Materuni Waterfalls, Coffee & Meal Tour Review: Is it Worth it?

The Materuni Waterfalls, coffee and traditional meal tour sounds quite appealing, you know? It promises this nice escape from the city, coupled with some natural beauty, a little culture, and, of course, coffee. The big question is, does it really deliver on that promise? Having checked it out, I thought I could give a good rundown of what to expect, what I thought was good, and things that could maybe be better. You get the lowdown and hopefully, you’ll see if this trip should actually be on your list or not.

What’s the Materuni Waterfalls Tour All About?

Okay, so, that Materuni tour is typically a full-day thing and it revolves around visiting the Materuni Village, a spot not far from Mount Kilimanjaro. Usually, the tour features three main parts. The trek to the Materuni Waterfalls is the first part, it’s usually quite refreshing to walk, so too it’s almost through this green, lush landscape, after that there is a coffee experience, and, like your getting shown how the local coffee is made – right from bean to cup. Topping it all off is a tasty traditional meal, giving one a chance to sample a real bit of Tanzanian food.

Getting to Materuni

Okay, the getting-there bit is a bit of a ride. Usually, the tour kicks off in the morning, with your guide or driver picking you up from where you’re staying around Moshi or Arusha. Now, the drive to Materuni Village could take anywhere from about an hour to maybe two hours, but it’s often very, very dependent on the roads and the traffic, you know. Don’t expect a smooth, buttery ride the whole time, you’ll find the roads are rather bumpy in stretches, but that just gives that little bit of authentic Tanzanian adventure, wouldn’t you agree?

The Hike to Materuni Waterfalls

Right, the highlight for most people, I reckon, is that walk to the Materuni Waterfalls. From the village, it’s a walk of around 40 minutes to maybe an hour to get to the waterfalls themselves. You know, like your weaving via this beautiful scenery, the landscape’s full of plant life, and the guides are really keen to point out things as you pass by. The paths, they are often a bit uneven and might be a little slippery if it’s rained, so decent shoes really are recommended, or boots perhaps.

Once you finally reach the waterfall – wow! It’s very, very impressive, because the water comes tumbling down, I believe over 80 meters, and, like your able to take a dip in the pool at the bottom if one fancies a cold swim. Trust me, it’s invigorating! Getting those memorable pictures goes without question. That little hike back up could feel just a bit tougher after that swim, mind.

The Coffee Experience

Right after getting the fill of the waterfalls, the tour takes a cultural turn with that coffee experience. In Materuni, coffee isn’t just something they drink; it is that big part of their everyday life, you know? You get to watch, or actually get stuck in a bit, like your understanding the whole coffee-making process, like your starting right from picking the beans. After that, its roasting, grinding – with some big mortar and pestle, often -, and then brewing. It’s like one little workout with added coffee aroma.

And yes, you also get the part where you savor that coffee, super fresh, with some great views. These people really know how to make their coffee, very, very good. The singing and dancing at the same time is often thrown in too. It really gets one involved in the local vibes.

Traditional Meal

All that excitement surely stirs up that appetite, which makes that traditional meal pretty welcome. I think the dishes usually on offer include local staples such as ugali (maize flour porridge), and the like, mchicha (sort of like spinach), beans, and some tasty stew. I actually find that it’s that simple, flavorful home cooking and one opportunity to sit down with other tour-goers, share stories, and enjoy one nice meal.

What I Thought Was Really Cool

Okay, so the parts that shined the most? Let’s consider these:

• The waterfalls. The size and sheer beauty of that waterfall are that sight.
• Getting the hands dirty during that coffee making. From grinding to brewing, there’s some hands-on fun!
• Being able to connect with locals. The guides were so cool, offering genuine little windows into the Chagga culture.

Things That Could Be Better

Of course, nothing is actually perfect, or so it seems. Some points where improvements could maybe be considered:

• The roads getting there. A less bumpy drive would probably be better, you know. It may test some cars!
• Just a little bit more information during that hike. Though still scenic, you’ll see a tad more in-depth commentary along the plant and animal life wouldn’t hurt at all.

Is This Tour Really Worth the Money?

Here is what I think. Should you do this? Basically, if you want that authentic slice of Tanzania—the chance to view amazing nature, like your being immersed in a little bit of local life, and drinking good coffee—yes, this Materuni Waterfalls tour may be something you want to do. So too it’s almost a steal at that price, and the memories you get there, is that worth the value!

Tips for an Awesome Materuni Tour

• Put on those broken-in hiking shoes. This could turn bad without some nice shoes on.
• Have small change for tips. Showing that gratitude always counts for something.
• Take your swimwear. Don’t think about missing that cold plunge!
• Just go and be prepared to ask questions. It may just be that your own interaction is where all the magic happens!

FAQ About Materuni Waterfalls Tours

Is it OK to swim at Materuni Waterfalls?

Yes, one certainly can swim at Materuni Waterfalls. That water, I must say, is very cold but very refreshing, especially after that hike.

What do I wear for the Materuni Waterfalls hike?

Putting on comfortable clothes, which allow easy moving, hiking shoes, and swimwear would really work out just fine.

Are there any bathroom facilities available?

Okay, so usually there might be some simple facilities at Materuni village, but one should always take their own supplies (hand sanitizer, toilet paper etc.), you see.

What is the best time of year to visit Materuni Waterfalls?

Most feel visiting through that dry season months, June through October, can just be more enjoyable. Then the paths would actually be much drier, and the whole hike would actually be way more pleasurable.