Arusha National Park
Gateway to Northern Safaris from Arusha
Arusha National Park is a favorite day trip destination for travelers setting out from the bustling safari hub of Arusha. Though compact, the park encompasses an impressive range of landscapes, including the slopes and summit of Mount Meru, the scenic Momela Lakes, and the crater of Ngurdoto. A visit often begins with quiet game viewing around the lakes or exploring the lush highland forest, where many stop to look for black-and-white colobus monkeys in the treetops. Its close proximity to Arusha town makes the park ideal for a short escape into the wilderness before heading to longer northern circuit safaris.
Climbing Mount Meru and Scenic Day Hikes
Hiking is a highlight of Arusha National Park, especially the trek to Mount Meru’s summit. This three-day climb is less crowded and, according to some, more demanding than Kilimanjaro. For those not tackling the full ascent, the lower slopes offer gentler trails through ancient fig tree forests and past waterfalls fed by mountain streams. These day hikes provide a peaceful and scenic alternative, allowing visitors to spot wildlife like colobus monkeys without strenuous effort. Whether choosing the full climb or a relaxed forest walk, the natural beauty and tranquility of Mount Meru’s foothills are a memorable part of the park experience.
A Hidden Gem Among Northern Tanzania’s Parks
Despite being the closest national park to Arusha, Arusha National Park is often bypassed by tourists in favor of larger safari destinations. However, the park is a richly diverse gem offering several distinct habitats within a compact area. The entrance opens into a cool montane forest teeming with life – blue monkeys, vibrant turacos, and of course, the easily seen colobus monkeys. Nestled within this forest is the dramatic Ngurdoto Crater, a steep-sided amphitheater with a marshy floor, home to buffalo and warthogs. For visitors with limited time, this park provides a satisfying and scenic safari experience without the crowds.
Lakes, Grasslands, and Unique Wildlife Encounters
North of the crater lie the Momela Lakes, surrounded by grassy hills and shaded by acacia trees. Each lake varies in color, from turquoise to deep green, and they often shimmer with the pink hues of flamingo flocks. These lakes attract both resident and migratory birds, offering exceptional birdwatching. Waterbucks graze along the lake edges, and giraffes stroll across the savanna. Zebra herds mingle with wide-eyed dik-diks that dart into the underbrush. Though the park lacks lions and has only occasional elephants, sightings of leopards and spotted hyenas are possible during dawn and dusk, adding to the park’s quiet intrigue.
Mount Meru: The Park’s Towering Centerpiece
The defining feature of Arusha National Park is Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest peak at 4,566 meters (14,990 feet). While Kilimanjaro looms nearby, Meru is the true centerpiece here, offering challenging hikes and sweeping views. Climbers begin in wooded savannah dotted with giraffes and buffalo before ascending through montane forest alive with red-hot pokers and moss-draped trees. Higher up, heathland and alpine desert bloom with giant lobelias and everlasting flowers. Agile klipspringers navigate rocky ridges as hikers approach the summit. At sunrise, Kilimanjaro reveals itself in the distance, glowing in soft light — a breathtaking finale to the Meru adventure.
