Arusha National Park

Destination Deep Dive

Arusha National Park, covering 552 square kilometers (213 square miles), offers one of Tanzania’s most diverse and topographically spectacular landscapes. Often overlooked by visitors rushing to more famous parks, this compact gem sits in the shadow of Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth-highest peak, and provides stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.

Geographic Features

The park comprises three distinct areas:

Ngurdoto Crater

Often called “Little Ngorongoro,” this steep-sided crater spans about 3 kilometers in diameter. The crater floor consists of lush swamps and dense forest, creating a unique habitat for diverse wildlife. Unlike Ngorongoro, visitors can’t descend to the crater floor, but viewing points along the rim offer excellent wildlife observation opportunities.

Momella Lakes

Seven alkaline lakes (Large Momella, Small Momella, Kusare, Lekandiro, Tulusia, Rishateni, and El Kekhotoito) dot the park’s eastern section. Each lake has a different algae composition, resulting in varying water colors from deep blue to turquoise and green. These lakes attract numerous waterbirds, including flamingos and many migratory species.

Mount Meru

Rising 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), Mount Meru dominates the park’s western section. Its slopes feature distinct vegetation zones:

• Montane forest (1,500-2,500m)
• Heath and moorland (2,500-3,500m)
• Alpine desert (above 3,500m)

Wildlife Populations

The park hosts diverse wildlife:

• 400+ bird species
• Large black-and-white colobus monkey populations
• Blue monkeys
• Red duikers
• Buffalo herds
• Forest elephants
• Occasional leopard sightings
• Rich diversity of forest antelope species

Seasonal Patterns

The park’s climate remains relatively stable:

• Dry Season (June-October): Best hiking conditions
• Short Rains (November-December): Lush vegetation
• Long Rains (March-May): Some trails become challenging
• Best Wildlife Viewing: June-February
  

Mount Meru Trek

Ascending Mount Meru offers a unique alpine experience. Unlike the crowded Kilimanjaro trails, Meru provides solitude and equally spectacular views. Our three-day ascent revealed changing ecosystems, from lush forest to stark alpine desert. The final push to Socialist Peak rewarded us with sunrise views of Kilimanjaro floating above the clouds – a truly magical moment.

Canoe Safari

Gliding silently across Momella Lake in a canoe creates intimate wildlife encounters impossible from vehicles. We watched buffalo come to drink, countless waterbirds feeding in the shallows, and even glimpsed a shy bushbuck emerging from lakeside vegetation. The backdrop of Mount Meru reflecting in the still water created perfect photographic opportunities.

Walking Safari

The park’s walking trails offer rare opportunities to explore African wilderness on foot. Accompanied by an armed ranger, we tracked buffalo through the forest, discovered countless bird species, and learned about smaller creatures often missed from vehicles. The experience of feeling part of the ecosystem rather than just observing it proves transformative.