Arusha National Park

Location and size
The Park is located in the northern Tanzania, northeast of Arusha town. It covers the size of 552 sq km 212 sq miles).

Getting there
The park can be reached very easy; just 40-minute drive from Arusha; Approximately 60 km (35 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport

Interesting features

The park was described by Sir Julian Huxley as “a gem among the parks”. It consists of three spectacular features, the Momela Lakes, Mt Meru and the Ngurduto Crater. The lakes support thousands of flamingos also a rich selection of resident and migrant waterfowl, and shaggy waterbucks display their large lyre-shaped horns on the watery fringes. Giraffes glide across the grassy hills, between grazing zebra herds, buffalo huddles, while pairs of wide-eyed dik-dik dart into scrubby bush like overgrown hares on spindly legs. Other amazing figures that can be seen are leopards and spotted hyenas regardless the uncommon seen of elephants and lions. On clear days magnificent views of Mt Kilimanjaro can be seen.

What to do
Forest walks, numerous picnic sites; three- or four-day 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
lodges, two rest houses, camp sites, two mountain huts inside the park; more lodges at Usa River outside the park and many hotels and hostels in Arusha town