Arusha National Park

At 550sq kilometres, Arusha National Park is one of the smallest in Tanzania and without some of the big game on offer in the larger, more well known parks, it remains largely unknown and is generally disregarded by safari-goers.

Situated on the north eastern outskirts of Arusha itself and ranging up to include the peak and surrounding slopes of Mount Meru, the park encompasses 2 craters and the many small bodies of water that together make up the Momela Lakes. Although elephants are scarce and lions non-existent, visitors will find plenty of buffalo, giraffe, zebra and waterbuck grazing on the lush slopes. Colobus monkeys are also abundant and leopards and spotted hyenas can occasionally be seen.

Arusha National Park is an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter experience of the African bush, with opportunities for gentle day walks, picnics, birding and kayaking, all in the exceptional surroundings of Mount Meru’s forested inclines, picturesque lakes and spectacular craters.

For those wishing to summit 4,566 metre Mount Meru itself, the 3 or 4 day trek can be easily arranged with one of the many tour operators in the area. This is an excellent way to acclimatise for Mount Kilimanjaro and when the clouds break up (most usually around dawn and dusk) they reveal breathtaking views of Africa’s highest peak which lies just 50 kilometers due east across the savanna.

Accommodation within the park consists of 2 lodges, 2 rest houses, camp sites and 2 mountain huts with a number of other lodges in the surrounding area. Numerous hotels and guesthouses can also be found in Arusha, an easy 45 minute drive away, traffic permitting.