Waterfalls, Coffee, Hotsprings, Food Cuisine, & Serval Wildlife

Discover the Best of Arusha Beyond the Safari Parks

This detailed review covers a highly-rated full-day tour in Arusha, Tanzania, offered by Moorland Safari and Trekking. It’s a fantastic way to see a different side of Tanzania—beyond the usual safari routes—focusing on natural beauty, local culture, and wildlife rescue efforts. What caught our eye were the combination of waterfalls, hot springs, genuine coffee experiences, and the chance to spot some wildlife up close.

We love the personalized attention from the private guide, the chance to enjoy a local Chagga-style buffet, and the authentic opportunity to learn about Tanzanian life from the people who live it. A possible drawback is the long day’s travel—around 10 to 12 hours—but that’s part of the adventure.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, cultural experience with plenty of opportunities for photos, relaxation, and learning. If you’re after a mix of nature, culture, and wildlife, this day trip will likely tick all your boxes.

Key Points

• All-inclusive price ensures no hidden costs, including lunch, coffee, and entrance fees
• Flexible private tour offers personalized attention and a relaxed pace
• Diverse activities include waterfalls, hot springs, coffee tasting, and wildlife sanctuary visits
• Convenient pickup from central Arusha saves planning hassle
• Long but rewarding day suitable for energetic travelers who enjoy varied experiences
• Authentic local insights from guides knowledgeable about Chagga culture and Tanzanian wildlife

Exploring Arusha’s Natural Wonders and Cultural Treasures

This tour offers an insightful mix of Tanzania’s landscapes, local culture, and wildlife conservation efforts. It’s designed to give you a well-rounded experience that goes beyond the typical safari, blending adventure, relaxation, and education into one satisfying day.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Stop 1: Materuni Waterfalls

Starting early from your hotel around 7:30 am, the drive takes about two hours through lush, green terrain filled with banana trees and coffee plantations. The anticipation of seeing Materuni Waterfalls, with their powerful cascade dropping into a jungle pool, builds as you approach.

The walk to the falls takes about an hour and is suited to most fitness levels—your guide, an expert on the local Chagga community, will share stories about their way of life. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional houses and learn about their customs. The trail offers a chance to observe the vibrant plant life and spot some birds or small wildlife.

Reviewers have praised the guide’s extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor, noting that “Justin took me at the top by climbing” and made the trek both fun and informative. When you reach the falls, the sheer size and roar of the water are impressive, and you’ll have time to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

What makes this stop special: It’s a chance to witness a spectacular natural feature while learning about local traditions directly from your guide.

Stop 2: Kikuletwa Hot Springs

Next, after some time at the waterfalls, you’ll head to the Kikuletwa Hot Springs. The drive offers scenic views, and the springs themselves are a highlight. The water emerges from the earth as a turquoise blue, inviting a refreshing dip.

The hot springs are a natural wonder, where warm water bubbles up into a crystal-clear pool, perfect for relaxing after the hike. Many reviewers mention how rejuvenating the experience is—”the water invites you to take a refreshing dive”—and the tranquility of the setting makes it a favorite stop.

What’s notable: The hot springs’ natural turquoise hue creates an almost surreal atmosphere, ideal for unwinding and snapping memorable photos.

Stop 3: Wildlife and Conservation at Moshi

The final stop takes you to a wildlife sanctuary near Moshi, which spans over 1,000 acres. Here, you’ll see rescued animals from zoos and injured wildlife, with the goal of rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild.

This part of the tour provides insight into Tanzania’s efforts to protect and care for native species. The sanctuary’s size and thoughtful layout—developed in phases—allow for close-up encounters with animals like elephants, primates, and other native species, all ethically obtained.

Reviewers have highlighted the knowledgeable guides here, noting that “Eli helped me make my coffee while dancing,” adding a personal touch to the experience. It’s a different kind of wildlife encounter—focused on conservation, education, and supporting local efforts.

Food, Coffee, and Cultural Experiences

One of the tour’s standout features is the chance to indulge in local cuisine and coffee craftsmanship. A Chagga-style buffet lunch offers a hearty taste of regional flavors, with dishes prepared in traditional style. Expect flavorful, well-prepared local foods that bring the region’s culinary traditions to life.

Following lunch, you’ll roast and prepare your own organic coffee beans—an interactive experience that many reviewers found delightful. The guide will walk you through each step, from roasting to brewing, making it both fun and educational.

What makes this special: This hands-on coffee experience offers a rare glimpse into Tanzania’s coffee culture, with fresh beans and a chance to learn about the process from field to cup.

Authentic Local Flavor and Personal Attention

Given the private nature of this tour, you’ll enjoy personalized service and flexibility. Guides like Andrew and Eli are praised for their professionalism, deep knowledge, and friendly attitude, making the experience both enriching and comfortable.

Travelers have lauded the quality of the food, the charm of the guides, and the seamless organization. Many reviews note that the tour exceeded expectations, thanks in part to the attentive guides who shared stories, answered questions, and kept the day flowing smoothly.

Practical Details and Value

While the price of $350 per person might seem steep for a day trip, the value comes from the all-inclusive approach—covering transportation, entry fees, lunch, coffee, and personalized guiding. The long hours are balanced by a well-curated itinerary that balances activity with relaxation.

Transport is private, comfortable, and reliable, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without the hassle of public transit. The pickup from central Arusha means no additional planning is required, and the tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics simple.

The tour’s flexibility and tailored approach mean it’s suitable for most travelers, especially those who enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure, culture, and wildlife conservation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers looking to go beyond traditional safaris and explore Tanzania’s natural beauty and cultural richness. It’s ideal for those interested in waterfalls, hot springs, and coffee—plus a chance to see rescued wildlife—and who appreciate knowledgeable guides and local interactions.

It’s a full-day commitment, so fit and energetic travelers will enjoy the variety of activities. The private setup makes it a good choice for couples, families, or small groups seeking a personalized and authentic Tanzanian experience.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a compelling mix of Tanzania’s scenic landscapes and cultural charm, all wrapped into one day. The opportunity to see Materuni Waterfalls, relax in Kikuletwa’s hot springs, enjoy a hands-on coffee experience, and learn about wildlife conservation makes it a well-rounded adventure.

The high praise from past travelers highlights the professionalism of guides like Andrew and Eli, who go the extra mile to make each experience memorable. The inclusion of delicious local food and the chance to support wildlife rescue efforts add further depth and authenticity.

If you’re after an active, educational, and culturally immersive day in Arusha, this tour delivers above expectations. It’s a fantastic way to get a true taste of Tanzania’s natural and cultural landscape while traveling comfortably and with expert guidance.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip private transportation from central Arusha is included, making it convenient and hassle-free.

What’s the approximate duration of the tour?
The tour lasts roughly 10 to 12 hours, depending on pace and traffic, so be prepared for a full day of exploration.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a well-prepared local Chagga buffet lunch is included, along with coffee tasting where you can roast and brew your own organic coffee.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your interests with the guide—though the pre-planned itinerary offers a great balance of highlights.

What should I wear?
Comfortable outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes for hiking, and swimwear for the hot springs are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the long day and hiking involved. Kids with energy and interest in nature will likely enjoy it.

To sum it up, this tour is a fantastic choice for those wanting to experience Tanzania beyond the safari game drives. It offers a rich mix of scenery, culture, and wildlife, all delivered with expert guides, delicious local food, and authentic encounters. Whether you’re a nature lover, coffee enthusiast, or curious traveler, it promises a memorable day in Arusha.