Background

The most prominent landmark in Arusha is Mt Meru. Ngurdoto Crater is another highlight not to be missed. With its forested walls, the 400m-/1,300ft-deep extinct volcano is often described as a mini Ngorongoro. And no visit to the park is complete without a drive around the Momela Lakes. Flocks of flamingos usually make for some great photo opportunities, and on a clear day a backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro completes the scene.

There are lots of exciting activities on offer aside from game drives and walking safaris. Climbing Mt Meru is an excellent way to acclimatize for Mt Kilimanjaro. You might even enjoy it more. Tanzania’s second-highest mountain is blissfully uncrowded and you’re likely to see some wildlife along the way. Other activities include canoeing on the Momela Lakes, guided mountain biking and a scenic half-day hike into Meru Crater.

 

 

Destination Highlights

Arusha National Park is the ‘odd one out’ in Tanzania’s Northern safari circuit – of the Big Five, only buffalo is regularly seen. There are plenty of photographic opportunities though. You’ll see large groups of giraffes walking in front of Mt Meru, troops of monkeys swinging between trees and hippos bobbing up and down in the Momela Lakes. Arusha National Park is home to many forest-dwelling animals not often encountered in northern Tanzania, including blue monkey and Kilimanjaro colobus. You’ll see many bushbuck. Also keep an eye out for Harvey’s red duiker and suni – these unusual antelope thrive in the park’s primary forest. The only large predators are leopard and spotted hyena, but you might see a serval or even an African wild cat.

Arusha National Park should be on every bird-watcher's itinerary in Tanzania. Over 400 species recorded in such a small park is quite an impressive count. The Momela Lakes are great for waterbirds: flamingos, pelicans, little grebes, a variety of herons and ducks are all common. Augur buzzard, Verreaux's eagle and other cliff-associated raptors can often be seen flying above Ngurdoto Crater. Migratory birds are present from November to April.