Arusha National Park - a great and underrated starting point to your Tanzania safari, as the international airport is only 15 km outside of Arusha. From Arusha, it is easy to access Tanzanian safari highlights such as; the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kilimanjaro and many other fascinating areas. For this reason, Arusha has become very popular
The Arusha National Park has a wide range of habitats, from the string of crater lakes (where many water birds congregate) to the highland forest, and further you can find the imposing summit of Mount Meru. The interesting geology leading to the summit of Mount Meru is reflected in the impressive view of the ash cone and cliff face… which makes it a great highlight and a ‘must see’  for a Tanzania safari.

The three distinct and spectacular features of the Arusha National Park include the Momela lakes, the Meru Crater, and the Ngurdoto Crater. Both, Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, can be seen from most places in the Arusha region provided that the weather is clear. The vegetation in Arusha is correlated to the altitude and geology of the area. Ngurdoto Crater is surrounded by forest whilst the crater floor consists of a swampy area. The Momela Lakes, like many in the Rift Valley, are alkaline, and Mount Meru is a mixture of lush forests and bare rocks. Those who ascend the summit of the mountain will be rewarded with unparalleled views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley.

There are different types of animals within the different vegetation zones in Arusha. Migrating water birds settle on the lakes, waterbuck and reedbuck are found near water, while the shy bushbuck and duikers keep to the forested areas. White and black colobus monkeys can be seen climbing the branches of ancient cedar trees.

Arusha National Park is also home to buffalo, leopard, hyena, baboon, giraffe, rhino, elephant and hippo. Within this wide range of habitats almost 400 species of birds have been recorded in the Park. Some of these are migratory and present themselves between October and April, while others are permanent residents of the forests. Arusha is really one of the most convenient spots to start your  Tanzania safari - make use of the close proximity of Arusha to some of the best Tanzania highlights. Enjoy spectacular sights, fantastic wildlife and amazing Tanzania highlights as you explore the Arusha National Park!