Embark on your mini-adventure with a short yet captivating drive from Moshi, winding up the lush slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to the charming village of Materuni, nestled approximately 1,800 meters above sea level. This fertile region, known for its market gardens, boasts an ideal blend of climate and soil conducive to cultivating some of Africa's finest coffee. At a local coffee farm, you'll delve into the intricacies of coffee cultivation, from growth and harvest to processing, while also getting the chance to roast and prepare a fresh cup of coffee the Chagga way.
Following a delightful coffee break, far superior to those mundane office moments, you'll embark on a scenic 45-minute hike through the verdant hills and valleys leading to the Materuni Falls. Along the picturesque route, winding through banana and coffee plantations, traversing mini-valleys, and crossing ridges and babbling rivulets, your guide will enlighten you about indigenous plants and their culinary and medicinal uses, offering deeper insights into Chagga culture. This presents a unique opportunity to inquire about a lifestyle likely distinct from your own.
As the sound of cascading waters grows nearer, anticipation mounts until the majestic Materuni Falls finally reveal themselves. Adorned with a radiant rainbow shimmer, the falls cascade into a pristine valley, with towering cliffs reaching heights of 200 feet overhead. The mountain's crystalline waters plunge into a rippling pool, inviting you to float, swim, and unwind—a refreshing respite, as these pure mountain waters remain untouched by the sun's warmth. After your invigorating hike, the cool embrace of the falls will undoubtedly be a welcomed reward.
