 The Arusha National Park has a wide range of habitats, from the string of crater lakes where many water birds congregate, through the highland forest up to the imposing summit of Mt. Meru. The interesting geology leading to the summit of Mt. Meru is reflected in the impressive view of the ash cone and cliff face.
The three distinct and spectacular features of this park include the Momela lakes, the Meru Crater, and the Ngurdoto Crater. Both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru can be seen from the park when the weather is clear. The vegetation in the Park is correlated to the altitude and geology of the area. Ngurdoto Crater is surrounded by forest whilst the crater floor is a swampy area. The Momela Lakes, like many in the Rift Valley, are alkaline, and Mt. 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 Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley.
There are different types of animals within the different vegetation zones. Migrating water birds settle on the lakes, waterbuck and reedbuck are found near water, while 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 between October and April, while others are permanent residents of the forests.
|
