Materuni Waterfall & Chemka Hot Springs tour from Arusha

Hike to a 70-meter waterfall, roast coffee beans by hand, and soak in natural hot springs

A full-day guided tour from Arusha combines a rainforest hike to Materuni Waterfall, a hands-on coffee-making experience at a local Chagga farm, and time to relax in the warm waters of Chemka Hot Springs. Your guide shares local knowledge and cultural stories throughout the day, and lunch is included. Small groups keep the pace flexible and personal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Experience

• Hike through rainforest and plantations
• Visit Materuni Waterfall
• Explore traditional Chagga coffee farm
• Learn coffee-making process
• Brew and taste fresh coffee
• Relax at Chemka Hot Springs

The experience

The day starts with a scenic hike through lush rainforests and banana plantations toward Materuni Waterfall, a 70-meter cascade at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The walk takes you through working farmland where your guide explains how the land is used and what grows here, then you reach the waterfall and have time to photograph it and wade in the pool at its base.

After the hike, you visit a traditional Chagga coffee farm where you learn every step of coffee-making from picking and roasting the beans to grinding them by hand and brewing a cup you've made yourself. This is not a demonstration. You do the work, and the guide walks you through what each stage does to the flavor. You taste what you've made and learn why this region's altitude and soil matter for coffee. Lunch follows at the farm, built around local ingredients and the day's pace.

The afternoon moves to Chemka Hot Springs, natural thermal pools where you can swim and soak. The water stays warm year-round, and the setting is quieter than many tourist sites. You have time to relax here before the drive back to Arusha, which takes roughly an hour and a half depending on traffic and your hotel location.

What’s included

• Private transportation with hotel pickup.
• entrance fees to Materuni Waterfall and Chemka Hot Springs.
• a hands-on coffee-making lesson at a local farm.
• lunch.
• and a knowledgeable local guide who shares cultural insights throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (17 to 79 years) · Child (5 to 16 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tanzania Smile Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and delivers commentary in a conversational style that works for travelers who want to understand the places and practices they're visiting, not just pass through them. Small groups mean you can ask questions and move at a pace that suits the day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 16 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

How long is the hike to Materuni Waterfall?

The hike through the rainforest and banana plantations to Materuni Waterfall is part of a full day that runs about 10 and a half hours total, including the coffee farm visit, lunch, and time at Chemka Hot Springs. The waterfall hike itself is the morning's main activity, and your guide sets the pace so you can move comfortably.

What exactly do you do during the coffee-making experience?

At the Chagga coffee farm, you pick, roast, grind and brew coffee by hand, then taste the cup you've made. The guide explains what happens at each step and why it matters for the flavor. You're doing the work, not watching someone else do it.

Is Chemka Hot Springs safe to swim in?

Chemka Hot Springs are natural thermal pools where the water stays warm year-round. You can swim and soak in them. Bring a towel and swimwear, and your guide will let you know the best spots and how long you can safely stay in the water.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is served at the coffee farm and built around local ingredients. The meal is part of the tour cost, and your guide can let you know in advance if you have dietary needs they should plan for.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The hike to the waterfall is the main physical activity, and your guide adjusts the pace to match the group. Children from age 5 are welcome. If you have spinal injuries, are pregnant, or have cardiovascular concerns, check with the operator before booking.