This national park lies about 37km east of Arusha town. It is therefore the closest national park to the safari capital of Tanzania with an area of 137 sq. km, It is a popular destination for day trip visitors who are about to embark from the town of Arusha on longer northern circuit safaris. The diverse landscape holds everything from dense jungle to roaring rivers. Arusha National Park offers many attractions include Arusha Waterfall and Ngurdoto Crater. While the latter is only three kilometers across, it is so reminiscent of Ngorongoro Crater. Lower down, as you move towards the Maasai steppe, you come across the alcaline Momella Lakes. Canoeing here is a great way to get closer to the pink Flamingo that feed in the shallows. The peace of these waters leaves one with a sense of true serenity. And, of course, the majestic Mount Meru which at 4566 meters is the fifth highest in Africa – is a popular destination for those who enjoy the challenge of climbing. The magnificent views of the Kilimanjaro valley that open from this mountain will further enhance this experience.
Wildlife Highlights
Animals you will spot on a safari here include giraffe, zebra, cape buffalo, waterbuck, dik-dik, warthog, the black and white colobus monkey, the blue monkey, elephants, leopards, and lions have also been known to hang out here as well although they are not commonly seen. Birdlife here is prolific, more than 400 species of birds have been recorded in the park including Eurasian migrants and other many species like the narina trogon and bar-tailed trogon which are not common in many other areas.
What to do
Walking safari, climbing Mount Meru, game drives to Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella lakes. At dawn or late afternoon one can see Mt. Kilimanjaro quite clearly.
When to go
Year around
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.