ALL YOU NEED TO PLAN A TRIP TO MATERUNI WATERFALLS
The Materuni Waterfalls on a bright sunny day / Image: mark-eli
At the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro sits one of Tanzania’s best-kept hidden gems, the Materuni Waterfalls. This thundering cascade is a popular trip from Moshi due to its close proximity, but it takes some effort to get there because of its remote location, which requires a hike.
There’s no way you could get to Materuni Waterfalls without some careful planning in advance. Some people choose to travel there on their own, while others prefer to book a package with a tour company. In this article, we’ll cover everything to ensure your trip to the Materuni Waterfalls runs smoothly!
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Coffee growing on a plant. Combining visiting a coffee farm with hiking the waterfalls is an extremely popular choice and is well worth it for an enjoyable day before or after your safari / Image: michael-starkie
Is the Materuni Waterfalls Worth Visiting?
If you’re looking to traverse off the beaten path during your time in Tanzania, Materuni Waterfalls is the perfect place to start. It’s an adventure like no other. From the moment you step onto the trail, you can tell you’re going to experience something special. Dense rainforests surround you, towering peaks rise in the distance, and coffee farms dot the landscape.
The waterfall itself is magnificent, situated at around 2,500 meters above sea level. It emerges from the lush jungle, with a swimming area at its base, which will be a well-deserved reward after hiking through the humid forest. When the weather is clear, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro or Moshi town in the distance.
Where Are the Materuni Waterfalls?
You’ll find Materuni Waterfalls roughly 15 kilometers north of Moshi Town, in the Kilimanjaro region, which is home to one of Tanzania’s great national parks, Kilimanjaro National Park. The falls are officially located within the Materuni hamlet, an area that the Chagga people populate, and one of the last settlements before reaching the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro.
How to Get to Materuni Waterfalls
Moshi is the most straightforward starting point for reaching the Materuni Waterfalls, as it’s a well-connected hub close by. Regardless of whether you want to visit Materuni Waterfalls alone or with a guide, it makes the most sense to set off from here, as many companies operate in the area and there are regular bus departures as well.
Getting to the Materuni Waterfalls from Moshi
The journey by road from Moshi to Materuni Waterfalls takes around 45 minutes. You can either travel there by car or on a public bus, which are known as ‘dala dalas.’
If you want to reach the waterfalls by car, either ask your safari company to organize one, or take a taxi. Those who would prefer to go by public transport can take the bus from Moshi Bus Terminal. It should drop you off in Materuni village, where you can start your trek.
Getting to the Materuni Waterfalls from Arusha
Some travelers may be coming from Arusha, as it’s a bigger city than Moshi. The trip is still very doable, with many daily connections between the two places, though it may take slightly longer, so it will require an earlier start.
By road, it takes between 2 and 2.5 hours to get to Materuni. Similar to traveling from Moshi, the operator you booked your safari through should be able to assist with organizing transport, or you can arrange your own taxi.
Anyone who wants to travel by public transport will first have to take a bus from Arusha to Moshi, which takes about 1.5 hours and is operated by companies like Riverside Shuttle. From there, you can then take the bus from Moshi Bus Terminal to the trailhead in Materuni Village.
Mt. Kilimanjaro rising above a field of maize in Moshi, Tanzania / Image: nichika-sakurai
The Hike to Materuni Waterfalls
One of the main highlights of visiting the Materuni Waterfalls is the hike itself. From the moment you start your trek, you’ll get a fascinating look into village life in this part of the country. You'll traverse local settlements belonging to the Chagga people, who own many farms in the area, which you may stop at for a coffee tour depending on your plans.
The hike itself is relatively easy, as it only takes 30 to 40 minutes to reach the waterfall. Most people will be able to complete it without much difficulty, but wearing a strong, comfortable pair of shoes is essential, as it can get muddy, especially if you venture throughout the rainy seasons.
Can Materuni Waterfalls Be Visited Alone?
There are no rules requiring visitors to hire a guide to reach Materuni Waterfalls, but having one can make a real difference given the terrain. All tour companies in the area work with local guides who know the trails well and have up-to-date information on weather conditions, which could affect your trek. Sometimes paths can be destroyed by rain, making them difficult to navigate if you’re not from the area.
Just be aware that if you arrive on the day and try to hire one of the guides waiting at the entrance, they will set their own fees. Although they can sometimes be negotiable, you may end up paying more than you’d like.
Entrance Fees for Materuni Waterfalls
Currently, there’s an entrance fee of around TZS 10,000 ($4.01) for the Materuni Waterfalls. This small amount goes towards maintaining the site for visitors and puts some money back into the local economy. When you pay the fee, you’ll receive a receipt, but it doesn’t cover guides if you decide to use one on the day.
A giraffe standing in front of Kilimanjaro Mountain. If you are trekking Kilimanjaro, the Materuni Waterfalls are worth a visit! / Image: stephan-bechert
Taking a Coffee Plantation Tour of Materuni Waterfalls
A major highlight of visiting Materuni Waterfalls is taking a tour of the area’s coffee plantations. This region is widely known across Tanzania for its Arabica bean production, thanks to the fertile soils surrounding Kilimanjaro.
These coffee plantation tours provide a firsthand glimpse into the process of turning beans into the drink we all enjoy. You’ll learn about the techniques used to grow the beans, find out how they’re roasted, and even have the chance to taste some freshly brewed coffee yourself.
Most companies include a coffee plantation visit in their packages, but even if you go independently, visiting the farms is still easy. There are a few plantations in the area, so you can just show up and ask for a tour.
Tips for Visiting Materuni Waterfalls
Come Prepared
Like any hike, you’ll want to come prepared for the trip to Materuni Falls. Make sure to bring all necessary items like swimming gear, towels, jackets, water, and a comfortable pair of shoes. Additionally, some insect repellent will come in useful since you’ll be in the rainforest.
Make Sure to Register Before Setting Off
All visitors must register at the village office before starting their trek to Materuni Waterfalls. This is a requirement that everyone needs to follow, regardless of whether you go with a guide or alone.
Carry Cash
It’s a good idea to carry some cash with you for your visit. You’ll be interacting with many local vendors selling souvenirs and snacks, but they usually don’t accept card payments. It’s advisable to get some Tanzanian Shillings before departing Moshi.
Watch Out for Scams
While the vast majority of people you’ll meet at Materuni Waterfalls are very helpful, there have been occasional reports of visitors being overcharged by some guides. For this reason, you should always do your research to know the right price. This is why we recommend using a reputable tour company, which will take care of the logistics for you.
FAQs
Is the hike suitable for children?
Yes, hiking to Materuni Waterfalls is easy to do with children, as the trail is well-marked. That said, it’s important to make sure they’re well prepared with plenty of water and wearing the appropriate clothing, as you’ll be in a rural part of Tanzania with few amenities around.
Are there restaurants or facilities in the area?
There are a handful of places to eat in the villages you’ll pass through on the way to Materuni Waterfalls. If you go with a tour company, they’ll usually organize meals for you, so you won’t have to worry about planning food stops. For those going alone, you’ll still be able to eat along the way.
How much time should I plan for the trip to Materuni Waterfalls?
Given that the hike to Materuni Waterfalls is relatively short, it should take you about half a day to visit. You’ll need to account for what you plan to do, because if you want to go swimming and visit the coffee plantations, this will usually take longer. However, if you’re just doing the hike alone, only a few hours is a sufficient amount of time.
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