Materuni Waterfalls & Kikuletwa Hot Springs Day Trip

Summary

Chagga Village Tour & Natural Hot Springs Adventure

You’ll hike through Chagga farmland to swim under Materuni Waterfalls, taste local coffee made fresh by villagers, then soak in Kikuletwa Hot Springs—all with a friendly guide who knows every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

It’s early when we leave Moshi—there’s a cool mist hanging over the road and the air smells faintly of earth after last night’s rain. Our guide, Joseph, chats about his childhood in the Chagga tribe as we wind up towards Materuni village. The drive isn’t long, maybe 30 minutes, but you see the landscape change: banana groves, coffee plants, kids waving from the roadside. At the village office, a woman with a bright kitenge wrap hands us our entry slips and grins when I try out my shaky Swahili.

The walk to Materuni Waterfalls is not hard, but it wakes you up—mud squelches underfoot and birds call out from somewhere above. Joseph points out wild avocado trees and shows us how locals use certain leaves for tea. The falls themselves are something else: tall and loud, with spray that cools your face before you even get close. I dip my toes in first (the water’s cold!) before wading in properly. There’s always someone laughing or taking photos under the falls’ spray.

After drying off in the sun, we sit down for a simple lunch—rice pilau with beans and a bottle of Kilimanjaro beer (tastes better here than anywhere else). Someone from the village shows us how coffee is roasted over an open fire; we grind it by hand and sip it black, still hot. Then it’s back in the van for another hour or so to Kikuletwa Hot Springs. The road gets dusty and goats wander across now and then.

Kikuletwa feels like a secret spot—a pool of clear blue water surrounded by fig roots and palm trees. You can hear kids splashing on one side while someone strums a guitar nearby. The water’s warm but not too hot; perfect after that chilly waterfall swim earlier. If you float on your back, you’ll catch glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro peeking through the trees if it’s clear enough. We stay until late afternoon before heading back—tired, sun-warmed, smelling faintly of campfire coffee.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Materuni Village and Waterfalls

• Visit Materuni Village and learn about Chagga culture
• Walk to the 80m high waterfalls
• Swim in the waterfall pool

Top questions

How long does this day trip take?

The tour usually lasts about 8-9 hours including transfers from Moshi or Arusha.

Is swimming at both Materuni Waterfalls and Kikuletwa Hot Springs possible?

Yes! You can swim at both spots—just remember to bring your swimwear and towel.

Are meals included?

Lunch is provided at Materuni village along with drinks like soda or local beer.

Can I join if I’m not very fit?

The walk to Materuni Waterfall is moderate but manageable for most people; just wear good shoes.

What’s included

Your trip covers all transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees for Materuni Waterfalls and Kikuletwa Hot Springs, a guided coffee tour, lunch with drinks (including Kilimanjaro beer or soda), plus plenty of time for swimming and relaxing at each stop.