Unveiling Tanzania’s Hidden Gems: Day Tours from Arusha
Before or after the safari, if you have a free day in Arusha you can head out for a day tour to the Materuni village. There you may head out for a journey that begins with a hike through verdant forests to get to natural pools, having a delightful meet up with the local Chagga tribe, and concludes with you surrounded by the delicious aroma of Arabica coffee.
It will take you about a couple of hours to get to Materuni village from Arusha and the entire tour will take about 9 to 10 hours. The cost of the tour will depend on the number of people in your party. For example, for a larger party of about 5 to 6 people the tour costs 40$ per person whereas for a single person it costs 80$.
Materuni Waterfall Hike
If you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and find yourself in the lap of nature, you must embark on a journey to the Materuni waterfalls.
To begin your adventure, prepare yourself for a drive through bumpy roads that lead to the starting point of your expedition. Once you arrive at the designated location, a knowledgeable and experienced guide will join you. Their expertise will ensure you have a safe and fulfilling journey to the waterfall.
The guided hike through the lush forests is an experience in itself. Nature enthusiasts will delight in spotting various flora and fauna along the way, making the hike as captivating as the destination. And if you’re a beginner to hiking, you need not worry at all. The hike is easily manageable and you will be able to immerse yourself in the natural beauty without any worries.
After hiking through the forests for about an hour or so, the sight of the waterfalls and the pool below it will be truly rewarding. The cascading waters gush down from an impressive height of about 150 meters, creating a mesmerising spectacle that showcases the wonders of Mother Nature. You will have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall and relax and unwind amidst serene nature.
A visit to the Materuni Waterfalls promises an adventure filled with natural beauty and tranquility for all nature lovers.
Lunching with the Chagga
As you immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Materuni Waterfall, you will also have the unique opportunity to encounter the warm and hospitable Chagga tribe, who call the Materuni village their home. Delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Chagga people as you traverse the path to the waterfall, and make sure to seize the chance to visit their settlements on your way back.
Your knowledgeable guide will regale you with captivating tales about the Chagga tribe, offering insights into their As you walk alongside the natural wonders of the region, take in the wisdom and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Once you've experienced the magnificence of the waterfall, your journey will continue with a visit to the Chagga tribe's settlements in Materuni village. As you’re hiking back from the waterfall, your guide will offer you insights into the history, way of life, and profound cultural practices of the Chagga tribe.
The Chagga tribe is well known for its agricultural practices. From yams to maize and beans, their expertise shines through. However, their true specialty lies in the mastery of banana and coffee plantations.
During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to learn firsthand about their customs and traditions, take in their culture, and sip locally brewed beverages. Learn from them their successful coffee farming techniques and understand the integral role that bananas play in their daily lives. The Chagga people also possess a wealth of knowledge about local medicines and native foods.
An unforgettable highlight of this cultural tour is the opportunity to share a hot lunch with the Chagga tribe. Gather around with the tribe memebers and indulge in local cuisines, allowing your taste buds to savour the flavours of their authentic dishes. It will truly help you create some special new bonds.
Listening to their stories, witnessing their customs, and partaking in their festivities, will be a truly enriching experience.
Coffee Plantation Tour
For coffee enthusiasts and curious travellers alike, Arusha's coffee plantation tours offer an immersive and captivating experience into the world of coffee production. Numerous coffee farms, such as Elewana and Arusha Coffee Lodge, located around the village of Materuni beckon visitors to delve into the fascinating journey from bean to cup.
As you head out for a guided tour of a coffee farm, you'll have the opportunity to witness the hard work of the people who cultivate this beloved beverage. You may engage with the local workers as they carefully tend to the coffee trees, and gain insight into the meticulous process of nurturing these trees. As you walk through the plantation your knowledgeable guide will share information about the history of coffee and its deep-rooted significance in the region.
While meandering through the lush coffee plantations, you’ll be able to breathe in the rich aroma of coffee, and observe the vibrant red coffee berries hanging from the branches. You’ll also learn the art of harvesting, processing, and packing coffee beans. The cherries will be picked, sorted, and transformed into coffee beans in front of you.
At the end of this tour, you’ll be given the chance to savour various samples of coffee and enjoy distinct flavours. You may even take some packets home to get a taste of Tanzania while you’re on a completely different country or even a continent.
The Arusha coffee plantation tour will indeed be an engaging and sensory-rich encounter with one of the world's most beloved beverages.
Conclusion
Arusha's day trip to Materuni promises an experience with variety. From dipping in the fresh pools of Materuni waterfalls to immersing yourself in the heartwarming traditions of the Chagga tribe and then delving into the art of coffee cultivation, this Tanzanian destination will leave its mark on you.