Arusha National Park

Just a short drive from Arusha town—northern Tanzania’s safari hub—Arusha National Park is a hidden gem on the safari circuit, offering a stunning variety of habitats within a few hours. The entrance opens into a shadowy montane forest, home to inquisitive blue monkeys, vibrant turacos, and trogons. This is also the only place on the northern safari route where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey can be easily spotted. Nestled in this forest is the impressive Ngurdoto Crater, with steep cliffs surrounding a lush, marshy floor where herds of buffalo and warthogs roam.

To the north, rolling hills encircle the serene Momela Lakes, each with its own unique green or blue hue. The shallows of these lakes are often touched with pink from thousands of flamingos, and they attract a wide variety of resident and migratory waterfowl. Along the shores, waterbucks display their impressive lyre-shaped horns. Giraffes can be seen moving gracefully across the hills between herds of zebras, while shy dik-diks dart into the bushes like large hares on spindly legs. Although elephants are rare and lions are absent, leopards and spotted hyenas can occasionally be spotted in the early morning and late afternoon. At dawn and dusk, clouds often clear to reveal the breathtaking, snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, only 50 km (30 miles) away.

However, it is Kilimanjaro’s lesser-known sibling, Mount Meru—Africa’s fifth highest peak at 4,566 meters (14,990 feet)—that dominates the park’s horizon. Its peaks and eastern foothills are protected within the park, making Meru both a rewarding hiking destination and a fantastic viewpoint for Kilimanjaro. The climb up Meru passes through wooded savannah frequented by buffalo and giraffes, then ascends through forests filled with red-hot pokers and draped with Spanish moss, eventually reaching open heathlands dotted with giant lobelias. Alpine desert flora, including everlasting flowers, clings to the rocky slopes, where klipspringers occasionally appear. From Meru’s summit, Kilimanjaro emerges in full view, glowing in the light of sunrise.

About Arusha National ParkSize: 552 sq km 212 sq miles).

Location: Northern Tanzania, northeast of Arusha town..

Getting thereAn easy 40-minute drive from Arusha.Approximately 60 km (35 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport.NOTE: Mountain Climbing Permits duration time is 12 HOURS.

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

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

AccommodationTwo 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.