8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Hotel Pickup and Briefing

• Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Moshi (or Arusha, with an earlier start).

• Enjoy a short, scenic drive through the lush, green countryside of the Kilimanjaro region, passing coffee and banana plantations.

9:00 AM: Arrival at Materuni Village & Meeting the Community

• Arrive at the entrance of Materuni Village and be greeted by your local Chagga guide.

• Receive a brief introduction to the village, its history, and the day's activities. This is your first step into authentic Chagga culture.

9:15 AM - 11:00 AM: Guided Hike to Materuni Waterfall

• Begin your scenic hike through the vibrant, fertile paths. The trail winds through coffee and banana farms, with stunning views of the surrounding valleys.

• The hike is moderately challenging (approximately 45-60 minutes each way) but is well worth the effort.

• Arrive at the breathtaking Materuni Waterfall, one of the tallest in Tanzania. Feel the mist and hear the roar as you take in the powerful cascade.

• You'll have time to swim in the refreshing, natural pool at the base of the waterfall and take plenty of photos.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Traditional Chagga Coffee Tour

• Return to the village and begin the hands-on coffee experience.

• The Process:

  1. Picking: Learn how to identify and pick ripe, red coffee cherries from the farm.

  2. Peeling & Fermenting: Work with the villagers to peel the cherries and learn about the fermentation process.

  3. Roasting: Roast the beans over an open fire in a traditional pan, a sensory highlight with amazing aromas.

  4. Grinding: Use a traditional mortar and pestle (kinu) to grind the roasted beans into a fine powder.

• The culmination: brew and enjoy a fresh, strong cup of your own hand-made coffee, often accompanied by a snack of local bananas.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Enjoy a Traditional Chagga Lunch

• Enjoying a typical local lunch. The highlight is often learning to make "Materuni Avocado" – a giant, delicious avocado mixed with tomatoes, onions, and lime, served with a staple food like Chipati or Ugali.

• This communal meal is a fantastic opportunity to ask your guides questions about their culture and way of life.

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Optional Banana Beer Demonstration

• As a bonus cultural experience, your hosts will often demonstrate how they brew traditional banana beer (Mbege). You'll see the process and may even have a chance to taste this local beverage.

2:30 PM: Farewell and Return Journey

• Bid farewell to the community and begin your journey back to Moshi.

• You'll be dropped off at your hotel by mid-to-late afternoon, filled with new skills, stunning memories, and a deeper connection to Tanzania and its people.

What to Bring Checklist:

• Sturdy Footwear: Hiking shoes or reliable closed-toe shoes with good grip.

• Swimwear & Towel: For the swim at the waterfall.

• Daypack: With water, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.

• Rain Jacket: The weather on the mountain slopes can change quickly.

• Camera: The views and cultural moments are incredibly photogenic.

• Cash: For tips for the guides and community, or to purchase optional crafts or extra coffee.