Arusha National Park
Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater, and Flamingo Lakes Near Arusha

Tanzania's Hidden Gem Near Arusha

Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania's smallest parks at only 542 square kilometers, but it offers remarkable diversity due to its varied altitude range from 1,500 to 4,566 meters at the summit of Mount Meru. It is also the most accessible major park from Arusha town, making it ideal as a first or last day addition to any Northern Circuit safari.

Walking Safari Opportunities

Unlike most other Tanzanian parks, Arusha National Park allows walking safaris with an armed ranger escort. These walks take you through montane forest rich in black-and-white colobus monkeys, bushbuck, elephant, and giraffe. Walking allows a sensory depth of experience impossible to achieve from a vehicle.

The Momella Lakes and Flamingos

The Momella Lakes are a series of shallow alkaline lakes fed by underground springs. Each lake has a slightly different mineral composition, giving them different shades of green and blue. Flamingos gather on several of the lakes, and hippos are resident in the connected pools. The backdrop of Mount Meru rising above the lakes creates exceptional photographic scenery.

Mount Meru – Tanzania's Second-Highest Mountain

At 4,566 meters, Mount Meru is the fourth highest mountain in Africa and offers an excellent trekking experience. The 4-day summit route passes through forest zones full of wildlife before reaching the dramatic inner crater and summit ridge. Many climbers use Meru as acclimatization training before attempting Kilimanjaro.