Arusha National Park

Mount Meru

Mount Meru is the most prominent feature of Arusha National Park and rises to 4,566 metres above sea level. It is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain and one of the most impressive volcanic mountains in East Africa. Its slopes pass through several vegetation zones, beginning with open woodland and grassland before reaching montane forest, moorland and alpine vegetation at higher elevations.

Mount Meru is also an important destination for hikers and climbers. The multi-day trek provides beautiful views across Arusha National Park and, on clear mornings, impressive views towards Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain is also commonly used as an acclimatization climb before attempting Kilimanjaro.

Ngurdoto Crater

Ngurdoto Crater is a large volcanic caldera surrounded by steep forested walls. From the viewpoints along the crater rim, visitors can look down into the green crater floor, where wetlands, grasslands and wildlife create a beautiful natural setting.

Buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks and different bird species can often be seen in and around the crater. The combination of dense forest, open grassland and the crater itself makes Ngurdoto one of the most scenic areas of the park and an important stop during a game drive.

Momela Lakes

The Momela Lakes are a group of shallow lakes located in the northern part of the park. Each lake can have a different colour depending on its mineral content, water conditions and algae. Their calm surroundings create some of the most attractive landscapes in Arusha National Park.

The lakes are particularly important for birdlife and can attract flamingos and many other waterbirds. The surrounding grasslands are also home to giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and antelopes, making the area a good place for combining wildlife viewing with photography.

Montane Forest

The forested areas around Mount Meru provide a completely different environment from the open plains of many Tanzanian safari parks. Tall trees, dense vegetation and mountain streams create a cool and peaceful atmosphere.

The forest is particularly known for its black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys. Visitors may also see different forest birds, butterflies and smaller wildlife while travelling or walking through this habitat.

Meru Ash Cone

The Meru Ash Cone is a volcanic feature located within Mount Meru’s crater area. It provides an interesting reminder of the volcanic activity that shaped the mountain and the surrounding landscape.

For hikers climbing Mount Meru, the changing scenery around the mountain offers an opportunity to see volcanic formations, forests, steep cliffs and high-altitude vegetation during the ascent.

Waterfalls and Mountain Streams

The slopes of Mount Meru receive significant rainfall, creating streams and waterfalls within the forest. Some areas of the park can be explored on guided walks where visitors can enjoy the sound of flowing water and the peaceful forest environment.

These locations are especially appealing to travellers who want a more active experience away from the safari vehicle.

Wildlife in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park supports a wide range of wildlife despite its relatively small size. Giraffes are among the animals commonly seen in the open areas around the Momela Lakes, while buffaloes can be found in grasslands and around the crater. Zebras, warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, duikers and other antelope species are also present.

The forest areas provide habitat for several species of monkeys, including the distinctive black-and-white colobus monkey and blue monkey. Hippos can be seen around suitable water areas, while elephants and other larger mammals may also be encountered.

Arusha National Park is different from some of Tanzania’s larger safari destinations because its main attraction is the variety of habitats rather than large concentrations of predators. The park is therefore particularly appealing to visitors interested in landscapes, primates, birds, walking experiences and a quieter style of wildlife viewing.

Birdlife in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is an excellent destination for bird watching, with more than 400 bird species recorded. The combination of forest, wetlands, lakes, grasslands and mountain habitats creates suitable conditions for a wide variety of resident and migratory birds.

The Momela Lakes are especially interesting for bird watchers, with flamingos and other waterbirds frequently found around the lake shores. In the forest, visitors can look for colourful forest species, while open grassland areas attract different birds of prey, weavers and other savannah species.