In short
- Independent entry costs 10,000 TZS plus a mandatory 15,000 TZS guide fee.
- All-inclusive guided tours range from $35 to $90 USD.
- Transport from Moshi costs between 1,000 TZS (bus) and 150,000 TZS (taxi).
In this article
Visiting Materuni Waterfall involves a few different fees rather than a single ticket. Because the waterfall sits on village land, you pay the local community directly. You must decide whether to travel independently and pay separate fees upon arrival, or book a bundled tour that covers your transport, lunch, and the Chagga coffee experience.
How much is the entrance fee for Materuni Waterfall?
The base entrance fee is approximately 10,000 TZS per person.
You pay this fee at the Materuni Village office when you arrive. It goes directly to the local community. However, this entry fee does not allow you to hike alone. You must also hire a local guide, which costs an additional 15,000 TZS or more. Bring small denominations of Tanzanian Shillings to pay these fees easily.
How much do all-inclusive guided tours cost?
Most all-inclusive day trips cost between $35 and $90 USD.
Booking a guided tour is the most popular way to visit. These packages bundle the village entry fees, the mandatory guide, transport from Moshi, a traditional lunch, and the coffee roasting tour. Prices change depending on the platform and the type of transport. A shared group tour keeps costs near the lower end, while private taxi transfers increase the price.
What are the transport costs from Moshi?
A local bus costs 1,000 TZS one-way, while a private taxi costs 100,000 to 150,000 TZS round-trip.
If you visit independently, transport will be your largest variable cost. The cheapest option is the local shared minibus, called a Dala-dala. It takes about one hour. A private taxi is faster and more comfortable, taking 40 to 45 minutes, but costs significantly more.
Do I need to pay extra for a local guide?
Yes, a local guide is strictly mandatory and costs at least 15,000 TZS.
You cannot hike the trail or navigate the village without a guide. If you book an all-inclusive package, the guide fee is already covered. If you arrive independently, the village office will assign you a guide when you register and pay your 10,000 TZS entry fee.
Is the Chagga coffee tour included in the price?
The coffee tour is included in all-inclusive packages ($35 to $90 USD).
Tour operators bundle the waterfall hike with the traditional coffee-making experience. You learn how Arabica coffee is processed from bean to cup. If you arrive independently and only pay the basic village and guide fees, you will need to negotiate and pay extra to participate in the coffee roasting activities.
What extra cash should I bring to Materuni?
Bring extra cash in TZS or USD for tips and buying local coffee beans.
Even if you book a fully prepaid tour, you will want some pocket money. You can purchase freshly roasted coffee beans directly from the local farmers. Tipping your local guide at the end of the 8-kilometer hike is also customary.
Questions travellers ask
Can I pay the entrance fee by credit card?
No, you need to bring cash. The village office accepts Tanzanian Shillings, and it is best to carry small denominations for exact change to pay your fees and tips easily.
Does the entry fee cover swimming in the plunge pool?
Yes, your standard village entry and guide fee covers access to the waterfall area. You can swim in the cold plunge pool at your own risk without paying an additional swimming fee.
Are there hidden costs on the trail?
There are no hidden trail tolls. However, independent travelers must pay for transport, the entry fee (10,000 TZS), the guide fee (15,000+ TZS), and any extra activities like the coffee tour.
