Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania's smallest national parks at 552 square kilometres, but it packs an unusual variety of landscapes into a compact area: the Ngurdoto Crater (a smaller collapsed caldera), the Momella Lakes - a series of shallow alkaline lakes with flamingos and other waterbirds - and the slopes of Mount Meru, Tanzania's second highest peak at 4,566 metres. Located less than 30 minutes from Arusha city, it is the most accessible park for visitors based in Arusha and is the only park in Tanzania's northern circuit that offers walking safaris with armed rangers. Wildlife includes black-and-white colobus monkeys, buffalo, giraffe, warthog, zebra, and waterbuck.
Arusha National Park is the only park in Tanzania's northern circuit where walking safaris are permitted. A walk with an armed ranger allows you to approach wildlife on foot, read animal tracks, and engage with the landscape at a pace and level of detail that is not possible from a vehicle. The walks typically last 2-4 hours and take place in the Momella area or on the lower Meru slopes. Advance booking is required.
The Momella Lakes are a series of seven shallow, alkaline lakes fed by underground springs. Each lake has a slightly different mineral composition, which produces different colours and attracts different waterbirds. Lesser flamingos use the lakes when conditions are suitable. The lakes are best viewed in the early morning when the light is low and wildlife is active along the shores.
Mount Meru (4,566 m) is a significant climb in its own right and is often used as an acclimatisation trek before a Kilimanjaro attempt. The summit route takes 3-4 days and passes through montane forest rich in colobus monkeys before reaching the dramatic ash cone crater and the sharp summit pinnacle. Day hikes on the lower slopes are also possible without committing to the full summit route.
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Tanzania tour operator based in Moshi, Kilimanjaro. We arrange safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs, Zanzibar holidays, and day trips.
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