Moshi Materuni Waterfall & Chemka Hot Spring with Local Guide

Summary

Materuni Coffee Walk & Chemka Hot Spring Day from Moshi

Follow local paths from Moshi to Materuni waterfall with a guide, pick and roast your own coffee beans with Chagga villagers, then unwind at Chemka hot spring surrounded by forest. With hotel pickup, lunch included, and plenty of time to swim or just watch sunlight flicker through fig leaves — this is one day trip you’ll remember long after leaving Tanzania.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — water rushing somewhere close, but not quite visible yet. We’d just left Materuni village behind, following our guide Daniel along a narrow path that felt like it belonged more to goats than people. The air smelled green (if that makes sense), like wet leaves and something sweet from the banana trees. Daniel stopped to point out tiny irrigation channels snaking through the fields — he said they’re what keep the coffee plants happy here. I tried to repeat the Chagga name for one of the smaller waterfalls we passed; Li laughed when I tried to say it in Swahili — probably butchered it.

The walk wasn’t hard, but my shoes got muddy in places where the water overflowed. When we finally reached Materuni waterfall, it just sort of appeared out of nowhere — tall and loud and throwing mist everywhere. I stood there for a minute just letting the spray hit my face (and my glasses). Afterward, Daniel led us back to a small clearing where we learned how coffee actually goes from berry to cup. We picked some beans ourselves — my fingers got sticky — then helped crush dried ones with a heavy wooden pestle. The smell was earthy and sharp, nothing like supermarket coffee back home. Drinking it right there, still warm from roasting, was honestly better than I expected.

Later on, after lunch (rice and beans cooked by one of Daniel’s neighbors — simple but so good), we drove about an hour out toward Rundugai village for the Chemka hot spring. The road was bumpy enough that I nearly spilled my water bottle twice. The springs are hidden under these huge fig trees; you can hear kids laughing before you even see the water. It’s clear and warm (not hot-hot), with little fish that nibble your toes if you stand still long enough. Someone said there were baboons in the branches above us but I only caught a glimpse of something moving up there — maybe next time.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed by the end of it all. There’s something about swimming under those tangled trees after walking through coffee fields that sticks with you longer than you think it will.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Tour

• Hike to Materuni Waterfall and explore irrigation system
• Coffee picking and processing experience with Chagga tribe

Day 2 — Relax at Chemka Hot Spring

• Drive to Chemka Hot Spring and relax or swim

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Moshi to Chemka hot spring?

It takes about one hour by private car from Moshi or Arusha to reach Chemka hot spring in Rundugai Village.

Is lunch included on the Materuni waterfall & Chemka hot spring day trip?

Yes, lunch is included — either a local hot meal or lunch boxes are provided during your day trip.

Can I swim at Chemka hot spring?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Chemka hot spring and the water is warm and clear.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are entry fees included in this experience?

Yes, entry fees for both Materuni village and other sites are included in your booking.

Do I need to bring my own transport?

No, private transport from your hotel and back is included in this experience.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking driver/guide accompanies you throughout the day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and return transport, entry fees for Materuni village and Chemka hot spring, a guided walk with coffee picking and roasting demonstration led by locals, drinking water throughout the journey, plus a traditional Tanzanian lunch before heading back in the afternoon.