Arusha National Park
COUNTRY: Tanzania
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PARK SIZE: 53 sq. miles - 137 sq. kilometers
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ECOSYSTEMS: montane forest, volcanic crater, Swamps, lakes,lava desert.
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WILDLIFE: Large numbers of Giraffe, rare Black & White Colobus Monkeys, Bushbuck, Hippo, Cape Buffalo, Dik Dik,Baboon, Zebra, Impala, Hyena,Elephant, Leopard
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HIGHLIGHTS: Mt. Meru climb, Momella Lake, Ngurdoto crater, Elephants, Buffaloes,Colobus monkeys, walking safaris
Arusha National Park is a relatively small park, covering an area of 137square kilometres (52.9 square miles), and lies near the town of Arusha. Once described as a "little gem" this relatively unknown game park in Northern Tanzania, lies between the peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru at an altitude of over 5,000 feet (1,530 meters). The town and the Park derive their name from the Waarusha people who traditionally lived in this area. However the Park also overlaps into areas where the Maasai lived and most of the place names in the Park are of Maasai origin.
Visiting this little known park near Arusha is a great way to begin your safari. See the sunrise on Mt. Kilimanjaro set on Mt. Meru. And spot the many Colobus Monkey's that find refuge here.
Three distinct ecosystems define the park: Momella Lakes with their prolific birdlife; Mt. Meru Crater with its heavy concentration of wildlife, and the enchanting miniature Ngurdoto Crater where Cape Buffalo dot the swampy floor from a view at the rim.
The park is also home to Colobus Monkey, many giraffe, bush buck and elephant. Since it is close to Arusha it is often the first park you will visit on your safari. Outside of Arusha, many visitors stay in the park at Momella Lodge (known for John Wayne's famous "Hatari" film). Where sunrise offers magnificent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru.