Maasai Village and Materuni Waterfalls Day Trip

Tanzania is not one culture, and this day makes that concrete. The Chagga farm the volcanic soil on the slopes of Kilimanjaro and have done for centuries; the Maasai keep cattle on the dry plains below. You visit both in a day, an hour apart by road and a long way apart in every other sense.

The visit is arranged with the community rather than around it. You are there for a few hours, the fee goes to the village, and what you see is a working day rather than a performance staged for a bus.

It combines well with a park day either side. Have a look at Northern Tanzania or tell us your dates.

We collect you from your hotel, guesthouse or Airbnb anywhere in Arusha town, and from Usa River and the Kilimanjaro Airport road on request. Give us the property name when you book and we confirm the pickup time the evening before. Drop-off is at the same address unless you tell us otherwise.

Shoes with grip for the waterfall path. Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for the village visit. Swimwear and a towel if you intend to get in the water. Sunscreen and a hat. Cash if you want to buy coffee or beadwork directly.

Swimming is at your own risk and there is no lifeguard at either the waterfall pool or the springs. The water is cold and the rocks are slippery, so we go in slowly and we do not dive. Tell your guide before you set off if you are not a confident swimmer, and he will keep you to the shallow end. Children stay with an adult in the water at all times. You travel in a maintained 4x4 with a licensed Tanzanian driver-guide. Seat belts are fitted in every seat. We carry a first aid kit and drinking water, and the guide stays contactable through the day. Travel insurance is not included and we recommend you arrange it before you come.