Navuru Waterfall, Arusha

The Navuru Waterfall (aka Arusha Waterfall) hike is a gorgeous (approx. 6 km) walk near the base of Mount Meru. I explored it with Moses (local guide) and Elisa. 

It begins with a stroll through the suburbs of Arusha city and then a rather steep ascent for 1 km or so. Your reward, a great view of the city.

As the terrain flattens, you pass through more rural areas 

with local farmers carrying crops home,

goats scattered along the road eating who-knows-what,

potato farms,

and views of Mount Meru Forest Reserve.

Just before reaching the park entrance, the terrain changes and you quickly realize you are in the rainforest, descending the treacherous and slippery slope to the river below.

 For those who may need assistance, local children offer their hand to assist you down the trail and with the numerous river crossings (Really, you don't have much of a choice. They grab your hands and follow you no matter what and then pester you for a tip at the end).

The walk upriver requires a lot of crossing back and forth so it can be wet, but it's beautiful at every turn. The greens are so green.

You pass a couple smaller waterfalls,

maneuver over and around some boulders, 

and then there it is through the forest... Navuru Waterfall!

You can't escape the mist and the water is very, very cold. This little guy doesn't seem to mind it.

While it may have been too cold to go all the way in, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to climb up the rocks and go behind/under the waterfall.

 

On the return trip, I took more time to enjoy my surroundings. This chameleon didn't want its picture taken, but I managed to get something.

On the other hand, the blue monkey was very cooperative.

On each climbing break on the way back out of the canyon, there was beauty to be seen.

Click here to see more photos of Navuru Waterfall.