MATERUNI WATERFALLS IN TANZANIA

Friday, 30.Jun 2023

Materuni waterfalls is actually known as Nambe waterfall locally, which means "first-born". it has this name as the first waterfall that comes from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Materuni waterfalls, is located in the Moshi district and rising to a height of over 150m, is the highest waterfall on the Kilimanjaro slopes. It is surrounded by lush rain forestand farmland. Materuni village, which is the village before reaching the Kilimanjaro national park, is located at an altitude of about 1800 meters.

Location: The Materuni Waterfall is located in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania, approximately 15km (9 miles) from the town of Moshi. Moshi is a popular starting point for Mount Kilimanjaro treks and known for its stunning scenery.

Scenic Surroundings: The waterfalls are nestled in the lush and green slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The area surroundings the falls is characterized by coffee and banana plantations, as well as picturesque views of the mountain and the Moshi plains.

Waterfall Height: The Materuni Waterfall consist of a series of cascades, with the main waterfall boasting a height of around 80 meters (262 feet). The water plunges down into a pool, creating a spectacular display of natural beauty.

Hiking trail: to reach the Materuni waterfalls, visitors can embark on a scenic hiking trail through the rainforest. The trail is approximately 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) long and takes around 30-34 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the area.  

Visit the waterfall

We take a 30-minute walk from Materuni Village to the waterfall, passing throught lovely farmland and extensive rain forest. The trek itself is fascinating since you’ll pass through a few smaller waterfalls and a lot of canals that are used by the local farmers to irrigate their field where they grow coffee, bananas and a variety of other fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuits so you may cool off in the waterfall’s cool pure water. Travel through the stunning Kilimanjaro slope to reach this magnificent towering waterfall. The Materuni waterfall cascades 80 meters of crystalline glacier water into its basin. You’ll pass coffee, banana, and avocado plantations along the journey to the meander, all of which are situated in a tropical jungle. On a clear day, you can see the way down to Moshi town and up to the Kibo caldera.     

After enjoying enjoyed the scenery, you will slowly return with your guide to Materuni Village where you will experience a traditional chagga lunch.

Next, the coffee experience awaits you. Here you will also be invited to help with the grinding of the coffee, which is traditionally accompanied by Chagga songs and dance a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Before you say goodbye and return in the afternoon to Moshi, you can savor the coffee you made and appreciate the views of the surrounding rainforest.