Arusha National Park is a small but incredibly diverse national park located in the northeastern region of Tanzania. It covers an area of approximately 137 square kilometers and is situated near the city of Arusha, making it easily accessible for tourists who are visiting the region. Despite its relatively small size, the park offers a wide range of activities and attractions, including hiking, game drives, bird watching, and canoeing.
One of the main features of Arusha National Park is its stunning landscapes. The park is home to three main areas: the Ngurdoto Crater, the Momella Lakes, and Mount Meru. Each of these areas is unique and offers visitors a chance to experience different aspects of the park’s natural beauty. The Ngurdoto Crater is a dormant volcano that has formed a massive caldera, while the Momella Lakes are a series of shallow, alkaline lakes that are home to a wide variety of bird species. Mount Meru, which is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, offers visitors a challenging climb and stunning panoramic views from the summit.
The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including buffalo, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, baboons, and a variety of antelope species. It is also one of the few places in Tanzania where visitors can see both black and white colobus monkeys. Arusha National Park is also home to several predators, including leopards and hyenas, although they can be difficult to spot.
Finally, Arusha National Park is an important conservation area and is home to several rare and endangered species. The park is particularly important for the conservation of the black and white colobus monkey, which is under threat from habitat loss and hunting. The park’s conservation efforts are supported by several local and international organizations, and visitors can learn more about these efforts by visiting the park’s information center.