Arusha National Park is a small park that is only 40km from Arusha town which covers mount Meru in Tanzania. The park has magnificent landscape in three distinct areas. Its main features are Ngurdoto crater, the Momela Lake to the east and to the west mount Meru which is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The park offers magnificent landscape with breath taking views.
The common animals found in this destination are giraffes, buffalos, zebras, warthog, the black and white colobus monkey, blue monkeys, and Flamingos are particularly found in Momela. Canoe safaris offer a unique opportunity to view the spectacular landscape with ease. Walking safaris offer the chance to experience the African bush on foot safe in the knowledge of an experienced guide. You can observe the wildlife at a very close range undisturbed by vehicles and away from roads. This is the most natural way to go on a safari.
The gates are opened from six in the morning to six in the evening. The main park entrance is at Ngongongare Gate, about 10km from the main road, while park headquarters – the main contact for making camp site or rest house reservations and for arranging guides and porters to climb Mt Meru – are about 14km further in near Momela Gate. There is another entrance at Ngurdoto Gate, on the southeastern edge of the park. Walking is permitted on the Mt Meru side of the park, and there is also a walking trail along part of the Ngurdoto Crater rim (though it’s not permitted to descend either on foot or in a vehicle to the crater floor).
All the attractions in Arusha Park can be visited in only half a day. The best time to climb Mt Meru is June-February although it may rain in November and for the best views of Kilimanjaro December-February.
Accommodation in the park are easily accessible in variety, there are two lodges, two rest houses, camp sites, two mountain huts inside the park; more lodges at Usa River outside the park and many hotels and hostels in Arusha town.
