Arusha National Park is often overlooked compared the more famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater parks but it is a jewel that shows off a stunning diversity in a relatively tiny space, and is noted for the ease of its safaris which can be completed in half a day from nearby Arusha city.

After entering the main gate of the Park, a darkened forest starts off your wildlife experience with the only black and white colobus monkey colonies to be found on the Northern safari circuit as well as blue colourful turacos and trogons. The Ngurdoto Crater is located right in the middle of the forest and gives rise to small herds of warthog and buffalo in a marshy ground encircled by the crater’s stoney steep cliffs.

As you travel to the Northern boundaries of Arusha National Park, the environment turns to a grass laden hilly landscape around the scenic Momela Lakes which vary in green or blue water colour thanks to a blooming algae population. Huge flocks of Flamingo dominate the Momela Lakes which support some of the best bird watching in Tanzania. Waterfowl who have migrated in the seasons wade along the lake edge with waterbucks showing off their large horns and Giraffes elegantly traversing the grass hills between grazing zebra herds, while scrubby bush land hides pairs of Kirk’s dik-dik.

At either end of the Sun cycle, dusk and dawn the Eastern horizon is clears of cloud giving way to a stunning view of Kilimanjaro’s snow capped peak in the distance.

However, the lesser known but just as majestic Mount Meru, which is the fifth highest mountain in Africa, dominates the park’s horizon. The Eastern foot slopes and peaks of Mount Meru are protected by the Arusha National Park boundaries and give some of the best views of Kilimanjaro.

But, don’t be mistaken, Mount Meru is itself one of Africa’s hiking gems. Its location next to Africa’s most famous mountain means it gets overlooked, making it a lesser travelled trail without the tourist hoards but with just as much challenge and experience as Kilimanjaro.

Forested savannah land begins the ascent of Mount Meru where buffalos and giraffes are frequently spotted. Climbing further up leads into a denser forest dripping with Spanish moss, before reaching open heath land spiked with giant lobelias.

Everlasting flowers cling to the alpine desert, as delicately-hoofed klipspringers mark the hike’s progress. Astride the craggy summit, Kilimanjaro stands unveiled, blushing in the sunrise, and a full awe-inspiring capture of Arusha National Park.

Arusha National Park is often overlooked compared the more famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater parks but it is a jewel that shows off a stunning diversity in a relatively tiny space, and is noted for the ease of its safaris which can be completed in half a day from nearby Arusha city.

However, the lesser known but just as majestic Mount Meru, which is the fifth highest mountain in Africa, dominates the park’s horizon. The Eastern foot slopes and peaks of Mount Meru are protected by the Arusha National Park boundaries and give some of the best views of Kilimanjaro.

But, don’t be mistaken, Mount Meru is itself one of Africa’s hiking gems. Its location next to Africa’s most famous mountain means it gets overlooked, making it a lesser travelled trail without the tourist hoards but with just as much challenge and experience as Kilimanjaro.

Forested savannah land begins the ascent of Mount Meru where buffalos and giraffes are frequently spotted. Climbing further up leads into a denser forest dripping with Spanish moss, before reaching open heath land spiked with giant lobelias.

Everlasting flowers cling to the alpine desert, as delicately-hoofed klipspringers mark the hike’s progress. Astride the craggy summit, Kilimanjaro stands unveiled, blushing in the sunrise, and a full awe-inspiring capture of Arusha National Park.