Arusha: Hot Spring, Waterfall & Coffee Farm Tour

Getting a glimpse of Tanzania’s natural beauty and local culture in one day sounds like a win. This Arusha tour offers just that—a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural insight, all packed into around eight hours. Whether you’re a nature lover, a coffee enthusiast, or simply craving a day away from city life, this experience has plenty to offer.

What we really love about this tour is the variety it packs into a manageable day: the stunning Materuni Waterfalls, the soothing Chemka Hot Springs, and an authentic coffee farm visit. Plus, it’s priced at around $60 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the multiple activities and included lunch. The only thing to consider is the moderate hiking involved—a fun but sometimes muddy trek—so good footwear is a must. This tour suits travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, authentic local experiences, and scenic landscapes, without spending too much time traveling between sites.

Key Points

• Diverse experience: Waterfalls, hot springs, and coffee farm all in one trip.
• Authentic insights: Learn about coffee making from local farmers.
• Great value: At $60, it includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and guided tours.
• Comfortable logistics: Pick-up and drop-off are arranged from your Arusha hotel.
• Active but manageable: Moderate hikes perfect for most fitness levels, with some muddy patches if it rained.
• Highly rated: An average of 4.8 stars from 50 reviews, with many travelers praising the guides and scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins with your pickup from your Arusha hotel—easy and hassle-free thanks to the included transport. From there, expect a scenic drive northward, passing lush banana farms and rural villages. The roads are generally good, but the landscape is what makes the journey memorable—vibrant green fields and the distant silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro in clearer days.

Materuni Village and Waterfalls

About 15 km north of Moshi, Materuni Village is the first major stop. This is a traditional Chagga community, and your guide—often an English speaker like Evance, who’s frequently praised for his friendly, knowledgeable approach—will walk you through the village’s daily life.

The highlight here is the 40-minute hike through tropical surroundings to the 80-meter-high Materuni Waterfalls. The trail is lined with banana trees, and reviewers note that the environment is lush and peaceful. Some mention the hike can be muddy if it’s rained, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Once you reach the falls, you’ll have ample time to relax, take photos, and even swim if you brought your swimsuit. One reviewer described swimming alongside the falls as a “beautiful experience,” and many appreciated the opportunity to cool off in the clear water.

Coffee Farm Experience

Post-waterfall, the tour continues to a local coffee plantation. Here, you’ll see firsthand how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed—an engaging experience for any coffee fan. The guides are eager to explain each step, often adding personal touches and local stories, making the process more relatable.

As Guadalupe pointed out, “The guide was very polite and knowledgeable,” which adds a layer of authenticity to the experience. After the tour, you get a chance to taste the freshly brewed coffee, which many reviews highlight as a highlight—delicious and brewed right by local farmers.

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Chemka Hot Springs

The final stop is the Chemka Hot Springs, a true highlight for relaxation. The geothermal springs are crystal-clear, mineral-rich, and surprisingly warm, providing a perfect setting to unwind. The water can reach depths of up to 10 meters, with some shallow areas great for lounging, playing, or cooling off after the hike.

Guests have raved about the serene environment and the chance to spot playful baboons and monkeys nearby. You can relax on the shore, enjoy a picnic, or even have a barbecue if you choose. The natural beauty of the springs, combined with the pristine waters, offers a genuine retreat from daily life. One reviewer described Chemka as a “natural oasis,” emphasizing how refreshing and peaceful it is.

Returning to Arusha

After a day filled with outdoor activity and discovery, you’ll be driven back to your hotel. The entire experience is designed to be seamless, with punctual pickups and friendly guides who often receive praise for their professionalism and local knowledge.

Value and Practicalities

This tour costs around $60 per person, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, guided explanations, the coffee tasting, and lunch. Considering the variety of activities, this is quite good value—especially as reviews indicate the quality of guides and food is high. The included lunch is typically a pre-packed meal prepared by local chefs, often praised as tasty and satisfying.

The tour runs in a group setting, which can be social and fun, but it’s also flexible enough to accommodate different interests. Travelers mention that guides like Emmanue and Jacqueline go out of their way to customize the experience, even offering to drop guests off in Moshi if requested.

What to Bring

• Comfortable hiking shoes for trekking to the waterfalls.
• Swimsuit and towel for swimming at Chemka Springs.
• Sun protection: Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are important.
• Water to stay hydrated during the hike and the hot springs.
• Light hiking pants and appropriate attire for muddy or rainy conditions.

Authentic Experiences Highlighted by Travelers

Based on reviews, the guides make a big difference—they’re often described as polite, knowledgeable, and friendly. Many travelers appreciated the personal stories shared during the coffee tour, making the process more tangible. The scenery along the hike, with views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days, adds to the overall magic.

Guests also raved about the delicious local food served during the trip—simple but flavorful fare that complements the natural setting. The hot springs received particular praise, with visitors describing them as “beautiful,” “peaceful,” and a perfect way to unwind after hiking.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure appeals most to travelers who want a mix of outdoor activity and culture without the hassle of planning multiple separate excursions. It’s ideal for nature lovers, coffee enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxing day in natural surroundings. It’s also well-suited for families, groups, or solo travelers who appreciate guided experiences and small group sizes.

However, those less comfortable with moderate hikes or rain-prone weather might want to prepare accordingly. The tour’s pace is relaxed enough for most fitness levels, but the hike does involve some muddy patches.

The Sum Up

This Arusha Hot Spring, Waterfall & Coffee Farm Tour offers a well-rounded slice of what Tanzania has to offer—breathtaking scenery, authentic local culture, and the chance to relax and reconnect with nature. The combination of scenic hikes, soothing hot springs, and a coffee experience makes it a versatile choice for many travelers looking for a meaningful day outside the city.

The value is clear, with most reviewers noting that they received a lot for their money—delicious food, knowledgeable guides, and unforgettable sights. The trip’s success hinges on the guides’ friendliness and the stunning natural environments, which are truly worth experiencing.

If you’re eager to explore Tanzania’s outdoors and local traditions without overextending your schedule, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s a memorable, authentic day out that balances activity, relaxation, and cultural insight—an excellent way to deepen your connection to this vibrant country.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs about $60 per person, which includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and guided explanations.

How long does the tour last?
It typically lasts around 8 hours, starting from your hotel pickup in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable hiking shoes, swimwear and towel, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), water, and light hiking pants. Don’t forget your camera!

Is the hike to the waterfalls difficult?
The hike is moderate and about 40 minutes long, with some muddy patches if it rains, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Can I swim in the hot springs?
Yes, the Chemka Hot Springs are perfect for swimming and relaxing in the warm, clear waters.

Is food included?
Yes, a pre-packed lunch prepared by local chefs is included, and reviewers consistently mention it’s tasty and satisfying.

Can I customize the tour?
Guides like Emmanue and Jacqueline are flexible and can sometimes adjust the drop-off location, such as dropping you in Moshi.

What’s the best time to go?
While the tour runs year-round, clear days offer the best views, especially of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely, guides are praised for their friendliness, stories, and ability to explain the local culture and natural features thoroughly.

You can check availability for your dates here: