Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour

06:30 AM – Pick-Up & Drive to Materuni Village

Your day begins bright and early. You’ll be picked up from your hotel or Airbnb in Arusha by a friendly local guide/driver in a comfortable 4x4 or safari vehicle. The drive to Materuni takes about 2.5 hours, but it's far from boring — you'll pass through rural villages, banana plantations, and catch stunning glimpses of Mt. Kilimanjaro if the skies are clear.

Along the way, feel free to ask your guide about the local culture, history, and the Chagga people who inhabit this region.

09:00 AM – Arrival & Coffee Tour Begins

Welcome to Materuni Village — a lush, green highland settlement at the foot of Kilimanjaro.

You'll be greeted by local Chagga hosts with warm smiles and an introduction to their way of life. The coffee tour starts in a small local farm, where you'll:

• Pick your own coffee beans (seasonal) from the trees
• Learn traditional coffee-making techniques from bean to cup
• Roast, grind, and brew the beans — all done the Chagga way
• Enjoy a fresh cup of organic Arabica coffee, arguably the freshest coffee you’ll ever taste

There's usually drumming and singing involved — the Chagga people like to celebrate coffee-making with energy and laughter, so don’t be shy to join in!

11:00 AM – Traditional Chagga Lunch

After coffee, you’ll sit down for a delicious, home-cooked Chagga meal. Expect hearty, local dishes like:

• Makande (a maize and bean stew)
• Rice or ugali (local cornmeal porridge)
• Cooked greens, beef stew, and fresh fruit

This is a time to relax, share stories, and soak up the mountain air.

12:30 PM – Hike to Materuni Waterfall

After lunch, you'll gear up for a moderate hike (about 45 minutes each way) through the forest and banana plantations to reach the beautiful Materuni Waterfall.

The trail can be muddy and a bit steep in places, so good walking shoes are recommended — but the reward is worth it. You’ll walk under a lush green canopy, cross small streams, and hear the rushing water before you see it.

Once you arrive, the waterfall is majestic — around 90 meters high, cascading into a refreshing pool surrounded by thick vegetation. You can relax here, take photos, dip your feet in the cool water, or even go for a swim if you're feeling brave!

03:30 PM – Hike Back & Depart for Arusha

After some time at the falls, you’ll hike back to the village where your driver awaits. You’ll say your goodbyes to your Chagga hosts — who by now may feel like friends — and begin your drive back to Arusha.

You can expect to be back at your hotel or residence by 6:00 – 6:30 PM, just in time to freshen up and reflect on a day well spent.