Close to Arusha
Just 7–8 km from the city centre, the falls are only 20–30 minutes away by car, or about 2 hours on foot.
Tanzania Lakes & Waterfalls
Olgilai Waterfalls
An evergreen gorge on the slopes of Mount Meru, where a waterfall plunges about 100 metres into an ice-cold pool just a short drive from Arusha.
- Location
- 7–8 km north of Arusha
- Height
- About 100 m drop
- Getting There
- 20–30 min drive
- Best Time
- All year round
Discover Olgilai Waterfalls
Arusha's nearest waterfall, hidden in the foothills of Meru.
Olgilai Waterfall lies approximately 7 km north of Arusha city centre, in Arusha Region, at the foothills of Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain and a dormant stratovolcano. Opened and operated by the local government since 1973, it is the best-known waterfall close to Arusha town, and visitors can enjoy it at a relatively friendly cost.
The waterfall takes its name from the village in which it is found, but it was formerly known as Kiding'a Waterfall, after an old man who once lived in the village. Mount Meru is its chief source: the falls drop about 100 metres from top to bottom into a basin roughly 60 metres across, with a circumference of about 100 to 110 metres, and the flow rises and falls with the seasons depending on rainfall and mountain springs.
Nestled between rocks in an evergreen gorge, Olgilai is one of the best places for a day trip from Arusha to cool down and relax. The water is extremely cold, but swimming is possible for the brave, and the walk there leads through farms, forest and the villages of the Meru people.
Why Olgilai Waterfalls
Nature, culture and fresh mountain air close to town.
Olgilai is an easy and rewarding half-day or full-day excursion, ideal before or after a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb.
A Refreshing Swim
The pool at the base of the falls is fed by cold mountain water, perfect for a bracing dip on a warm day.
Village Walks
The trail passes cultivated farms and homesteads, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of the Wameru.
Mount Meru Views
On clear days the route gives beautiful views of Mount Meru rising above the green foothills.
Birds, Plants and Insects
The evergreen gorge is rich in plant species, birds, butterflies and other insects, with small mammals in the forest.
Good for Acclimatisation
A gentle hike in the foothills is a great way to stretch your legs before climbing Kilimanjaro or Meru.
Location
Where are Olgilai Waterfalls?
Olgilai Waterfalls are 7–8 km north of Arusha city centre on the lower slopes of Mount Meru. The drive takes 20–30 minutes by road, followed by a walk down into the gorge, or you can hike all the way from town in about 2 hours. Tours start and end in Arusha, at Kilimanjaro International Airport or in Moshi, with KIA about an hour's drive from Arusha and Moshi around an hour and a half.
Transport is arranged according to group size, from a 4WD safari vehicle to a Toyota Land Cruiser V8, HiAce minibus or Coaster bus, with a live English-speaking guide throughout.
When to visit
How the seasons change Olgilai.
Weather conditions around the waterfall vary greatly through the year, but it can be visited all year round.
Dry Season
Cool, clear and comfortable for hiking, with good views of Mount Meru. The waterfall's flow is lower but trails are dry and easy.
Short Rains
Showers boost the waterfall and turn the gorge lush and green; paths can be muddy after rain.
Warm Dry Spell
Warm days and a pleasant flow of water, ideal for a refreshing swim.
Long Rains
The falls are at their most powerful, but trails are slippery and good footwear is essential.
What is the best month to visit Olgilai Waterfalls?
Every month has its appeal: the rains bring the strongest flow, while the dry months offer the easiest walking.
Warm and fairly dry, a great month for a swim in the cold pool.
Warm days and a healthy flow of water through the gorge.
The long rains begin and the waterfall gains strength.
Usually the wettest month; the falls are powerful and the paths slippery.
Rains ease and the gorge is at its greenest.
Cool, dry weather perfect for hiking from Arusha.
Crisp mornings and clear views of Mount Meru.
Dry and comfortable, ideal for combining the falls with a village walk.
Clear skies and easy trails through the farms and forest.
Warmer days make the cold pool especially refreshing.
Short rains revive the falls and the green foothills.
Lush scenery and a lively flow of water before the festive season.
Explore the area
Explore the Olgilai area.
A visit combines the waterfall itself with the farms, forest and villages of the Mount Meru foothills.
