Location: Northern Tanzania, northeast of Arusha town.
History: Established in 1960 and known as Ngurdoto Crater National Park until 1967. Arusha’s name comes from the local people known as the Waarusha. Managed by the Tanzanian National Parks.
Size: 137 sq km
Geography / Habitats: Arusha National Park is often overlooked by tourists due to the closeness of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire however due to this the crowds are low and the park offers a perfect introduction or a chilled last day to a longer safari. The other attraction of the park is being able to stretch your legs as you embark on a walking safari. The Park is very diverse and dominated by Tanzania’s 2nd highest peak Mt Meru. It has a lot of montane forests, the Ngurdoto Crater (a mini Ngorongoro Crater), cliffs, marshland, rolling grassy hills and the seven Momela Lakes.
Animals: Blue Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, Buffalo, Warthog, Flamingo, Waterfowl, Waterbucks, Giraffe, Zebra, Dik-dik, Elephant (rare), Leopard, Hyena.
Of interest: Walking Safaris, fantastic views of Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru, low crowd levels and beautiful scenery.
Accommodation Options: Lodges, local hotel or Camping.