Arusha National Park

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Highlights

Arusha National Park is a popular destination for day-trip visitors departing from Arusha for the renowned northern circuit safaris. This small yet diverse park encompasses the slopes, summit, and ash cone of Mount Meru, the serene Momela Lakes, the Ngurdoto Crater, and the lush highland forests that cover its lower elevations. Game drives around the Momela Lakes are conducted at a leisurely pace, providing a tranquil experience, while the forested areas often reward visitors with sightings of rare colobus monkeys playing in the treetops.

Mount Meru offers a rewarding trek for adventurers, with a three-day hike to the crater’s summit providing a quieter, and for some, a more challenging alternative to the famed Mount Kilimanjaro. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the park’s lower slopes feature scenic trails leading to rivers and waterfalls, perfect for day hikes. The ancient fig tree forests, crystal-clear mountain streams, and the opportunity to encounter colobus monkeys add to the unique charm of Arusha National Park, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Arusha National Park Trails

Climbing Mount Meru is one of the key attractions of Arusha National Park, with the Momella Route serving as the primary trail for the ascent. Starting at the park’s eastern gate, this route offers climbers a scenic and diverse trekking experience.

The ideal time for climbing is from June to February, with the clearest views of Mount Kilimanjaro typically occurring between December and February. The Momella Route generally takes four days to complete, covering a distance of 11.8 miles (19 km). Alternatively, a shorter, more direct route spans 8.7 miles (14 km) and can be completed in three days.

The longer route is favored for its more gradual ascent, providing better acclimatization and a slightly less demanding trek. Along the journey, climbers pass through a variety of landscapes, including montane forest, moorland, and alpine desert, before descending back through the same scenic terrain.