When the frantic rush of Moshi’s chaos and clatter all becomes too much, and you need to get back to nature, Napuru Waterfalls awaits.
A serene, green vista, far from the madding crowds, Napuru Falls offers a pristine nature walk with rural views, glimpses of the simple lifestyle of the Arusha-Maasai people and Meru tribe living on the lower slopes of the ever-watchful guardian of Arusha Town, Mount Meru.
A perpetual waterfall, fed from melting glacier and snow high on the peaks of Tanzania’s second tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Meru, Napuru Falls forged its way during the last century to quickly become a popular day trip for locals and visitors to the Arusha and Moshi regions.
High on the lush green mountain slopes, the drive in from the Arusha-Moshi main road takes you on a steep, rugged “track” approximately 8 kilometers to the welcoming canopy of the Casuarina Forest, home of the peaceful Eco-Tourism, Meru Camp.
Camping guests and day visitors can enjoy a range of activities including zip line, quad bikes, hiking and of course the magical, fern glade waterfall trek.
Payment of a modest entrance and guide fee, your trek takes you just a little higher through the swaying casuarinas and wild raspberry bushes, laden with succulent red berries, before the steep, zig zagging descent to the riverbed deep in the gorge below.
Shaded by vast Mahogony trees, native frangipanni, and lush tree ferns, home to playful monkey families and the noisy Turaco birds feeding high in the treetops, the riverbed is scattered with rounded rocks said to be deposited from past volcanic eruptions and kept cool by overhanging vines, creepers and maiden hair ferns flourishing in the damp, mossy walls of the gorge.
The un-spoilt walk into the falls follows the sparkling flow of water through inviting rock pools, steppingstone crossings, open sundrenched spaces, and cool, dark fern glades until your first breathtaking glimpse of the waterfall, vivid and bright in the afternoon sun with its steam like cloud hanging in the air. Napuru, steam or cloud in the local language of those who enjoyed this magical place first.
An invigorating dip in the icy waters is the visitor’s choice, however the drenching spray from the falls in the wet season can be cooling enough before commencing the return trek and steep 280 steps uphill climb.
Pre ordered traditional lunch can be enjoyed at the Meru Camp site on completion of 2 hour round trek. Day tours by arrangement through the Lion King Homestay with reliable tour drivers.
Napuru Falls is just one of the amazing experiences you can have on holiday in Tanzania. To read more about the experiences and things you can do while holidaying in the area please visit our Cultural Experiences Page.
For information about the Lion King Homestay your Tanzanian home away from home, placing you in the heart of African life, please visit our Lion King Homestay Experience.
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