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Other Tanzania National Parks

• Gombe National Park
  
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Mahale National Park
• Mikumi National Park
  
• Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Ruaha National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Selous Game Reserve
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General Information

A striking feature about the Arusha National Park is that its sandwiched between the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount meru. It is one of the smallest parks in Tanzania and is affectionately considered to be a little gem. Situated amongst Tanzania's Northern Safari circuit, it is a 40minute drive from Arusha town. Visitors to the park can get accommodation in Arusha hotels and lodges.

Arusha national park covers an area of approximately 137 km square and was established in 1960. The main distinctive features of the park are Ngurdoto crater, Momella lakes and Mount Meru from where one can see Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds. The park and the town derived their names from the Wa- Arusha people who have always inhabited the area.

The park overlaps into Maasai territory and hence most the place names of the park are of Maasai origin.

Getting There
The park is 25km from Arusha town and 35km from Mount Kilimanjaro making it a short drive from these landmarks.

Major Attraction
The park is famous for its diverse topography. The main features are Ngurdoto- remains of a large volcano, Momella lakes and Mount meru. Wildlife in the park is in abundance. It is believed that the largest concentration of giraffes in the world lies in Arusha National Park. Other animals include the colobus monkey, which would make a good photo entry as they swing from branch to branch. Elephants, hippos, leopards, hyenas, zebras, antelopes are also some of the animals that can be sported.

The bird species is almost second to none. It is estimated there are 400 different species of birds in the park with the waterfowl being in the lead.

Activities that can be conducted in the park are mountain climbing especially Mount Meru. The mountain is a dormant volcano at 14, 990 feet (4, 566m) high. You do not have to be an expert in climbing but some enthusiasm in hiking would suffice. The novelty of climbing is in the scenery, which includes the rising of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds with its snow- capped peak in sight. It is highly advisable that when climbing Mt Meru, a guard should be present to ward off buffalos, which are known to be vicious.

Vegetation in the park is closely associated with the three main features of the park. Ngurdoto crater is surrounded by forest, while the crater floor is swampy. Momella lakes is alkaline. Mount meru is a cross between lush forests and bare rocks.

More Information