Arusha National Park

The closest national park to Arusha town – northern Tanzania's safari – Arusha National Park is a multi-faceted jewel, often overlooked by safari goers, despite offering the opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats within a few hours.

Is the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-White Columbus monkey is easily seen. In the midst of the forest stands the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, whose steep, rocky cliffs enclose a wide marshy floor dotted with herds of buffalo and warthog

Although elephants are uncommon in Arusha National Park, and lions absent altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen slinking around in the early morning and late afternoon. It is also at dusk and dawn that the veil of cloud on the eastern horizon is most likely to clear, revealing the majestic snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, only 50km (30 miles) distant.

After Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is the next - the fifth highest in Africa at 4,566 meters (14,990 feet) – that dominates the park's horizon. Its peaks and eastern foot slopes protected within the national park, Meru offers unparalleled views of its famous neighbors, while also forming a rewarding hiking destination in its own right.

About Arusha National Park 
Size: 552 sq km 212 sq miles). 
Location: Northern Tanzania, northeast of Arusha town.

Getting there 
An easy 40-minute drive from Arusha. Approximately 60 km (35 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The lakes, forest and Ngurdoto Crater can all be visited in the course of a half-day outing at the beginning or end of an extended northern safari.