Materuni Waterfalls Day Trip
Materuni Waterfalls is one of the best day trips near Moshi and the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. A walk through the green farmland of the Chagga people leads to a high waterfall that drops about 80 metres into a pool, and the day usually ends with a traditional coffee tour in the village.
Materuni Waterfalls is one of the best day trips near Moshi and the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. A walk through the green farmland of the Chagga people leads to a high waterfall that drops about 80 metres into a pool, and the day usually ends with a traditional coffee tour in the village.
It is an ideal rest day before or after a Kilimanjaro climb, with a gentle hike that lets you see rural life on the mountain’s lower slopes.
The Materuni hike
The trail starts in Materuni village, about 30 to 40 minutes’ drive from Moshi on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. The walk to the falls takes about 45 to 60 minutes through banana plantations, coffee farms and forest. It is not steep, but the path can be slippery. A local guide leads the way and explains the plants and crops. At the end you can swim in the pool below the waterfall, where the water is cool and clear.
The Chagga coffee tour
After the waterfall, the village families show you how coffee is grown and processed by hand: picking, grinding, roasting over a fire and brewing. You can taste the coffee and buy beans to take home. It is a lovely part of the day and one of the best cultural experiences near Moshi.
Combine with Chemka Hot Springs
Many visitors combine Materuni Waterfalls in the morning with a swim at the Chemka hot springs in the afternoon. It makes a full day with a hike, coffee and a warm swim. See our Chemka hot springs page.
What to bring
Wear hiking shoes or sandals with grip, bring a swimsuit and towel, a change of clothes, a rain jacket and a camera. Small cash for entry and tips is useful.
The Chagga people of Kilimanjaro
The Chagga have lived on the slopes of Kilimanjaro for centuries, farming bananas, coffee and vegetables, and building irrigation channels that still carry water down the mountain. A visit to Materuni gives you a view of Chagga life, with its terraced farms, traditional houses and cooperative coffee processing.
Making a day of it
A full day typically starts with a pick-up in Moshi at about eight, a hike and a swim by midday, lunch with a local family or at a village restaurant, a coffee tour in the afternoon and a return to your hotel by late afternoon. It is a friendly, lively day, and it supports the community directly.
Materuni as a Kilimanjaro rest day
Before a climb, a gentle day at Materuni helps you relax and test your boots. After a climb, the cool pool and the coffee ceremony are a gentle reward for tired legs. Many of our Kilimanjaro guests include Materuni on the day before or after the trek.
Combine Materuni with Kilimanjaro
- 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Marangu Route (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 1,910 per person) The classic Coca-Cola Route offering comfortable communal hut accommodations and optimal acclimatization.
- 5 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route (5 Days / 4 Nights, from USD 2,141 per person) The steepest, most direct path to Uhuru Peak for fit and experienced trekkers seeking a rapid alpine challenge.
- 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Lemosho Route (7 Days / 6 Nights, from USD 2,787 per person) The scenic western route traversing pristine wilderness and Shira Plateau with high summit success.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Materuni Waterfall?
It is about 80 metres tall, one of the highest in the region.
How long is the walk?
About 45 to 60 minutes each way on gentle trails.
Can I swim at Materuni?
Yes. There is a pool at the base, but the water is cool.
Where is Materuni?
In the foothills of Kilimanjaro, near Moshi, about 30 to 40 minutes’ drive from the town.
Is the hike difficult?
No. It is a moderate walk, with a short steep section near the waterfall, and suitable for most fitness levels.
What should I wear to Materuni?
Hiking shoes or sandals with grip, light clothes, and a swimsuit if you want to swim.