Materuni Coffee Tour & Waterfalls from Arusha: Learn to roast

Roast coffee beans over a fire, then hike to a waterfall in the Kilimanjaro foothills

A full-day class and hike from Arusha combining a coffee farm visit in Materuni village with hands-on roasting and brewing, a guided walk through local homesteads to the Materuni Waterfalls, and a swim in the cold water below. You start with a stop at Kikuletwa hot springs for a warm-water swim and views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or Swahili, and children from age 15 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit hot springs and Materuni village

• Drive through Maasai land to hot springs
• Swim and relax in warm spring water
• Picnic under trees near hot springs
• Return to Arusha
• Visit Materuni village and coffee farm
• Learn coffee growing and roasting process
• Prepare and taste fresh coffee
• Hike through hills and villages to waterfalls
• Refresh at Materuni Waterfalls

The experience

Your day starts with a drive through Maasai land to Kikuletwa hot springs, about an hour from Moshi. The journey itself shows you the landscape (baobab trees, acacia scrub, herds of cattle and young warriors) before you arrive at a tropical oasis of palms and warm, clear water. You swim and relax here as long as you want, with views of both Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro across the water. Vervet monkeys sometimes visit the picnic area under the trees.

From there you head to Materuni village, in the foothills of Kilimanjaro on the outskirts of Moshi. Your guide walks you through the Chagga homesteads and explains how the local people live and what crops they grow beyond coffee. At the coffee farm, you see the full cycle (from picking the bean to roasting and brewing), and then you do it yourself, roasting beans over a fire and preparing a fresh cup the Chagga way. This is not a demonstration. You handle the work and taste what you make.

After coffee, you hike through local villages toward the Materuni Waterfalls. The path can be muddy, so wear shoes with grip. The hike is short and steady, passing through the lush hills and valleys of the foothills, with views of Kilimanjaro the whole way. When you reach the falls, you swim in the cold water below. Bring swimwear. The full day runs about 10 hours from pickup to return, with lunch included and all fees covered.

What’s included

• Private transportation with pickup from your Arusha hotel.
• lunch.
• bottled water and soda.
• coffee and tea.
• all fees and taxes.
• a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or Swahili.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (26 to 44 years) · Youth (15 to 25 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by MERU SLOPES TOURS AND SAFARIS

Is this one for you?Pickup from your Arusha hotel means you don't need a car or arrange your own transport, so this works whether you're staying in the city for a day or arriving without a rental. The 10-hour day packs two swims, a hands-on coffee lesson and a hike into one booking.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 25 years). Children under 15 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I do at the coffee farm in Materuni?

You roast coffee beans over a fire and brew a fresh cup yourself using the Chagga method. Your guide explains how coffee is grown, picked and processed on the farm, and you handle each step of the roasting and brewing so you taste what you've made.

How difficult is the hike to the Materuni Waterfalls?

The hike is short and enjoyable, passing through local villages on the way. The path can be muddy, so wear shoes with good grip. It suits all fitness levels and is suitable for children from age 15 onward.

Can I swim at both the hot springs and the waterfall?

Yes. Kikuletwa hot springs has warm, clear water ideal for swimming and relaxing at the start of the day. The Materuni Waterfalls have cold water where you can refresh after the hike, so pack swimwear for both stops.

Is this tour private, or will I be with other travelers?

The tour includes private transportation from your hotel in Arusha. Your guide is assigned to your group for the full day.

What views of Kilimanjaro will I get?

You see Mt. Kilimanjaro from Kikuletwa hot springs across the water, and again from Materuni village and the hike route in the foothills. Mt. Meru is also visible from the hot springs.