The gorgeOlgilai Waterfall & PoolThe main falls, dropping about 100 metres between rocks into a wide, ice-cold pool surrounded by evergreen vegetation.
Foothill trailsThe Hiking RouteFootpaths from the road or from Arusha wind through the hills, offering a good half-day walk with plenty to see.
Village farmsWameru Farms & HomesteadsSmall farms growing bananas, coffee and vegetables, where you can learn about the Meru way of life.
ViewpointsMount Meru ViewsOpen spots along the trail reveal Mount Meru's slopes and summit when the clouds clear.
Forest edgesPlants, Birds & InsectsRich vegetation along the river attracts birds, butterflies and small animals.
Wildlife
Life in the evergreen gorge.
Olgilai is not a game-viewing destination, but the cool, green gorge and surrounding foothills support a surprising variety of plants and animals. Ferns, mosses and broad-leaved trees grow in the spray of the waterfall, and the river banks are alive with insects and butterflies.
Forest birds such as turacos, hornbills and sunbirds are often heard and seen, and small mammals including monkeys may be found in the trees on Mount Meru's lower slopes. A knowledgeable guide will point out medicinal plants and wildlife along the way.
8 animals to look for
Sunbirds
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Flowering plants along the trail
Colourful nectar-feeding birds flit between flowers in the farms and gardens.
1 / 8
Hartlaub's turaco
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Forest along the river
A striking green and red forest bird of Mount Meru's slopes.
2 / 8
Silvery-cheeked hornbill
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Tall trees in the foothills
A large hornbill often heard calling loudly from the canopy.
3 / 8
Butterflies
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Riverbanks and sunny clearings
Many species gather where the forest meets the farms.
4 / 8
Black-and-white colobus
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Forest patches on Meru's slopes
Occasionally seen in larger trees on the lower slopes of Mount Meru.
5 / 8
Blue monkey
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Forest edges
Sometimes seen feeding in trees near the river.
6 / 8
Chameleon
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Shrubs and hedges
Your guide may spot one of these masters of camouflage in the vegetation.
7 / 8
Bushbuck
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Thickets near the river
A shy forest antelope, rarely seen but present in quieter areas.
8 / 8
The Waterfall Swim
Cool off beneath a 100-metre cascade.
After walking down into the gorge, the sound of the falls grows louder until the waterfall appears, tumbling around 100 metres between dark rocks into a wide pool. The air is cool and full of spray, and the surrounding vegetation stays green all year.
The water is extremely cold, but a swim here is an exhilarating experience. Bring a towel, relax on the rocks and enjoy a picnic in one of the most peaceful spots near Arusha.
Safaris to 中文
Tours that include Olgilai Waterfalls
Day trips and short excursions from Arusha that visit Olgilai Waterfalls, perfect before or after a safari or climb.
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The story behind Olgilai Waterfalls.
The waterfall was once known as Kiding'a, after an old man who lived in the village, before taking the name of Olgilai village itself. It was opened to visitors and has been run by the local government since 1973, making it one of the longest-established attractions around Arusha.
The slopes of Mount Meru are home to the Wameru (Meru) people, Bantu-speaking farmers who grow bananas, coffee and vegetables on the fertile volcanic soils, and to the Arusha people, a Maa-speaking community. Water from the mountain's forests and springs sustains these farms, and protecting the catchment above the falls is vital for both the waterfall and the communities who depend on it.
How far is Olgilai Waterfall from Arusha?
About 7–8 km north of the city centre, or 20–30 minutes by car. You can also hike there in around 2 hours.
Can you swim at Olgilai Waterfall?
Yes. The water is extremely cold, but swimming in the pool at the base of the falls is possible and very refreshing.
How high is the waterfall?
The falls drop about 100 metres from top to bottom into a pool around 60 metres across.
Is the hike difficult?
No, it is a moderate walk suitable for most reasonably fit travellers, though the paths can be steep and slippery near the falls.
Can I visit all year round?
Yes. The waterfall is at its strongest in the rainy seasons, while the dry season offers the easiest walking.
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with grip, swimwear, a towel, water, sun protection and a light rain jacket.
Where do tours start?
Tours can start and end in Arusha, at Kilimanjaro International Airport or in Moshi.
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Let Gip Adventure take you into the green foothills of Mount Meru for a refreshing day at Olgilai Waterfalls.