Nowhere else in the world is the transition between a pristine mountain landscape and a bustling urban landscape as abrupt as in Arusha National Park. Located on the Tanzanian mainland, this protected park is largely dominated by the imposing Mt Meru and holds the crown of “topographically most dynamic and beautiful wildlife parks”. It is home not only to the Ngorongoro Crater, but also to the world’s largest population of African giraffes.

A popular activity for visitors to Arusha National Park is to climb Mt Meru or explore the smaller trails that criss-cross its lower slopes. The three-day hike to the top of the crater is a quieter and, some say, more challenging alternative than the famous summit of nearby Kilimanjaro. Along the lower slopes, trails lead to rivers and waterfalls, offering a relaxing day hike for visitors who don’t want to brave the more arduous climb. Ancient fig tree forests, crystal clear water cascading down mountain streams and the chance to spot colobus monkeys are the attractions and delights of Arusha National Park.

The closest to the city of Arusha – the safari capital of northern Tanzania – Arusha National Park is a multi-faceted jewel often overlooked by safari tourists, despite offering the opportunity to explore a beguiling variety of habitats within a few hours.

The entrance gate leads into a shady mountain forest inhabited by curious blue monkeys and colourful turacos and trogons – the only place on the northern safari route where the acrobatic black and white colobus monkey is easily seen. In the middle of the forest is the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, whose steep rocky cliffs enclose a vast swampy ground where herds of buffalo and warthog roam.

Further north, rolling grassy hills enclose the tranquil beauty of Momela Lakes, each with a different shade of green or blue. Thousands of flamingos, sometimes pink in colour, cavort in the shallows. The lakes are home to a rich assortment of native and migratory waterfowl, as well as shaggy waterbucks that flaunt their large, lyre-shaped horns at the water’s edge. Giraffes glide over the grassy hills among grazing herds of zebra, while pairs of wide-eyed dikdiks dart through the bushes like oversized rabbits on spindly legs.

Although elephants are rare in Arusha National Park and lions are not seen at all, leopards and spotted hyenas can be seen prowling in the early morning and late afternoon. Dusk and dawn are also when the veil of clouds on the eastern horizon is most likely to clear, revealing the majestic snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, just 50 km away.

The ascent to Meru leads first through a wooded savannah where buffalo and giraffe are common, and then through forests burning red-hot pokers and dripping with Spanish moss before reaching a very open heath dotted with giant lobelia. Perpetual flowers nestle against the alpine desert, while dainty klipspringers mark the way with their hooves. On the craggy summit, Kilimanjaro stands unveiled and blushing in the sunrise.

Size

552 square kilometres (212 square miles).

Location:

Northern Tanzania, north-east of the city of Arusha.

Directions

An easy 40-minute drive from Arusha. The distance to Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 60 km (35 miles). The lakes, forest and Ngurdoto Crater can be visited as part of a half-day excursion at the beginning or end of an extended northern safari.

NOTE: The duration of the mountaineering permit is 12 hours.

What to do

Forest walks, numerous picnic areas; three or four day climb of Mt Meru – good acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro.