Size

137 sq km

Location

Northern Tanzania, northeast of Arusha

Getting there

An easy 40 minute drive from Arusha. Approximately 60 km (about 35 miles)

To Do

Forest walks, numerous picnic sties; 3 or 4 day Mt. Meru climb – good acclimatization for Kilimanjaro

Best Time

To climb Mt. Meru, June-February although it may rain in November. Best views of Mt Kilimanjaro, December–February.

Arusha National Park is a secret jewel of may facets. It is not only the closest national park to Arusha town, but also one f the most beguiling. This is a treasure, a rich tapestry of habitats, teeming with animal and birds. The park has three distinct zones that contribute to its variety and beauty: the lush swamps of Ngurdoto Crater; the tranquil beauty of the Momella lakes, each a different hue; and the chill rocky alpine heights of Mount Meru rising to 4,566 meters (14,990 feet). Zebra graze on red grasslands, wide-eyed dik dik dart into scrubby bush like overgrown hares on spindly legs. Leopards lurk shadowy forests that are draped with waterfalls. Reedbuck pick through marshy pools. There are more than 400 species of birds. Fluffy-tailed black and white Colobus monkeys riot in the damp forest mists. Giraffes glide across the grassy hills.

In the distance Mount Kilimanjaro watches over all. But it is her unassuming cousin, Mount Meru that dominates, offering unparalleled views of the famous neighbor. The regarding climb up Meru pegs through forests aflame with red-hot pokers dripping Spanish moss (Usnea), carpeted with clover rising to open heath, spiked with giant lobelias. Everlasting flowers cling to the alpine desert, as delicately hooves klipspringers mark your progress. Astride the craggy summit, Kilimanjaro stands before you, breathtaking, blushing in the sunrise.