LAKE DULUTI
FOREST RESERVE
ECO-TOURISM CENTRE
This forest reserve covers an area of submontane forest surrounding the lake. It is situated at 3.23’S and 6.47’E, 12km from Arusha City via Arusha Moshi Road west of Tengeru settlement, at an altitude of 1260 meters above sea level. The reserve covers the inner slopes of a small crater around Lake Duluti on the southern foothills of Mount Meru. The forest has good scenery with wonderful huge trees of 53 species. It rims around the Lake Duluti and acts as a protective shied against erosion and siltation as well as water catchments. Walking around one can observe the ecology of this forest, widespread vegetation species, their names and their social-economic important i.e. uses by local communities including traditional medicines. This forest also is a habitant of small animals and birds where about 50 bird species have been recorded, and a good number of amphibians and reptiles are found in the lake.
Refresh your mind with aquatic games.
Lake Duluti is a wonder full crater lake, as its waters appear green due to reflection of forest vegetation around it. Apart from ground flows and forest catchment, it is supplemented by underground flows. It covers 62 ha with its deepest point of 700m. The water is cool with low currents thus suitable for canoeing and spot fishing activities. The Lake is also reached in biodiversity with various species of fish, amphibians and retiles. Walking along the lakeshores one can see an amazing floating island of Cyprus, papyrus plants, and beautiful birds swimming on the water. The lake is the home of monitor lizards. The lake is free from crocodiles and other dangerous big animals. We offer canoeing and sport fishing with safety gear.
Enjoy and make yourself at home here.
The forest has good ground where we offer camping services at natural environment, thus campers are advised to bring their camping facilities. There are also view points where you can see Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa.
Come and See more than what you expected!
Lake Duluti, like other Crater lakes, was formed as a result of volcanic activities that caused a breaking of earth crust and sinking of part of the formerly volcanic bill below the water table, resulting in the lake. You can see signs of the phenomenon if you visit Lake Duluti Forest Reserve and observe structures and topography of extensive rock wall with caves which people regard as a Holy site for worshiping.
Do you know what happened here in the past?
History ! There is a historical era when the Polish refugees found their way to Africa to research their lives. They stayed about ten thousand years and moved with their properties, including cattle. They settled at Nairobi Kenya, but they did not find good pasture land for their livestock. Later on they decided to move to Tanzania (Tanganyika by that time). Tengeru Arusha was found to be their best place to settle. They mined stone slates from Duluti Forest Reserve from construction of their settlements and then established agriculture and forestry Training Institute which later on changed to a Livestock Training Institute to date. Around 1942 there was an out-break in the area of malaria and influenza. Since the refugees had not adapted to the tropical environment, they were vulnerable to the diseases, and many of them died and were buried at the site. Some of those who survived went back to Poland, while others secured Tanzanian citizenship and continued their life in Tanzania. The Cemetery now is a Polish historical site managed by the Polish Embassy of Tanzania. One can also see the stone quarry when visiting Lake Duluti Forest Reserve.
Polish refugees found their way to Tanzania, and the Polish Emabassy of Tanzania now manages a Polish Cemetary as an official historical site.
