Arusha National Park

Just 32 km away from the town of Arusha National park which was described by sir Julian Huxley as”a gem amongst parks.”it consist of three spectacular features, the Momela lakes, ,Mount Meru and the Ngurdoto crater.

On clear days magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen from almost any part of the park. The vegetation and wildlife varies with the topography which ranges from forest to swamp. The park is famous for it 575 species of birdlife both migrant and resident, and black and white colobus monkey –the only place they may be see on the Northern Circuit. Elephant are rare and lion absent altogether, but other animals frequently seen in the park are baboon, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, hyena, warthog, zebra and a wide range of antelope species including dikdik and waterbuck. Leopard are ever-present but, as always, difficult to find. An area of adjoining land was recently incorporated into the park increasing its size to 550 sq km. Tourist attractions include canoe safaris on the Momela lakes, walking safaris around the rim of the Ngurudoto crater, and three or four days climbs of Mount Meru –good acclimatization for Kilimanjaro.

Getting there: a short drive from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport