Arusha National Park and Mount Meru

Arusha National Park is the second oldest park in Tanzania, established in 1960, with an area of 542km2 it is one of the smallest parks.

Arusha National Park provides great opportunities to explore nature. Unlike other parks on the northern circuit of Tanzania, it does not offer great views of the big five, however, it offers excellent hiking and trekking of Mount Meru.

Mount Meru an active volcano that last erupted about 100 years ago is 4566 meters above sea level however from its base to the peak, it is an ascent of 3100 meters. The other outstanding landmark is the Ngurdoto caldera, both of these features were formed between 1 and 3 million years ago. The volcanic activity of 6000 years ago resulted in the formation of the north-eastern Momela Lakes,

The 7 Momela lakes are unique in alkalinity and therefore with a different colour tone of greenish-blue hue. The flamingoes that frequent these lakes also add to the colour palate by providing the characteristic flamingo pink.

Flora and Fauna	Despite the small size of the park, common animals include giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebra, warthog, the black-and-white colobus monkey, the blue monkey, flamingo, elephant, bushbuck and many other African animals. Leopard populations are present but rarely seen. Birdlife in the forest is prolific, with many forest species more easily seen here than elsewhere on the tourist route - Narina trogon and bar-tailed trogon are both possible highlights for visiting birders, whilst the range of starling species provide somewhat less gaudy interest.
Languages spoken	Swahili and English
Currency used	U$
Area (km2)	542
Country name	Tanzania