On the fertile southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, the Chagga village of Materuni has farmed coffee in the volcanic soil for generations. This full-day trip pairs a hands-on bean-to-cup coffee experience with two of the foothills' best-loved natural landmarks: a forest hike to Materuni's towering waterfall, and an afternoon soak in the impossibly turquoise waters of Kikuletwa Hot Springs.
The day starts in Materuni village with a walk through banana and coffee shambas, where a local farmer walks you through picking, roasting, grinding, and brewing coffee the traditional Chagga way. From there, a forest trail leads down through fig trees and streams to the base of the waterfall, before the drive continues to Kikuletwa, where clear geothermal spring water pools beneath fig and palm trees for a relaxed swim and picnic lunch.
Hands-on Chagga coffee tour in Materuni village
A scenic hike through tropical forest to the falls
A relaxed swim in Kikuletwa's crystal-clear waters
Materuni and Kikuletwa are rewarding year-round, since both the waterfall and the springs are fed continuously by underground and highland water sources. The dry months of June through October keep the forest trail firmer underfoot, while the green season from November to May brings the fullest waterfall flow and the lushest coffee shambas, though the trail can be muddier and more slippery after rain.
Pickup from your Arusha or Moshi hotel and a drive up onto the Kilimanjaro foothills to Materuni village. A local Chagga farmer leads you through the coffee shambas to pick, roast, grind, and brew a cup of coffee the traditional way.
A guided hike down a forest trail lined with fig trees and mountain streams to the base of Materuni Waterfall, where the falls drop into a cool plunge pool ringed by tropical vegetation. Time to take photos and cool off before the climb back up.
Climb back up from the waterfall and descend from the Kilimanjaro foothills toward the plains, driving out to Kikuletwa Hot Springs, also known locally as Chemka.
A picnic lunch beneath the fig and palm trees at the springs, followed by a relaxed swim in the clear, geothermally warmed turquoise pools — a welcome cool-down after the morning's hike.
Drive back through the foothills, arriving back at your Arusha or Moshi hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.
Prices are per person for the complete full-day Materuni & Kikuletwa tour, including hotel pickup and drop-off. Rates decrease with larger groups; pickup from Moshi is more affordable than from Arusha.
| Group Size | Price (Per Person) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person (Private) | $220 | Available |
| 2–3 People | $180 | Available |
| 4+ People | $150 | Available |
Price includes everything: private guiding, village and coffee tour fees, waterfall and hot springs entrance fees, picnic lunch, and hotel transfers. No hidden costs. Pickup from a hotel in Moshi reduces total drive time and is reflected in a lower rate on request.
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), roughly a 45-minute drive from Moshi and the start of the Materuni road. Travellers based in Arusha can add this as a standalone day trip on the way to or from Kilimanjaro or the northern circuit parks.
Pickup is available from any hotel in Arusha town centre (departure around 6:00 AM) or from Moshi (departure around 7:00 AM). Moshi pickup is strongly recommended for a shorter, more relaxed day.
Transport is by private 4x4 vehicle for the drive to Materuni and on to Kikuletwa, with a short walk through the village and a moderate forest hike down to the waterfall.
Sturdy hiking shoes for the forest trail, swimwear and a towel for the hot springs, sunscreen, a hat, a change of dry clothes, and a small daypack. Cash is useful for small purchases in Materuni village.
Arusha, Tanzania • Established 2015
Nashivai Safaris is a locally owned and operated safari company based in Arusha, Tanzania. Beyond our multi-day safaris, we run a range of day trips for travellers with limited time or looking to add a bucket-list day to a wider itinerary.
The coffee tour in Materuni was so much fun, and the hike down to the waterfall was beautiful. Cooling off at Kikuletwa afterwards was the perfect way to end the day.
— Lena M., Germany • July 2024Great combination day trip before our Kilimanjaro climb. The hot springs water is so clear and warm — highly recommend booking the Moshi pickup.
— James & Priya, UK • September 2024
