Situated on the slopes of Mt. Meru, this park is only an hour drive from Arusha. Besides all the wildlife you can spot here other places to visit are the Ngurdoto Crater and the Momela Lakes. The crater has a cross-cut of 3 kilometers. You will have a spectacular view over the crater and if you are lucky you will see the animals walking inside the crater. You are not allowed to go down into the crater, because it is protected.
The Momela Lakes are a great place to spot birds. These seven freshwater lakes are situated in the north-east of the park. In October there is a great chance of seeing European birds who are escaping the cold winter. It is difficult to predict when the big group of flamingo’s land at the lakes every year, but when they do they come with thousands.
This park is also known to be one of the few places in northern Tanzania where you can spot the black- and-white Colobus monkey. Other animals in this park are; giraffes, zebras, baboons, warthogs, elephants, and waterbucks. Also, leopards, hyenas, and hippos have been spotted here.
About Arusha National Park
Size: 552 sq km 212 sq miles).
Location: Northern Tanzania, northeast of Arusha town.
How to get there?
An easy 40-minute drive from Arusha. Approximately 60 km (35 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The lakes, forest, and Ngurdoto Crater can all be visited in the course of a half-day outing at the beginning or end of an extended northern safari.
NOTE: Mountain Climbing Permits duration time is 12 HOURS.
What do?
Forest walks, numerous picnic sites;
3 or 4 days Mt Meru climb good acclimatization for Kilimanjaro.
When to Go?
To climb Mt Meru, June-February although it may rain in November
Best views of Kilimanjaro December-February.
Accommodation
Two lodges, two rest houses, campsites, two mountain huts inside the park; more lodges at USA River outside the park, and many hotels and hostels in Arusha town.