Approximately one kilometer from Arumeru Lodge, the Usa rainforest is home to natural springs which provide highly valuable drinking water for the entire region. This forest can be discovered through an easy walk, with a ranger. Even though human settlements are close, the forest is home to a large biodiversity and guests can usually enjoy close encounters with wildlife such as colobus monkeys, velvet and blue monkeys as well as a good number of bird species.

Since villagers are constantly collecting firewood the forest is under threat of deforestation.
Arumeru supports the protection and conservation of the Usa forest by donating 50% of the tour fees to secure the salary of the rangers. Since 2011 our guests can join the tree planting project by planting an indigenous tree seedling which is then grown at the lodge.

It takes about 30 minutes by foot from the lodge to traditional Usa village. Arumeru has established partnerships with the village council and supports orphans through the Usa River Children Center by donating 5 $ for each guest staying at the lodge.

The village dispensary and the local anti-malaria program have been supported and Arumeru provides financial help to the rehabilitation center for handicapped children.

All three facilities can be visited during the village wal

Near Arumeru lodge, in Nkoaranga, a group of 25 families produce high-quality organic coffee: it takes about 3 hours to find out all about this very inspiring project. The project is based on a new coffee variety that can be grown without pesticides. "Wild Tracks" purchases the beans at a fair trade price and roasts them in a small roasting factory. Then, Arumeru purchases this coffee which is served at the lodge and sold in our gift shop.

Only 15 km (30 minutes' drive on a rough uphill road) from Arumeru lodge, the Agape women's group is dedicated to farming on the slopes of Mount Meru. The visit includes a farm lunch and a 2 hour hiking tour to the top of Lemala hill from where guests can enjoy stunning views over Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru.

In Tengeru, our neighboring village, lake Duluti is a small crater lake surrounded by rain forest vegetation. A lovely trail circles around the lake and this easy walking itinerary can be done within 1.5 to 2 hours. Guests are accompanied by a ranger who explains the abundant wildlife.