Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is located in the northern part of Tanzania not too far south from the border of Kenya and just outside the city of Arusha.  The national park encompasses an area of 53 square miles (137 sq km) making it one of the smaller national parks of both Tanzania and the continent of Africa.

Some people consider this a sister park to Kilimanjaro which is just east of Arusha National Park. It is common for visitors to visit both parks, particularly those who have an affinity for mountains.

Mount Meru is the second tallest mountain in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro.  Meru reaches a peak of 14,968 feet (4,562 m), which is actually quite a bit shorter than Kilimanjaro.  On clear days you can see either mountain from the other.  Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano and it is the fifth tallest mountain in Africa.

Although the park is small for national park standards, it is diverse with facets of nature.  There are three unique areas in the park.  The Meru Crater is located in the western part of the park and it provides runoff into the Jekukumia River.  The summit is located atop the rim of the crater.

Ngurdoto Crater is located in the southeastern part of the park which features a rich grassland ecosystem.  The northeastern part of the park gives way to the Momella Lakes which is a haven for birds who come to take advantage of the growing algae in the lakes.

The surrounding forest at the base of the mountain is home to varied wildlife and an abundance of birds.  There are around 400 species of birds which makes this park a birdwatcher’s paradise. 

Other wildlife includes black and white colobus monkey, buffalo, bushbuck, elephant, warthog, and zebra.  The elusive leopard is present but hard to find.

Arusha National Park is often overshadowed by the neighboring Kilimanjaro National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the magnificent Serengeti National Park.