Gip Adventure · Tanzania · Day Trips
Olgilai Waterfalls Day Trip
Hike through farms and forest on the slopes of Mount Meru to a 100 m waterfall, just outside Arusha.
- Mount Meru Foothills
- 1 Day
- Hiking Day Trip
Tour overview
Arusha's nearest waterfall, hidden among the rocks below Mount Meru.
Olgilai Waterfall lies about 7 km north of Arusha city centre, at the foot of Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest stratovolcano. It is named after the village around it, but was once known as Kiding'a Waterfall, after an old man who lived in the village. The local government took charge of it in 1973. As the closest well-known waterfall to Arusha, it is a popular and affordable day trip.
Mount Meru is the main source of the waterfall, which drops about 100 m from top to bottom into a pool some 60 m across and 100–110 m round. The flow rises and falls with the season, depending on rainfall and the mountain springs. Set among rocks and evergreen plants, it is a peaceful place to cool off and unwind. The water is extremely cold, but swimming is possible.
The walk shows you everyday life on Meru's lower slopes: cultivated farms, many kinds of plants and animals, insects, small mammals and birds, views of Mount Meru, and a chance to learn about the Wameru way of life. The weather changes with the season, but the waterfall can be visited all year.
- Start date
- Daily departures from Arusha, Moshi or KIA
- Duration
- 1 day
- Tour plan
- Customizable itinerary
- Transport
- 4x4 safari vehicle, HiAce, Coaster or Toyota V8, depending on group size; on foot to the falls
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch & snacks
- Language
- English
Your route
From Arusha into the foothills of Mount Meru
Olgilai is 7–8 km north of Arusha city centre: about 20–30 minutes by road, or around 2 hours on foot through the farms and villages of Meru's lower slopes.
Day by day
Your day, step by step
Open each day to see the route, the safari experience and where you will sleep in each accommodation level.
Day01Olgilai Waterfall hike on the slopes of Mount Meru
Your guide collects you in Arusha, Moshi or at KIA. From Arusha city centre the waterfall is just 7–8 km away by road, a drive of 20–30 minutes. The full approach on foot takes about 2 hours, leading you up through the villages and countryside of Meru's foothills.
As you hike, your guide points out the cultivated farms, the plants and trees of the mountain slopes, and the insects, mammals and birds that live among them. Where the views open up, Mount Meru rises above you. Along the way you visit the Wameru, the people of Meru, to learn about their way of life.
At the falls, the water drops about 100 m into a rocky, evergreen pool. Take time to rest, take photographs and, if you're brave, swim in the icy water before enjoying your lunch. Afterwards you head back down and return to your starting point.
Safari details
What is included in your safari
IncludedWhat is included
- Entrance fees
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Mineral water
- Snacks
- Transport
- All transfers as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide
Not includedWhat is not included
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal activities
Safari pricing
Price on request
Prices depend on your dates, group size and accommodation level. Tell us your plans and we will send an exact quote, usually within the hour.
Comfortable, well-run lodges and tented camps with great locations and real value.
Quote for SilverPremium lodges and camps with more space, better views and a touch of style.
Quote for GoldThe finest luxury lodges and camps, exceptional service and the best locations.
Quote for PlatinumStart planning
Ready to make this safari yours?
Send us your dates, group size and preferred accommodation level and we will tailor Olgilai Waterfalls Day Trip to your plans. No booking fees, and a real person replies, usually within the hour.
Guest experiences
What our travellers say
5.0 · Reviews on Tripadvisor, all rated 5 out of 5
- ★★★★★
Credits Gipson’s calm pacing and constant check-ins on summit night for getting the group to the top of Kilimanjaro.
- ★★★★★
Four friends took the 7-day Machame Route, were checked on regularly for their health, and all four reached the summit.
- ★★★★★
Climbed Kilimanjaro in 2017 and Mount Meru in 2019 with Gipson, then kept coming back to Tanzania with friends and family. Felt safe as a solo hiker.
- ★★★★★
A family of six climbed Kilimanjaro, trusted Gipson’s calls on health and weather, and now want to tackle Mount Meru with him.
- ★★★★★
Gipson led a group of friends to the top of Kilimanjaro. The trip was well organised and his passion for it showed.
- ★★★★★
Rain turned to snow on the climb, but the team kept everyone fed, monitored oxygen levels, and got them to the summit.
- ★★★★★
Felt safe on every day of the Kilimanjaro hike and was confident of summiting in Gipson’s care. Found him funny and knowledgeable.
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