date, group size and where you’re staying — our team will confirm availability, pick-up time and your final price within 24 hours.
