Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is located in the northern part of Tanzania not too far south from the border of Kenya and just outside the city of Arusha.  The national park encompasses an area of 53 square miles (137 sq km) making it one of the smaller national parks of both Tanzania and the continent of Africa.

Ngurdoto Crater is located in the southeastern part of the park which features a rich grassland ecosystem.  The northeastern part of the park gives way to the Momella Lakes which is a haven for birds who come to take advantage of the growing algae in the lakes.

Arusha National Park Trails

Climbing Mount Meru is one of the leading attractions and draws to the park.  The Momella route starts at the gate located on the eastern side of the mountain.  This is the route used to climb the mountain.

The best time to climb occurs between June and February with December through February offering the best chances to see Mount Kilimanjaro uncovered from the clouds.  The Momella route routinely takes 4 days traveling a distance of 11.8 miles (19 km), however, there is a shorter more direct ascent that takes 3 days and travels a distance of 8.7 miles (14 km).

The longer route is more common allowing for better acclimatization and a little less strenuous.  You will travel through montane forest, moorland, and then alpine desert before returning back down.