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Arusha National Park : Tanzania Safari Park Tours
Highlights:
Mt. Meru Climb
Forest Walks
Scenic Views
Located 32 km away from the town of Arusha, Arusha National Park covers an area of 137 square kilometers. It lies between the peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru.
The vegetation and wildlife varies with the topography which ranges from forest to swamp. There are three main areas of interest in Arusha National Park and these include the rugged Mt. Meru, Ngurdoto Volcano Crater and the Momela Lakes.
The Mt. Meru Crater offers one of the most stunning landscapes in Africa and is considered to be the high light of any visit to Arusha National Park. Mt. Meru is an interesting mixture of lush forests and bare rocks. The forests contain a wealth of birds and other animals, like the beautiful bushbuck easily glimpsed in the glades between the ancient cedar trees.
The diverse geology of the area is reflected in the breathtaking view of the ash cone and cliff face leading to the summit. The cliff rises over 4,500 feet and is one of the tallest cliff faces in the world. The old ash-flows cascade down toward the crater floor creating a stunning and surreal effect. On clear days magnificent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen from almost any part of the park.
Ngurdoto Crater: This crater is surrounded by highland forest, a prime setting to spot black and white Colobus monkeys traveling along the treetops. Rim to rim, the crater extends 3 kilometers and descends into a volcanic bowl teeming with wildlife. The view from the rim is spectacular, where warthogs and buffalo are often spotted on the crater’s swampy floor.
The Momela Lakes circuit is a string of wonderful crater lakes. These lakes, like many in the 20 million-year-old Rift Valley, are not only alkaline but are also shallow and fed predominantly by underground streams. Elephants, Giraffes and hippos are especially common to this area.
This area is also a birder’s paradise, hosting an astonishing variety of migratory and resident bird life. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the park among these are the flamingo, Peregrine Falcon, Crowned Eagle, Silvery-Cheeked Hornbill, Hammerhead stork and the Egyptian Vulture.
