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This is the closest park to Twiga Lodge, we are actually on its perimeter, being 150yards from the park entrance. It is sadly missed by many safari operators. This little gem of a park is teaming with animals, birds, butterflies and flowers and is very diverse allowing visitors to see a large variety of wildlife and landscapes in a very short time.
The park covers an area of 137 square miles and is most famous for its butterflies, black and white colobus monkeys and the largest population of giraffes in Africa. Mosses, ferns, lichens and orchids thrive in the damp atmosphere of the park forests, whilst flamingos gather in large numbers in the Momella lakes.
The largest landmark within the park is Mt Meru, standing 4566m, once said to be bigger than Kilimanjaro until it exploded a quarter of a million years ago. It is now the 2nd largest mountain in Tanzania (5th highest in Africa), only 50km away from its big brother, which can be seen easily from the park.
Meru is the perfect place for hiking trips to acclimatise if you are interested in an ascent on Kili or just a great hike venue anyway. Allow 3-4 days to climb Meru and the best views are in Dec-Feb. Many climbers see Meru as an attractive (and less busy one) to Kili, with the added attraction that it can be climbed in 3-4 days and a much cheaper option than its bigger brother.
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Arusha NP hosts a string of crater lakes where a huge number of species of birds can be viewed (over 400). Shaggy waterbuck are easily spotted here and the number of giraffes always amazes the visitors. The most dense population in Africa.
Heading on through the park you will go through beautiful forests of ancient cedar trees and montane forests.Within these forests you will be able to see the black and white colobus monkey playing in the trees. Other animals you are likely to see are giraffe, zebra, buffaloe, hyena, leopard, monkeys, hippo and elephant. There is no resident pride of lions within the park, but transitory lions have been seen.
The Momella lakes are another interesting area which is home to many water birds including flamingos and pelicans. The impressive Ngurdoto crater is sometimes likened to a miniature Ngorongoro crater, being 2.2miles in diameter and 400 metres deep. The crater is surrounded by dense forest and the crater floor is a swamp which the waterbuck and buffaloes love. These can be clearly seen from the viewpoints. Descent into the crater is not allowed. This creates a sanctuary within a sanctuary and leaves a large area of the park to the wildlife.
The park also offers walking, and canoeing safaris giving visitors a chance to get out of their safari vehicles and stretch their legs and get some exercise, whilst taking a different view of this beautiful park. We can arrange these activites for you.
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