Kilimanjaro: Materuni Waterfalls, Coffee & Hot Springs Tour

Summary

Hike to Materuni Falls taste fresh coffee and relax in hot springs

You’ll hike through Kilimanjaro’s lush hills to reach Materuni Waterfalls (yes, you can swim), then learn how Tanzanian coffee is made from bean to cup with local farmers before relaxing in Kikuletwa Hot Springs. Expect laughter, muddy shoes, real conversations—and maybe a new favorite way to drink coffee.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped out of the van near Materuni village when the air changed — cooler, with that earthy smell you only get after rain on red soil. Our guide, Joseph, grinned and pointed up at the green hills. “Not far,” he promised. I wasn’t sure if he meant distance or effort (spoiler: it’s both). The hike to Materuni Waterfalls was muddy in spots, but honestly, it felt good to slip a little and laugh about it with the others. You could hear the falls before you saw them — this low thunder that made everyone quiet for a second. When we finally reached the pool, I dipped my toes in and yelped (freezing!). Some of us went all in anyway. The spray felt sharp on my face but kind of woke me up.

After drying off in the sun (and trying not to look too ridiculous wringing out my socks), we wandered over to a small coffee farm nearby. There was this older woman — Mama Rehema — who showed us how they roast beans over an open fire. She let me try grinding them with a heavy wooden pestle; I thought I’d be better at it than I was. We all laughed when Joseph teased me about my “city arms.” The smell of roasting coffee is something I still think about — smoky, sweet, almost chocolatey. We drank our own brew right there under a tin roof while chickens strutted around our feet.

The last stop was Kikuletwa Hot Springs. It’s funny because “hot” is relative — more like warm bathwater than anything else, but after hiking and coffee-making it felt perfect. There were local kids jumping from tree roots into the water and one tried to teach me how to do it (I chickened out). Sunlight filtered through the leaves and everything looked sort of greenish-blue underwater. We just floated for a while, not really talking much anymore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike, coffee farm, and hot springs

• Travel to Materuni village
• Hike to Materuni Waterfalls
• Enjoy waterfall views
• Visit local coffee farm
• Learn coffee growing and processing
• Roast and prepare fresh coffee

Top questions

How long does the Kilimanjaro day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day including hiking, coffee farm visit, lunch, and time at Kikuletwa Hot Springs.

Is lunch included on the Materuni Waterfalls tour?

Yes, a hot local lunch is included along with drinks like beer or tea.

Do I need to be very fit for the hike to Materuni Falls?

The hike is short but can be challenging; suitable for most fitness levels unless you have heart issues.

Are hotel pickups available from Arusha?

Yes, private transport with free pickup and drop-off from your Arusha hotel is included.

Can you swim at Kikuletwa Hot Springs?

Yes, swimming is allowed and encouraged at Kikuletwa Hot Springs during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport with free hotel pickup and drop-off from Arusha, entry to Materuni village and waterfalls, hands-on coffee making with local farmers (and plenty of tastings), plus a hot local lunch with drinks before heading back after soaking in Kikuletwa Hot Springs.