Meru Waterfalls

Mount Meru hosts numerous remarkable waterfalls cascading from its volcanic inclines. Following a night of substantial rainfall, I embarked on a day journey to investigate one of the most prominent waterfalls situated at the base of Mount Meru, properly designated as Mount Meru Waterfall.

This expedition entails a steep motorcycle ascent along a rugged path, succeeded by a jungle staircase descending into a canyon. Upon entering, you traverse the river, navigating over boulders until you encounter the powerful waterfall that cascades with remarkable force at its foot. The Mount Meru waterfall, a stunning attraction located just a few kilometers from the town, is among the premier activities in Arusha.

Begin an extraordinary expedition to Meru Waterfalls, a concealed gem situated inside the verdant terrains of Arusha. This immersive experience provides an ideal blend of tranquil nature, exhilarating hiking, and stunning panoramic vistas of Tanzania’s remarkable landscape. With Gorilla Trekking in Africa, each moment of this expedition is crafted to immerse you in the essence of Tanzania’s natural marvels.

The expedition commences with a picturesque drive to the trailhead on the foothills of Mount Meru. The region is abundant in biodiversity, including an array of indigenous flora, colorful blossoms, and majestic trees. The air is invigorating and pure, instilling an initial sense of serenity as you ready yourself to investigate this unspoiled setting.

Where is Mount Meru waterfall?

I am still perplexed by the various names of the waterfalls near Mount Meru. I typically strive to provide precise information and Google Maps coordinates to facilitate your exploration; nevertheless, there are other waterfalls designated as Mount Meru Waterfall. My local guide informed me that it is referred to as Mount Meru Waterfall.

Upon conducting a Google Images search, I discovered 4-5 distinct waterfalls, all apparently bearing the same name, including the waterfall I encountered on the final day of the Mount Meru volcano trip. I will provide you with directions to the Mount Meru Waterfall I saw, which was undoubtedly worthwhile and reminiscent of Sekumpul Falls in Bali due to the immense force cascading at the base of the falls.

Mount Meru Waterfall is located within the Meru Conservation Area, situated directly above Themi Leisure Park. Accessing this region necessitates use a boda-boda (motorbike) to ascend the rugged, muddy incline. A tuk-tuk cannot transport you to that location. It is located one kilometer beyond Themi Leisure Park. To the left, a driveway ascends toward the entrance of the Meru Conservation Area.

The following indicates the location at the summit of Waterfall Road, where the entrance to the Meru Conservation Area is situated; however, this pin does not represent the precise entrance site as it is not available on Google Maps. Simply recall to proceed one kilometer beyond Themi Leisure Park, as indicated on Google Maps.

Permits and guide to Meru Waterfalls

Upon entering the Meru Conservation Area, you will encounter a ticketing booth where an entrance fee of $12 USD per person is required, and you will probably be approached by enthusiastic individuals offering their guiding services.

In this region, it is mandatory to have a guide, and although I am hesitant, I must concede that they are rather beneficial during this hike. Initially, there are no indications, and the route is not available on maps.me or any other mapping services. They additionally demonstrate the local perspectives and techniques to navigate certain rocks, stones, and steep segments of the trail.

The guide cost appears to be $15, which is relatively high for this little hike. They may attempt to persuade you to adopt two, but it is unnecessary; I believe it is merely to provide companionship for one another. Request a single guide and anticipate a cost of approximately $15 for it.

 

Guide to hike Meru Waterfalls

Following breakfast (between 8:00-8:30 am) at your volunteer residence or hotel in Arusha, the guide will collect you and commence the journey to Mount Meru. The entrance gate to Mount Meru Waterfalls is a one-hour drive from Arusha City Center. The waterfalls are situated beneath the incline of Tanzania’s second-highest mountain. We park the vehicle at the entrance gate, and the remainder of the day is dedicated to trekking. Upon completing registration at the entrance gate, you will commence your descent to Mount Meru Waterfall. This climb is of intermediate difficulty and aesthetically pleasing. Your aquatic footwear will be required. Upon appreciating the picturesque environment and the waterfall, having captured all your gorgeous photographs, you will commence your ascent up the mountain to the town. This half-day excursion will provide you the opportunity to explore the lifestyle of the local inhabitants residing in the mountains.

Price quotation

• 1 Person $ 60 USD / Person
• 2 Persons $ 45 USD / Person
• 3 Persons $ 35 USD / Person
• 4 Persons $ 30 USD / Person

Included

Village Fees, All activities (unless labeled as optional), A professional driver/guide, All local transportation, All Meals (as specified in the itinerary) and Drinks (1 bottled water)

Excluded

Water Shoes, Accommodation before and at the end of the tour, Tips form safari driver/guide and chief, Personal items, Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees

Mount Meru Waterfalls Hiking Experience

At the terminus of Waterfall Road, I procured a boda-boda and commenced the arduous, uneven ascent via Themi Leisure Park, ultimately arriving at the entrance of the Meru Conservation Area. Three enthusiastic young men greeted us at the door, all appearing ready to serve as our guides for the day. We remitted our permission fee at the gate office and subsequently commenced the Mount Meru Waterfall walk.

The path proceeds along a road before veering into the trees on the left. The absence of signs immediately indicated that this was a quintessential Tanzanian excursion necessitating the presence of a guide. In within minutes, we found ourselves enveloped in a verdant rainforest, where trees appeared to be overwhelmed by the density of ferns that blanketed the entire terrain.