1-Day Uluguru Mountains & Choma Waterfalls Hike

This day trip is the easiest way to see the Uluguru Mountains, which rise straight above the town of Morogoro. You travel from Dar es Salaam on the electric SGR train, meet your guide at Morogoro station and walk into the mountains on forest and farm paths to Choma Waterfalls, passing hillside villages on the way. It costs $450 per person.

The Ulugurus are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, an ancient chain whose forests are home to many plants and animals found nowhere else, including the rare Uluguru bushshrike. The slopes are farmed by the Luguru people, and your guide explains their way of life, crops and traditions as you walk.

The walk suits families and anyone looking for a gentle hike. With more time, combine the Ulugurus with a safari in Mikumi on our 3-day Mikumi and Uluguru family tour.

It is a moderate walk of a few hours in total on uneven paths, with some steep sections. Most reasonably fit adults and active children manage it comfortably, and your guide sets a pace that suits your group. The paths can be slippery after rain.

For a tougher challenge, the Uluguru Mountains also have higher peaks such as Lupanga and Bondwa, both over 2,100 metres. They are full-day or overnight hikes; ask us if you would like to add one.

The early express train usually leaves Dar es Salaam at 6:00 AM, and trains are often full, so we book your seats in advance. Train times change from time to time; we confirm yours when we book. If you are coming from Zanzibar, we can book your flight or ferry to Dar es Salaam too (not included in the price).

Yes. The train ride is a highlight in itself for children, drives between the sights are short compared with the northern circuit, and the pace leaves time to rest. We adapt walking distances to your children's ages and fitness.

• Tell us your children's ages when you book, so we can plan the right walks and rooms
• Pack sun hats, closed shoes and a light rain jacket for each child
• Ask us about prices for children and family rooms

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip, and sandals for the evenings
• Light clothing in layers, plus a warm top for cool mornings and evenings
• A light rain jacket, especially from November to May
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent
• Swimwear if you would like to swim at a waterfall pool
• A small daypack, a refillable water bottle and binoculars
• Your passport for the train, and some cash in Tanzanian shillings for tips and small purchases

Waterfalls are at their fullest after the rains, while game viewing in Mikumi is best in the dry season, when animals gather near water.

All of our Morogoro tours start in Dar es Salaam with the SGR train, so they work as a family holiday on their own or as an extension after Zanzibar, a northern safari or a Kilimanjaro climb.

Every tour costs $450 per person per day. See all of them on our Morogoro tours page.