Materuni Waterfalls
The beautiful Materuni Waterfalls are found on the Mware River in Moshi District of Kilimanjaro Region in Tanzania. They are one of waterfalls on the river and they are in Materuni Village, 15 km away from Moshi. At a height of more than 80 m, the Materuni Waterfalls are the highest waterfalls on the slopes of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Materuni Waterfalls hike is a popular day excursion for visitors to the region. The hike offers a refreshing escape into the lush and scenic landscapes of the Kilimanjaro area, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
It is worth noting that the stunning Materuni Waterfalls are actually locally called, “Nambe Waterfalls”, which is translated as ‘first-born’, in the Chagga language. The local name, Nambe Waterfalls, is as a result of them being the first waterfalls that spring from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. However, the name Materuni dominates for location purposes as it is the village in which the waterfalls are located.
Materuni Village
Materuni village is on the edge of the Kilimanjaro Mountain Reserve in Moshi District. Nestled at an elevation of 1800 m above sea level, in Uru area, this village is home of the Chagga people.
This charming hamlet is the final village before the Kilimanjaro National Park. The village got its name from the Materu, a predominant clan of the Chagga tribe found there. This is a beautiful place just at the feet of the mountain with awesome views.
The Chagga people engage themselves in farming activities. The fertile land support many kinds of crops such as maize, bananas and coffee plus a lot more. Coffee is cash crop and while bananas are a staple food in the region.
Materuni Trip
The Materuni day trip starts with a pick-up of guests from their lodging facility. This could either be in Arusha or Moshi. Then a drive to Materuni village. This quaint village lies on the slopes Mount Kilimanjaro.
In Materuni, guests will experience an authentic country-side lifestyle.
Upon arrival in the village, a local guide will lead guests to the waterfalls, about an hour’s trek. Along the way the guests will enjoy the beautiful landscapes and Chagga homesteads. They encounter the locals undertaking their daily activities. Sprawling plantations with mixed crops; coffee, yams, potatoes and bananas will be seen. The guide will provide inform about the culture of the Chagga as well as the surrounding fauna and flora.
The waterfalls are about 40 minutes’ walk from the village. The views are truly breathtaking, and when the skies are clear, Kilimanjaro summit is clearly visible. At more 80m high, the waterfalls are a scenic sight to behold. Its waters cascade down a rocky cliff and plunge into a clear pool at the bottom. This pool is perfect for an invigorating swim.
The area around the Materuni Waterfalls is pretty and green. This serene setup is great for either relaxation or just being enchanted by the sheer beauty of the surroundings.
At midday there will be a treat of Chagga traditional meal.
Afterwards that there will be a traditional coffee processing class. This is a great chance to mingle with the local people. The preparation of coffee is usually accompanied by traditional songs and dances. Visitors will make their own cup of coffee from raw coffee beans.
In the evening, the guide will drive the guests back to the lodge in either Arusha, Moshi or drive them to the airport for departure.
Materuni Waterfalls Activities
A variety of activities await visitors to the Materuni Waterfall. Other than the stunning views and the refreshing falling waters and cool pool below, there are other activities that make a trip Materuni Waterfalls exciting and memorable.
Coffee and Banana Plantation Tour
The Materuni area boasts of coffee as well as banana plantations. The community engages in farming and the coffee tour is one of the activities that creates a memorable moment when visiting Materuni.
Knowledge about cultivation of coffee, as well as its preparation is shared with guests. Bananas on the other hand are a main source of food for the community.
Swimming and Sightseeing
The cool pools at the feet of the Materuni Waterfalls present a great place for swimming. On the other hand, the surrounding areas are great for sightseeing.
Chagga Cultural Interaction
The Chagga people, one of the main ethnic groups out of Tanzania’s more than 120 tribes, are predominant in this region. They have a strong as well as rich cultural heritage which visitors find fascinating.
A cultural interaction with the Chagga will give an insight of how the tribe processes coffee, and also about their way of life. The daring visitor may also have a glimpse of how “mbege’ a local beer, is brewed using bananas and even have a few sips of it.
Primates Viewing
A tour of the Materuni will give visitors an opportunity to view a variety of primates such as the Black and white Colobus monkeys, among others.
Due to its proximity to the Kilimanjaro National Park, some smaller wildlife can also be seen around this area.
Spectacular Kilimanjaro Slopes Sceneries
The Materuni area presents stunning sceneries. The landscapes are picturesque, and the vegetation is breathtaking. This affords visitors an ideal moment to unwind and busk in the beauty of this part of Tanzania.
Floral Explorations
The landscape around the base of Mount Kilimanjaro boasts of botanical variety. A combination of colourful flowers adorn the landscapes during the wet season.
Hiking
Visitors may also opt for hiking up to the boundary of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. This is where they can have splendid views of the surrounding sceneries.
When it is not cloudy this place is the best viewpoint for the snow peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.
