Gateway to Tanzania's Wildlife Reserves
ARUSHA is a small African town nestled in the shadow of Mount Meru with commanding views of the mighty Kilimanjaro. Although Dar es Salaam is larger, Arusha tends to be visited more by tourists, as it is the gateway to the northern circuit. It is likely to be the start of your safari to the famous parks of northern Tanzania.
The vast majority of tourists and tour operators generally overlook this gem of Tanzania. Arusha National Park (137km²) has terrain ranging from open savannah through acacia scrublands to Afro-mountain cloud and rain forest, and Afro-alpine vegetation similar to Mount Kilimanjaro. There are several alkaline lakes, and the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater is unmissable.
Mammal species include elephant, buffalo, various primates, giraffe and leopard. Hiking is allowed if accompanied by an armed guard, and the climb up Mount Meru is superb, often giving the best views available of Mount Kilimanjaro.
At 4,556m, Mount Meru is the fifth highest mountain in Africa, and although it can be climbed in two days, it is far better to give it three days or more. Because of the low density of tourism, the chances of seeing forest animals and, especially, primates like black and white colobus monkeys, are far better than on Kilimanjaro. Take similar kit to that needed for Kilimanjaro, although it is significantly warmer on the summit – and much cheaper than climbing its neighbouring big brother.
