ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

OVERVIEW

Mt Meru is the main attraction is this small but very beautiful park, just 21km (13miles) outside of Arusha, Africa’s fifth highest mountain with a height of: 14,979ft (4,566m). Established in 1960 in an area of 137sq km (53 sq miles) the park has three very different areas:

  The Mt Meru Crater

  The Ngurdoto Crater and

  The Momella Lakes, seven in total:

El Kekhotoito – Big Momella – Little Momella – Tulusia, Lekandiro – Kusare – Rishateni,are as is usual along the rift valley, alkaline lakes.

Some of the lakes in the Arusha NP have enough Blue Green algae to attract the likes of Flamingos which find a perfect breeding ground. Besides that it also supports a varied avifauna population with over 4 bird species recorded in the park.

Ngurdoto Crater

This is a reserve within a reserve, it is not allowed for tourists to go down into the crater so the animals can be alone in the damp swamp which lies at the bottom of the crater.

The Momella Lakes

It is believed by some that Mt. Meru was higher than Mt. Kilimanjaro in the past before the violent volcanic eruption that blew its top and entire eastern side off. It is still a challenging climbing destination with its summit at 14,979 ft.

Wildlife

Cape Buffalos are the main inhabitants of this park who are known for their aggressive nature. Therefore, it is necessary to get an armed ranger to accompany you through the park. Other animals are elephants, giraffes, and warthogs, Gazelles of different types and Black and White Colobus Monkeys.

Walking Safaris

These are very much popular in the park among the tourists who enjoy stretching their legs a bit in here after a long, tiring safari tour. It is often used as a practicing climbing spot before climbing the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, to properly get acclimatized.