The Materuni Waterfalls hike on the slopes of Kilimanjaro gives you an exceptional glimpse into Tanzania’s nature. You get breathtaking scenery with lots of bird watching. A walk to Materuni is an enchanting adventure through nature’s magic. The rhythmic music of the rushing river adds to the thrill as you travel the serpentine trails. It captivates your senses bolstered by the spectacular cascade’s overwhelming strength as you get closer to it with each step.
This is the place where the spirit is revived with the misty showers soaking your skin. You envelop in a symphony of peace and awe as you take in the cascading beauty up close. The hike gives you an opportunity to learn the local history, traditions, village economy, and agricultural and cultural life of the Chaga, the indigenous tribe of Kilimanjaro.
At the waterfall, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dip into the freshwater natural pool at the foot of the waterfall, so remember to pack your swimsuits. The Materuni Waterfall tour also gives you a chance to visit the local village surrounded by coffee plantations.
Here you get a chance to see firsthand how the villagers farm and prepare coffee, from a bean to an aromatic cup. It is singing and dancing with the Chaga, grinding, roasting and boiling coffee beans and of course, your buffet of Chagga traditional meals. This experience leaves you with a deep sense of wonder and a heart full of nature’s embrace.
Is Materuni Waterfalls Hike Good?
Here are several things you should look out for during a Materuni Waterfalls hike.
Canoeing on Lake Duluti
Canoeing on Lake Duluti. Photo/Take Me To Tanzania Adventure Safaris
Lake Duluti is a volcanic crater lake nestled on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley. It is located just a few kilometres from Arusha city centre and offers an excellent day activity or a weekend away from the city.
This old crater that turned into a lake is more than 700m deep, a perfect dip location surrounded by the most beautiful scenery. Picnicking on its shores or canoeing gives you a magnificent view of Mt. Meru and even Mt. Kilimanjaro. It caps the beauty of the Materuni Waterfalls hike.
Here, you can enjoy bird viewing and if a fan, you will have your eyes filled with monitor lizards sunbathing and monkeys swinging from the treetops on the edge of the lake. At the Duluti Forest Club, you can enjoy your choice of cuisines from local dishes to a tropical array. On a good day, you may even catch a live band performing.
Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
Mt Kilimanjaro National Park. Photo/Kenya Tanzania Safari
This is a must-visit in Arusha. It comes with a full package of culture, scenery and wildlife, all in one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa; Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest point in Africa.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is unique compared to other national parks. Why? Because you have the unique opportunity to enjoy almost all ecosystems between the base and the summit.
From cultivated land at the base to rainforest, moorland, and even alpine desert as you get to the summit and its arctic ecosystem. However, while they are there, wildlife is not readily seen during the climb but elephants, leopards, and buffalo in the montane forest.
Not to miss, a sure sighting is the western black and white colobus monkeys bound to seemingly follow you from tree to tree.
