Morogoro Uluguru Mountains: Hike to Choma Waterfall

Summary

A day hiking from Morogoro to Choma Waterfall—mud, laughter, and mountain air

Step out of Morogoro with a local guide and walk village trails into the Uluguru Mountains, meeting people along the way and cooling off at Choma Waterfall. Taste simple snacks, hear stories from your guide, and feel mountain air on your face—a day you’ll remember for its small moments as much as its scenery.

What’s the experience like?

We started moving before I’d really woken up, following our guide Musa past the faded government buildings at the end of Boma Road. He waved at a woman selling bananas—she handed me one without a word, just a nod. The dirt track climbed right away, red dust clinging to my shoes. I could hear kids laughing somewhere behind us, chasing each other between houses painted every color you can imagine. It was humid but not heavy, and the smell of wood smoke drifted from breakfast fires in the village.

The Uluguru Mountains don’t look as wild as I’d pictured—more like green waves rolling above Morogoro than jagged peaks. Still, the path got steeper fast. Musa pointed out tiny farms tucked into every patch of flat ground; he knew everyone we passed by name. At one point we stopped for water and he showed me how to say “asante” properly (I still probably messed it up). The forest thickened as we climbed, leaves brushing my arms, birds calling overhead—one sounded like it was laughing at us.

I didn’t expect Choma Waterfall to be so loud—the rush of water drowned out everything else for a minute. We sat on cool rocks and let the spray hit our faces. My legs were tired but in that good way where you know you’ve earned your lunch (which was just bread and fruit Musa packed, but tasted perfect). On the way back down, I slipped once in the mud and Musa just grinned—apparently that’s part of every day trip hiking in Morogoro. The sun broke through clouds for a second and lit up all the green around us; I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck inside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hiking Uluguru Mountains to Waterfalls

• Walk from Regional Administration buildings
• Hike through villages on dirt trail
• Visit Choma Waterfall

Top questions

How long does it take to hike from Morogoro to Choma Waterfall?

It usually takes about two to three hours on foot each way from Morogoro to Choma Waterfall.

Is this hike suitable for children?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; moderate fitness is needed due to steep trails.

Are service animals allowed on this hike?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this hike in the Uluguru Mountains.

What is included in the day trip hiking tour?

Bottled water and an environmental management charge (reef tax) are included in your tour.

Where does the hike start in Morogoro?

The path starts near the Regional Administration buildings about 3km south of Morogoro town center at Boma Road’s end.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water for the hike and coverage of environmental management fees; you’ll be guided by a local who knows every turn along these Uluguru Mountain trails before returning back down to Morogoro together.