Overview & Summary
Start your Tanzanian adventure early by meeting your BMC Tours & Safaris guide at your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi for a brief day briefing before your journey. Nestled in the lush foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Materuni Village is the last remaining authentic Chagga village in the area, offering a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and light hiking. This day trip is ideal for travelers seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.
You will embark on a scenic hike through tropical rainforest trails, green farmlands, and valleys towards the majestic Materuni Waterfalls. Standing at over 80 meters high, the cascading water forms a beautiful natural pool at its base where you can take a cooling swim. Along the path, our professional local guide will share extensive insights about the rich flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro, as well as the history and traditions of the Chagga people. In the afternoon, the adventure shifts to a cultural celebration as you return to the village. Here, you will enjoy a traditional hot Chagga lunch featuring delicious banana stew and other local specialties. To conclude your immersive experience, you will join an interactive, hands-on coffee-making demonstration. You will participate in the entire process from harvesting coffee beans, to roasting, manual grinding, and brewing, before enjoying a fresh cup of organic coffee.
Full Itinerary
Hike to the Falls & Hands-on Coffee Program
Start your Tanzanian adventure early by meeting your BMC Tours & Safaris guide at your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi for a brief day briefing before your journey. From Arusha, the scenic drive to Materuni Village takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, while from Moshi, it’s around 1 to 1.5 hours. Nestled in the lush foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Materuni Village offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and light hiking ideal for travelers seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Upon arrival at Materuni, begin your guided hike through tropical rainforest trails, farmland, and lush greenery toward the majestic Materuni Waterfalls, one of the region’s tallest at over 80 meters. Along the way, your guide shares insights about local plants, birds, and Chagga traditions. Once at the falls, relax, take photos, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pool beneath the cascading water.
In the afternoon, return to the village to immerse yourself in Chagga culture. Enjoy a traditional hot Chagga lunch, featuring local dishes such as banana stew or ugali. After lunch, take a short moment to relax before joining the hands on coffee making program, where you’ll learn how traditional Chagga coffee is cultivated, roasted, and brewed, and savor a fresh cup surrounded by banana and coffee plantations an aromatic introduction to local life.
In the late afternoon, begin the scenic drive back to Arusha or Moshi, resting in the vehicle and enjoying the beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro, farmland, and villages along the way, as your unforgettable Tanzanian cultural experience comes to a close.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Transportation from and to your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi
- Professional guide
- Guided hike to Materuni Waterfalls
- Hands-on coffee-making program
- Traditional Chagga lunch
- Materuni Waterfalls entry fees
Excluded
- Personal drinks and snacks
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional Activities
