This park has 3 distinctive zones: Ngurdoto Crater (often referred toas the 'mini-Ngorongoro'); the shallow alkaline Momella Lakes fed by underground water streams (upon which rest thousands of lesser and greater flamingos, and many migrant birds which can be seen around May to October); and the heavily forested slopes of Mount Meru - one of the gratifying mountains to hike in Africa. Among other animal species, live blue monkeys and beautiful black and white Columbus monkeys). Other wildlife attractions in the park include the elephant, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, hippo, various antelopes, leopard and hyena.

The park lies some 21 kilometres from Arusha on the main Arusha - Moshi road. A network of gravel roads and tracks passable by two wheel-drive vehicle link the park's main features and viewing points. Nonetheless, a few of the roads require 4WD vehicles.

The adjoining national park to Arusha town – northern Tanzania’s safari city – Arusha National Park is a multi-faceted jewel, often disregarded by safari travellers, in spite of offering the prospect to explore a enthralling assortment of habitats within a few hours. Arusha National park Offers a good one day destination for guests with little time on their hands.

The entry leads into obscure montane forest occupied by probing blue monkeys and colourful turacos and trogons – the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey can be easily seen. At the heart of the forest stands the stunning Ngurdoto Crater, whose vertical, rocky cliffs surround a wide swampy floor speckled with herds of warthog and buffalo.

Further on the northern side, undulating grassy hills encircle the serene beauty of the Momela Lakes, each one dotting a special shade of green or blue. The shores sometimes tinged pink with hundreds of flamingos, the lakes sustain a rich mixture of resident and migrant water fowl, and hairy waterbucks exhibit their hefty lyre-shaped horns on the watery outer edges. Giraffes slither gracefully across the grassy hills in between grazing herds of zebra, while pairs of wide-eyed dik-dik dart into the scrubby bushes like overgrown hares on spindly legs.

Although elephants are infrequent in Arusha National Park, and lions lacking altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen moving around in the early morning and late afternoon hours. It is also at sunset and dawn that the veil of cloud on the eastern horizon is most likely to clear, revealing the majestic snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, only 50km (30 miles) distant.
Mount Meru - the fifth highest in Africa standing at 4,566 meters (14,990 feet) dominates the park’s horizon. Its peaks and eastern foot slopes sheltered within the national park, Meru offers unparalleled views of its famous neighbour – Mt. Kilimanjaro, while also forming a worthwhile hiking destination.

Going through the wooded savannah where buffalos and giraffes are commonly encountered, the climb of Mt. Meru leads into forests passionate with red-hot pokers and dripping with Spanish moss, before reaching the high open moor spiked with giant lobelias. Gorgeous flowers hug the alpine desert, as delicately-hoofed klipspringers mark the hike’s advancement. Across the rocky pinnacle, Kilimanjaro stands uncovered, glittering in the sunrise.

About Arusha National Park
Size: 552 sq km 212 sq miles).
Location: Northern Tanzania, northeast of Arusha town..

Getting there
An easy 40-minute drive from Arusha. Approximately 60 km (35 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The lakes, forest and Ngurdoto Crater can all be visited in the course of a half-day outing at the beginning or end of an extended northern safari.
NOTE: Mountain Climbing Permits duration time is 12 HOURS.

What to do
Forest walks, numerous picnic sites;
three- or four-day Mt Meru climb - good acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro.

When to go
To climb Mt Meru, June-February although it may rain in November.
Best views of Kilimanjaro December-February.

Accommodation
Two lodges, two rest houses, camp sites, two mountain huts inside the park; more lodges at Usa River outside the park and many hotels and hostels in Arusha town.