ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

Arusha National Park is one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in Tanzania, located just 32 kilometres (20 miles) from Arusha town. Aside from the abundance of wildlife, fauna and flora there are three spectacular features evident in the Park; the Momela Lakes and the Meru and Ngurdoto Craters. Both the spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru can be seen from the Park during fine weather.

Three distinct areas of interesting geology are found within Arusha National Park: Ngurdoto Crater, the Momela Lakes and the rugged Mt Meru. 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, whilst Mt Meru is a mixture of lush forests and bare rocks.

Associated with these different vegetation zones are different types of animals: migratory water birds settle on the lakes, waterbuck and reedbuck are found near water, while bushbuck and duikers live in the forested areas. Within this wide range of habitats almost 400 species of birds have been recorded in the Park.