Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour: Hike, swim, hot springs

Hike to an 80-meter waterfall, help roast coffee, then soak in natural hot springs

This full-day tour from Arusha combines a guided hike to Materuni Waterfalls, a hands-on coffee experience at a local farm, and an afternoon at Kikuletwa Hot Springs. The itinerary includes round-trip hotel pickup from Arusha, a traditional Chagga lunch, bottled water, and an English-speaking guide. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Materuni hike, coffee tour, hot springs

• Hike to Materuni Waterfalls
• Swim at the waterfall pool
• Return to Materuni village
• Enjoy traditional Chagga lunch
• Experience coffee cultivation and roasting
• Grind coffee with local songs and dances
• Savor freshly made coffee
• Travel to Kikuletwa Hot Springs
• Relax, swim, or chat at hot springs
• Return to hotel in Arusha or Moshi

The experience

You start with a 40-minute walk through Materuni village, home to the Chagga tribe, toward the waterfalls. The trail can be slippery and muddy, so good hiking boots matter. On clear days, you'll see Kilimanjaro's summit from the path. The falls drop more than 80 meters into a pool deep enough for swimming, and you'll have time to cool off before heading back to the village for a traditional Chagga lunch. The meal includes a taste of local banana beer, brewed by some of Tanzania's finest brewers.

Next comes the coffee farm, where you learn how beans are cultivated, dried, roasted and processed, then you help grind the coffee by hand while listening to Chagga songs and dances. You'll taste what you made and take in views of the surrounding rainforest before the drive to Kikuletwa Hot Springs, which takes about an hour and 20 minutes over partly bumpy terrain. The afternoon there is unstructured: swim, rest in the sun, chat at the small bar, or simply soak. You leave before sunset and return to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel pickup from Arusha.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.
• traditional Chagga lunch at Materuni village.
• bottled water.
• entry to Kikuletwa Hot Springs.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (15 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (11 to 14 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Safari G.O.A.T.S

Is this one for you?The hike to the waterfall is 40 minutes each way over muddy terrain, and the full day runs eight hours with a long drive to the hot springs, so book this if you're comfortable with walking and have a full afternoon free. The unstructured time at Kikuletwa means you set the pace there: no schedule once you arrive.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 14 years); Child (4 to 10 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

How difficult is the hike to Materuni Waterfalls?

The walk to the falls is 40 minutes each way over a trail that can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Good hiking boots are essential. The itinerary notes the tour is suitable for all fitness levels, and children from age 4 can join.

What exactly happens at the coffee farm?

You visit a local farm to see how coffee is grown, dried, roasted and processed. You then help grind the beans by hand (traditionally done to the accompaniment of Chagga songs and dances), and taste the coffee you made while overlooking the rainforest.

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

Yes. At Materuni Waterfalls, the pool at the base is deep enough for a refreshing swim after the hike. At Kikuletwa Hot Springs, you can swim or simply soak in the warm water. Bring swimwear and a towel for both stops.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes round-trip hotel pickup from Arusha, an English-speaking guide, a traditional Chagga lunch, bottled water, and all fees and taxes. Tipping is not included.

How long is the drive to Kikuletwa Hot Springs?

The ride from Materuni to the hot springs takes about an hour and 20 minutes and follows partly bumpy slopes. You'll have the afternoon to relax there before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.