Materuni Waterfalls, Rainforest waterfall near Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Materuni Waterfalls is a natural drop on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro that falls into a deep basin surrounded by dense forest and vegetation. The area features coffee plantations and fruit gardens that extend to the edges of the woodland.
The site lies in the traditional territory of the Chagga people, who have farmed the fertile mountain slopes for centuries. The region's character was shaped by this long-term settlement and connection to Mount Kilimanjaro.
The local people grow coffee and fruit on the slopes around this waterfall using farming methods passed down through generations. These practices shape daily life in the region and show how closely the community is tied to the fertile land.
The site is reached by a walking path of about 30 minutes from Materuni Village, and visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Guided tours are available and include transport from nearby towns along with traditional meals.
On clear days, visitors can see the Kibo crater and distant views toward Moshi from this location. This wide perspective makes it a rare viewpoint where several major features of the region are visible together.
GPS coordinates: -3.25025,37.40006
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43
Tanzania provides photographers with an extraordinary range of subjects, from the Serengeti plains to Zanzibar's coastline and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). The country contains major wildlife reserves including Tarangire, where elephant herds move between baobab trees, and the Ngorongoro Crater, which holds a dense concentration of large mammals within its 100-square-mile (260-square-kilometer) caldera. Coastal regions and offshore islands like Mafia and Pemba offer opportunities to photograph coral reefs, sea turtles, and traditional dhow boats. The Mahale Mountains support habituated chimpanzee groups, while Selous Game Reserve presents riverine landscapes and diverse animal populations. Stone Town's historic quarter features Arab, Persian, and Indian architecture spanning several centuries, including the House of Wonders and the narrow alleys of the former trading port. The less visited Katavi National Park delivers scenes of hundreds of hippos crowding shrinking pools during the dry season. Kondoa rock art sites preserve prehistoric paintings dating back as far as 30,000 years. The active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai and alkaline Lake Natron with its flamingo flocks add geological interest. From the terraced hillsides of the Usambara Mountains to the wildflower meadows of Kitulo National Park, Tanzania covers nearly every photographic interest.
Mount Kilimanjaro
20 km
Mount Meru
70.9 km
Mount Kibo
21.2 km
Amboseli National Park
68.9 km
Kilimanjaro National Park
20.8 km
Arusha National Park
63 km
Tsavo West National Park
81.8 km
Furtwängler Glacier
20.7 km
Rebmann Glacier
19.3 km
Kikuletwa Hot Springs
31.5 km
Uhuru Peak
20.1 km
Mawenzi
18.6 km
Arusha Declaration Monument
80.2 km
Arrow Glacier
21.4 km
Northern Ice Field
22.1 km
Nyumba ya Mungu Reservoir
53.1 km
Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium
80.5 km
Ngurdoto Crater
52.8 km
Uhuru Peak
21 km
Balletto Glacier
19.9 km
Barranco Glacier
20.7 km
Drygalski Glacier
22.4 km
Credner Glacier
22.7 km
Great Penck Glacier
22.5 km
Little Penck Glacier
22.3 km
Barafu-Lager
16.9 km
New Safari Hotel
79.5 km
Arusha clock tower
79.6 kmReviews
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