ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

Distance: 32 kms from Arusha town. From Arusha, a 30 minute drive. The park is on the outskirts of the town (East of Arusha)

BRIEF INFORMATION:

The second smallest park after the Gombe stream National Park, established in 1960, having a total area of 137 sq kms.

ATTRACTIONS:

The park is divided into three distinct areas: Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes and Mount Meru. Mount Meru (4566m), you climb through a variety of landscapes, a plain, forests, moorlands, and a lava desert, it is compulsory to be accompanied by an armed park warden because of the animals i.e. elephant and buffaloes. From the summit, you will have an impressive view of the crater, and the 3000 meters below of the eruption cone. It’s a 3 day round trip. The best months to climb are from July to February. Drizzles in November. The climb to Ngurdoto crater, in the forest inhabited by Colobus monkeys the walk (with a warden) between Kitoto and Mount Meru crater. A picnic in one of the designation sites.

WILDLIFE:

The Black and White Colobus is the mascot of the park, with the exception of lions and rhinoceros, all kind of wildlife and hundreds of different species of sedentary or migratory birds. Best time is whole year around but in April/May, a four wheel drive is necessary.

ACCOMMODATION:

Momella Wildlife Lodge, Rest House, Mountain village Serena, Dik Dik Hotel, Mount Meru Game Lodge, Tanzanite Hotel, Ngaresero Lodge are close to the park but outside the park.

Distance: 120 kms from Arusha town, and 80 km south East of Lake Manyara National Park. It is in Arusha region.