Arusha National Park – Tanzania wildlife Safaris
This small (137 km2) but beautiful park is the closest National Park to both the famous Arusha “safari town” (29 km) as well as Kilimanjaro International Airport, thus making it ideal for day excursions, even from Moshi (65 km). Not only is the animal life in the park abundant, but it is also one of the most beautiful and topographically varied parks in Tanzania. The park’s three most significant features include the rugged Mt. Meru (Tanzania’s second highest peak at 4566m), the notably different coloured Momela Lakes, and the 3km wide Ngurdoto Crater, which was formed about fifteen million years ago! The varied and beguiling fauna and flora found in this park are mainly determined by the different altitude and geography of these 3 “zones”
MT. MERU
The fifth highest mountain in Africa, and a recommended 4-day climb. One of Africa’s most rewarding climbs, offering spectacular scenery, and guaranteed wildlife encounters on its forested slopes. The summit cone features a stunning asymmetric caldera complete with an ash cone in the crater. The cone in itself makes a climb to the summit worthwhile. Climbs should be booked in advance, as an armed park ranger must accompany climbers. You are invited to contact us should you require more detailed information on climbing Mt. Meru.
NGURDOTO CRATER
This crater stretching 3 km’s across, is a steep-sided bowl, surrounded by riverine forest while the crater floor is a lush swamp. The crater with its many visible animal trials, provides a natural sanctuary to elephant, buffalo, a variety of monkeys and baboons, as well as birds like hamerkop, spur-winged geese and herons. It is however unfortunately prohibited to descend down to the bottom of the crater. To the west of the crater lies Serengeti Ndogo or “Little Serengeti”, consisting of an extensive grassland plain and it is one of the few places in the park
where Zebra can be encountered.
MOMELA LAKES
The Momela lakes are shallow alkaline lakes and are made up of seven lakes, being big Momela, small Momela, El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Rishateni, Lekandiro and Tulusia. All seven lakes are mainly fed by separate underground water sources, Due to the varying mineral content of these underground sources, each lake supports a different type of algae growth, resulting in uniquely differently colored lakes. Because these lakes are alkaline, the water is not utilized by animals for drinking, but they do however attract a wide variety of bird life, particularly flamingos.
LODGES AND CAMPS
There are several tented camps and luxury lodges available around Arusha National Park. Please click here to get full details of all camps and tents in Arusha.