Arusha National Park literally is the perfect entry gate to a Tanzania safari adventure. Although the park is relatively small it features a variety of spectacular, majestic landscapes nestling between Tanzania´s highest peaks, Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimajaro which is just 30 miles (50 km) away from here. Mt. Meru, the National Park´s iconic landmark, towers up to almost 15,000 feet. Awesome hiking trails lead across the fertile, evergreen slopes of the extinct volcano with its mystic forests, colorful birdlife, and magnificent waterfalls waiting to be discovered.
To the northeast rolling grassy hills enclose the tranquil beauty of the luminous Momela Lakes with their shorelines populated by thousands of flamingos. Further south, amidst of beautiful montane forest stands the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, whose steep, rocky cliffs enclose a wide marshy floor dotted with big game. At Arusha National Park guests can enjoy Africa as its best on scenic walking safaris, canoeing trips on lakes, and exciting game drives.
The shadowy montane forests surrounding Mt. Meru are inhabitated by inquisitive blue monkeys, colorful turacos, and trogons – the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey is easily seen. Warthogs and zebras are the most common animals all across the Park which has the highest giraffe population density in Africa. Also leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen in the early morning and late afternoon. As a special attraction visitors try to track the small group of forest elephants what are roaming the montane forest around Ngurdoto Crater.
Arusha NP ranks among East Africa´s primary spots for birdwatchers. Over 400 species recorded in such a small area is an impressive asset. The Momella Lakes are among the best places in Tanzania to watch water birds: large flocks of Greater and Lesser flamingo, pelican, Egyptian goose, little grebe, various herons, ducks and even some waders such as the hamerkop are common and easy to spot.
Birdlife in the montane forest is prolific and colorful, with many species more easily seen here than elsewhere in Tanzania such as hornbills, turacos and grey parrots. Augar buzzard, Verreaux‘s eagle and other cliff associated raptors can often been seen flying above Ngurdoto crater. Tall Secretary Birds spend much of their day stalking through the Park´s open grasslands. Also some migratory birds are present in the Park but solely from November to April.
