When visiting Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro, you should not miss out on the safari parks. Tanzania is home to the best safari parks in the world. They range from Tarangire National Park with its famed herds of elephants to Lake Manyara National Park with its vast population of birds. Including flamingos. There is also the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area with all the same animals that are on the Serengeti except cheetahs and giraffes. And of course Serengeti National Park the most famous and stunning safari park in the world.
However, many people do not have that much time to take when traveling to Tanzania. With the Kilimanjaro climb taking six to nine days and flying from the U. S. taking a day and a half each way, it doesn’t leave much time to take a four to five-day safari to the Serengeti and the other parks. So how can you still see many of Africa’s animals if you only have one day? That’s easy, you can go to Arusha National Park.
The Park
Arusha National Park is located in the northern part of Tanzania not far from the border of Kenya and just outside the city of Arusha. The national park covers an area of 53 square miles (137 square kilometers). This makes it one of the smaller national parks in Tanzania. It is located in the foothills of Mount Meru.
The Tanzanian Government created Arusha National Park in 1960. They did this to protect Mount Meru and the habitat of the animals surrounding the mountain. They wanted to protected the area to ensure that future generations would be able to experience and celebrate the astounding mountain and exquisite wilderness.
Mount Meru
Arusha National Park is located near Mount Kilimanjaro and at the base of Mount Meru. Meru is the second-tallest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth-tallest in Africa. Meru’s summit is 14,968 feet (4,562 meters).
Mount Meru is also a dormant stratovolcano.
Although the park is small by national park standards, it is diverse. There are three unique areas in the park.
- The Meru Crater – Located in the western part of the park and feeds the Jekukumia River. The summit is the highest point of the crater rim.
- The Ngurdoto Crater – Located in the southeastern part of the park. It features a rich grassland ecosystem.
- The Momella Lakes – Located in the northeastern part of the park. It is a haven for birds who come to take advantage of the growing algae in the lakes.
The Animals
The surrounding forest at the base of the mountain is home to varied wildlife and an plenty of birds. There are around 400 species of birds which makes this park a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Other wildlife that you may see on safari include the black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey, flamingo, cape buffalo, bushbuck, elephants, warthogs, and zebra. The elusive leopard is present but usually difficult to spot (pun intended).
Final Thoughts
Arusha National Park is often overlooked due to its proximity to other parks nearby such as Kilimanjaro National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the magnificent Serengeti National Park. But if you are short on time and really want to go on safari, then perhaps Arusha National Park is right for you. What better way is there to relax after your Kilimanjaro climb then than to sit in our luxury safari vehicles and do the 1-day safari to Arusha National Park? If your flight leaves after 7 PM we can even get you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in plenty of time.