Start Your Adventure: Hike to Materuni Waterfalls

Your Chagga Day begins with a scenic drive from Moshi up the lush green slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to Materuni Village, located about 1,800 meters above sea level.

From the village, you’ll begin a guided hike of about 45 minutes through a stunning landscape of rolling hills, banana farms, coffee plantations, and small mountain streams. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to local plants used for food and traditional medicine while sharing insights about the culture and daily life of the Chagga people.

As you approach the valley, you’ll hear the powerful sound of water before the falls appear. Suddenly, the impressive Materuni Waterfalls come into view, cascading down an 80-meter-high cliff into a clear natural pool.

On sunny days, the mist often creates a beautiful rainbow at the base of the falls.

Feeling adventurous? Take a refreshing dip in the cool mountain water – the natural pool is safe for swimming and the perfect reward after the hike.

Discover the Chagga Coffee Tradition

After returning to Materuni Village, your next experience begins: a traditional Chagga coffee tour.

Materuni’s fertile volcanic soil and cool mountain climate make it one of the best regions in Tanzania for high-quality Arabica coffee.

At a local Chagga “shamba” (farm), you’ll learn how coffee is grown and processed using traditional methods. The experience is interactive and fun – you’ll take part in the full coffee-making process:

• roasting coffee beans over an open fire

• grinding the beans the traditional way

• preparing your own fresh cup of Chagga coffee

Often accompanied by traditional songs and rhythmic pounding, the coffee preparation becomes a lively cultural experience.

Traditional Chagga Lunch

To complete your Chagga Day, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared Tanzanian lunch hosted by a welcoming local family.

The traditional lunch buffet may include:

• green banana stew (a Chagga specialty)

• white and brown rice

• slow-cooked beans

• seasonal vegetables

• beef stew

• fresh tropical fruits

You’ll also have the chance to taste Mbege, the famous Chagga banana beer, traditionally brewed in the region and considered one of Tanzania’s most unique local drinks.

Why Choose the Chagga Day Experience?

The Chagga Day at Materuni offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, and authentic local life. Instead of just visiting a waterfall, you’ll spend time in a real village, meet local families, and experience traditions that have shaped life on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro for generations.