Canoeing
Paddle across calm water, feeling the cool breeze and spotting Nile monitors along the banks.
Tanzania Lakes & Waterfalls
Lake Duluti
Tucked inside an ancient volcanic crater just outside Arusha, Lake Duluti is a peaceful world of shady forest, calm water and birdsong, with Kilimanjaro and Meru on the horizon.
- Location
- Tengeru, 14 km from Arusha
- Birdlife
- Over 130 species
- Elevation
- 1,290 m
- Best Time
- Year-round
Discover Lake Duluti
A peaceful crater lake on Arusha's doorstep.
Lake Duluti is a volcanic caldera lake in Meru (Arumeru district) of the Arusha region, on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley. It lies near the town of Tengeru, just 14 km from Arusha and 1.4 km south of the Arusha–Moshi road.
The lake covers about 0.6 km², around 63 hectares, with a length of about 1,100 metres, a width of about 730 metres and a depth of up to 9–15 metres. It lies at 1,290 metres above sea level, nested within an extinct crater whose formation is linked to Mount Meru, and is fed entirely by underground springs.
The crater walls rise around 200 metres and are covered by sub-montane forest, while a marshy papyrus area provides a refuge for many species. On clear days you can see Kilimanjaro and Meru from the shore.
Why Lake Duluti
Nature, calm and adventure just outside the city.
Lake Duluti is the perfect half-day or full-day escape from Arusha, whether you arrive, depart or rest between safaris.
A Birder's Hidden Gem
Over 130 species recorded, from waders and waterfowl to turacos, weavers and kingfishers.
Shady Forest Walks
A trail circles the lake through forest, cool enough to walk even in the heat of the day.
Mountain Views
Kilimanjaro and Meru tower above the lake on clear days.
Close to Arusha
Just 40 minutes from the city, ideal for a short trip at the start or end of a safari.
Location
Where is Lake Duluti?
Lake Duluti is near Tengeru, about 14 km east of Arusha city centre and 1.4 km south of the Arusha–Moshi road, so it can be reached easily on foot or by vehicle. It takes around 40 minutes to drive from Arusha, 1 to 1.5 hours from Kilimanjaro International Airport, about 30 km away, and 2 to 3 hours from Moshi, about 60–70 km away.
Day trips start and end in Arusha, Moshi or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
When to visit
When to visit Lake Duluti.
The climate varies with the season, but Lake Duluti is worth visiting all year round.
Dry Season
Cool, clear days with the best views of Kilimanjaro and Meru.
Short Rains
Lush forest and breeding birds, with weaver nests hanging over the papyrus.
Warm Dry Spell
Warm and mostly dry, perfect for canoeing and picnics.
Long Rains
Green and quiet, though the forest trail can be muddy.
What is the best month to visit Lake Duluti?
Every month has its appeal, with the dry season best for views and the rains for breeding birds.
Warm and mostly dry, ideal for canoeing.
Settled weather and clear morning views of Kilimanjaro.
Rains begin, bringing fresh greenery to the forest.
The wettest month, with a muddy trail but lush scenery.
Rains ease and the forest is at its greenest.
Cool, dry days perfect for the crater walk.
Crisp, clear mornings with fine mountain views.
Dry and pleasant, one of the best months to visit.
Excellent conditions for canoeing and birding.
Warm and clear before the short rains.
Short rains bring breeding colours to the papyrus.
Green and lively, with excellent birdwatching.
Explore the area
Things to do at Lake Duluti.
Visitors are free to choose the activity that suits them, from paddling to forest walks and quiet picnics.
On the waterCanoeingGet close to nature, passing Nile monitor nests or watching them swim away from your canoe.
Lake shoreBirdingLook for cormorants, egrets, weavers, turacos, robins and pigeons in the forest and papyrus.
Crater forestWalking TrailA shaded path circles the lake, with designated picnic sites for rests along the way.
Crater wallsCavesCaves among fig trees, ferns and Newtonia buchananii shelter monitors, agamas, skinks and snakes.
Wildlife
Wildlife in and around the crater.
With forest, open water and papyrus marsh, Lake Duluti offers ideal places for feeding, nesting and resting. At certain times of year the papyrus and reed mace are dotted with yellow, red and orange breeding birds, and woven nests hang over the water.
The forest and caves are home to monitors, agamas, skinks and snakes, while monkeys move through the trees.
9 animals to look for
Nile monitor
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Shoreline and water
Large lizards often seen swimming or basking near the canoe route.
1 / 9
Savanna monitor
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Caves and crater walls
A stockier monitor that shelters in the caves.
2 / 9
Agama lizard
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Rocks and caves
Colourful lizards that bask on rocks along the trail.
3 / 9
Vervet monkey
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Forest edges
Common around the picnic sites and forest edge.
4 / 9
Blue monkey
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Crater forest
Sometimes seen in the taller forest trees.
5 / 9
Cormorant
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Open water
Often seen diving for fish or drying their wings.
6 / 9
Weaver
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Papyrus and reed mace
Bright yellow birds that weave hanging nests over the water.
7 / 9
Turaco
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Forest canopy
A colourful forest bird with flashes of red in flight.
8 / 9
Egret
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Shallow edges
Elegant white birds that hunt along the papyrus margins.
9 / 9
A Morning on the Water
Canoeing in a crater.
Canoeing is the most popular way to enjoy Lake Duluti. You paddle out onto calm water surrounded by forested crater walls, feeling the cool breeze and listening to birds calling from the papyrus.
Nile monitors swim near the banks, and on clear days Kilimanjaro and Meru rise above the rim.
Safaris to 中文
Lake Duluti day trips
Half-day and full-day trips to Lake Duluti, ideal before or after a safari or climb.
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Usually replies within minutesHeritage
A sacred and sheltering place.
The caves around Lake Duluti have long been used by Christians and people of other faiths as places to pray and seek forgiveness. For some they are a refuge, for others sacred.
The forest around the lake is protected as a forest reserve, preserving its trees, birds and reptiles for future generations.
How far is Lake Duluti from Arusha?
About 14 km, or 40 minutes' drive.
Can I canoe on Lake Duluti?
Yes, canoeing is the most popular activity on the lake.
Is the walking trail difficult?
No, the path is shaded and not steep, with picnic sites for rests.
Can I see Kilimanjaro from the lake?
Yes, on clear days both Kilimanjaro and Meru can be seen.
Is Lake Duluti good for birding?
Yes, with over 130 species recorded.
What transport is used?
A Land Cruiser, 4x4 safari vehicle, HiAce or Coaster, depending on group size.
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