ARUSHA PARK

Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most accessible and diverse parks, famous for Mount Meru, lush forests, crater lakes, and the world’s largest giraffe population.

🌍 Location & Size

• Situated just 25 km east of Arusha city, and only 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport, making it ideal for short safaris.
• Covers 552 km², relatively small compared to Serengeti or Ruaha, but packed with varied landscapes.

🏞️ Landscapes & Features

• Mount Meru (4,566 m), Tanzania’s second-highest peak, dominates the park.
• Ngurdoto Crater: a volcanic caldera often called the “Little Ngorongoro.”
• Momella Lakes: alkaline lakes famous for flamingos and other waterbirds.
• Dense montane forests, savannahs, and wetlands create striking contrasts.

🐘 Wildlife

• Known for the world’s largest population of giraffes.
• Other animals: buffalo, elephants, zebras, bushbucks, warthogs, hippos, leopards, and primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys.
• Birdwatching paradise: over 400 species, including grey-crowned cranes, African fish eagles, Hartlaub’s turaco, and flamingos.

🎒 Activities

• Game drives across savannah and crater landscapes.
• Walking safaris and canoeing on Momella Lakes.
• Mount Meru trekking: a multi-day climb offering views of Kilimanjaro.
• Birdwatching and photography are especially rewarding.

✨ Why It’s Special

• Accessibility: Perfect for day trips or short safaris from Arusha or Kilimanjaro.
• Diversity: Combines mountains, craters, lakes, and forests in one compact park.
• Adventure: Offers both traditional safari drives and active experiences like hiking and canoeing.