Arusha national park

A green jewel and home to the fourth highest mountain in Africa

ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

A green jewel and home to the fourth highest mountain in Africa – Mount Meru (4,566 m). Anyone visiting this park will be thrilled by the breathtaking landscapes ranging from the Meru Crater in the west, the Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east to the grasslands and of course the alkaline Momella lakes in the north-east.

This park is often overlooked by visitors, worried they will not see that much wildlife. However Arusha National Park has such a lot to offer and dazzles with a perfect mix of flora and fauna and diversified landscapes. Passing the “small Serengeti” during a game drive, you are likely to spot peaceful herds of buffaloes, shy bushbucks on the edge of the forest as well as warthogs and zebras. Heading towards the Ngurdoto Crater you will soon find yourself in a lush rainforest – a great place to spot the athletic black and white colobus monkey as well as the elegant mitis monkey. The Ngurdoto Crater is basically a smaller version of the Ngorongoro Crater and has a diameter of about 3 km. With a bit of luck you might even spot buffaloes in the swamps on the crater floor.

TRAVEL TIPS

  • An easy 40-minute drive from Arusha
  • Diverse fauna and flora
  • Montane forest filled with monkey, including the rare Colobus monkey
  • On a clear day, spectacular views of both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Mount Meru, which can be climbed (4-day, guided hike)
  • The beautifully-coloured alkaline Momela Lakes
  • Great view points and picnic sites
  • Guided walking tours
  • Canoeing
  • Prolific birdlife