Arusha National Park

The closest national park to Arusha town – northern Tanzania’s safari capital – Arusha National Park is a multi-faceted jewel, often overlooked by safari-goers, despite offering the opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats within a few hours.

The entrance gate leads into shadowy montane forest inhabited by inquisitive blue monkeys and colorful turacos and trogons – the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey is easily seen. However, this may be its top appeal, but it is not the only appeal here. Arusha is considered one of the great safari destinations with a wide variety of wildlife drifting over all through the place. Hordes of hippos, buffalo, zebra, and even the occasional wildebeest make it all the more enthralling safari experience. Giraffes glide across the grassy hills, between grazing zebra herds, while pairs of wide-eyed dik-dik dart into scrubby bush like overgrown hares on spindly legs.

Although elephants are uncommon in Arusha National Park, and lions absent altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen slinking around in the early morning and late afternoon. Though, bird lovers may choose to focus on the diversity of birdlife.

However, the mesmerizing beauty of Kilimanjaro snow covered Mountain View to the breathtaking Ngurdoto Crater to widespread open savannah through acacia scrubland mess very well to provide an excellent safari opportunity. Not to mention the Momela Lake providing excellent boat safari is a enticing way to acquaint yourself with aquatic world. Step into the magical land of Arusha and connect with the natural beauty calling far and beyond. Walking safari is one way to get it. Water safari is another. But hiking expedition to Meru is a whole other story. Everlasting flowers cling to the alpine desert, as delicately-hoofed klipspringers mark the hike’s progress. Astride the craggy summit, Kilimanjaro stands unveiled, blushing in the sunrise.