Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Private Tour from Moshi

Summary

Chagga Village Hike & Kikuletwa Hot Springs Experience

Get ready to hike through lush Chagga farmland to Materuni Waterfall, taste home-cooked Tanzanian food with locals, learn traditional coffee-making from bean to cup, and soak in Kikuletwa Hot Springs’ clear waters—all guided by people who call this place home.

What’s the experience like?

“Karibu!” That’s the first word I heard as we set off with our guide through the narrow paths of Materuni village. The trail was still damp from last night’s rain, making each step a little squishy underfoot. Our guide, Daniel, stopped now and then to show us wild ginger plants and point out how the Chagga people use them for tea. Somewhere in the distance, I caught a glimpse of Kilimanjaro’s snowy peak—just for a moment before clouds rolled back in.

The sound of Materuni Waterfall grew louder as we got closer, like someone shaking out a huge white sheet behind the trees. Standing at the base, mist cooled my face while kids from the village splashed around in the shallow pool. After dipping my toes in (the water’s colder than you’d think), we headed back for lunch. Plates of rice and beans arrived steaming hot, with banana beer poured into mismatched cups by Mama Agnes, who laughed every time someone made a face at their first sip.

Next came the coffee tour—honestly, it’s nothing like grabbing a cup at home. We helped roast beans over an open fire while our hosts sang Chagga songs and clapped along. Grinding coffee by hand is harder than it looks; my arms were sore but I couldn’t stop smiling when we finally tasted our own brew. The ride to Kikuletwa Hot Springs was bumpy enough to make us all laugh, but floating in those clear blue pools under tangled fig trees felt like hitting pause on everything else. Tiny fish nibbled at my feet—a weird ticklish feeling that had everyone giggling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour

• Hike to Materuni Waterfalls and enjoy views
• Experience traditional Chagga lunch and banana beer
• Participate in coffee cultivation and roasting tour

Day 2 — Relax at Kikuletwa Hot Springs

• Travel to Kikuletwa Hot Springs
• Swim, relax, and socialize at hot springs
• Return to airport before sunset

Top questions

How difficult is the hike to Materuni Waterfall?

The walk takes about 40 minutes each way on uneven ground that can be slippery after rain. Good hiking shoes are recommended but most people with average fitness can manage it.

Is lunch included on this private tour?

Yes, you’ll enjoy a traditional Chagga lunch prepared in the village—usually rice, beans, vegetables, and sometimes banana beer if you’re curious to try it.

Can I swim at both Materuni Waterfall and Kikuletwa Hot Springs?

You can take a dip at both spots! The waterfall pool is chilly and refreshing; Kikuletwa Hot Springs are warm and perfect for relaxing or letting fish nibble your feet.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring sturdy shoes for hiking, swimwear and a towel for swimming, plus sunscreen and maybe a change of clothes since you might get wet or muddy along the way.

What’s included

Your experience covers hotel pickup and drop-off from Moshi or Arusha in comfortable transport, entrance fees for all sites visited, plus plenty of bottled water and soft drinks along the way. A local guide leads every step—from sharing stories about Chagga culture during your hike to helping you roast coffee beans—and when lunchtime rolls around you’ll enjoy a hearty meal cooked right in the village before heading off for some well-earned relaxation at Kikuletwa Hot Springs.