Day trip

Lake Duluti Canoeing & Walking Day Trip

Arusha, Lake Duluti, Arusha

Duration: Full day
Departs from: Arusha hotels
Activity level: Easy
Best season: Year-round

your journey

Overview

Lake Duluti is a small crater lake near Tengeru, just east of Arusha, set in a ring of forest that is protected as a forest reserve. It is a quiet, green place only a short drive from town, and on a clear day Mount Meru stands over the water to the north.

The day combines two gentle activities. With a local guide you paddle a canoe across the calm lake, watching for fish eagles, kingfishers, cormorants and herons along the shore, then walk the trail that circles the lake through the forest, where monkeys and monitor lizards are sometimes seen.

It is an easy outing for a rest day between a climb and a safari, or for the morning before an evening flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Your specialist will fit it around the rest of your plans.

Who it suits

Travellers staying in Arusha with a few free hours, families, birdwatchers and anyone who wants some gentle exercise in fresh air. No canoeing experience is needed; your guide shows you how to paddle.

Parks visited

what makes it special

Highlights

Paddle a canoe across a quiet crater lake
Walk the forest trail that circles the lake
Fish eagles, kingfishers and other waterbirds
Views of Mount Meru on clear days
Close to Arusha, so little time in the car

day by day

The itinerary

Your driver collects you from your hotel in Arusha and takes the main road east towards Moshi. After a short drive you turn off near Tengeru and follow a small road through farms and village gardens to the forest around Lake Duluti. At the lakeside your local guide introduces the reserve, explains how the crater formed and gives you a short paddling lesson before you pick up your canoe.

You paddle out onto the calm water, keeping close to the reed beds and overhanging trees where the birds feed. Your guide points out fish eagles perched on dead branches, pied and malachite kingfishers, cormorants drying their wings and herons stalking the shallows. Out in the middle of the lake the forest closes in around you and, when the clouds lift, Mount Meru appears above the crater rim. Paddle at your own pace and stop whenever you like.

Back on shore you set off on the trail that loops around the lake through the forest reserve. The path rises and dips along the crater slopes, with roots underfoot and views back across the water. Look out for monkeys in the canopy, butterflies in the clearings and monitor lizards sunning themselves on the rocks by the shore. After the walk your driver takes you back to your hotel in Arusha.

Overnight: Returns to Arusha, no overnight

in pictures

Gallery

the price

What is included

Included

Return transfer from your Arusha hotel
Canoe hire and a paddling lesson
Local guide for the canoeing and the forest walk
Forest reserve entry fee
Drinking water

Not included

Meals, unless arranged in advance
Tips for your guide and driver
Personal expenses

Prices

Price on request

before you ask

Common questions

Most of our day trips start with a pick-up from your hotel. The Materuni Waterfalls and coffee farm trip includes a return transfer from Moshi. If you are staying in Arusha or elsewhere, ask your specialist about pick-up times and any extra cost.

The walk is easy to moderate and suits most people in reasonable health. The path to the waterfall goes down steps into a gorge and can be muddy and slippery after rain, so the walk back up takes a little effort. Your guide sets a gentle pace.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a light rain jacket. For Materuni, pack a swimsuit and towel if you would like to swim in the pool below the falls, and a little cash for tips or souvenirs.

Yes. Many climbers visit Materuni the day before they start their Kilimanjaro climb, or on the day after they come down. Your specialist can fit any day trip around your climb or safari dates.

Yes, families are welcome on our day trips. Tell us your children's ages when you enquire, and your specialist will advise whether a trip suits them, for example how long the walking sections are.

Enquire

Ask about this itinerary

Every AAA Express Adventure trip can be changed to suit you: the pace, the lodges, the number of days. Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and our team in Arusha will come back to you with a plan and a price.

Your journey

Price on request

Full day