Mount Meru and Arusha National Park: Walking, Colobus Monkeys and Acclimatisation
A small park close to Arusha with forest, lakes, walking safaris and a four-day volcano trek.
Arusha National Park is small, but varied: the Ngurdoto Crater, the Momella Lakes and the slopes of Mount Meru. It is close to Arusha town, so it makes an easy first or last day on safari.
Mount Meru, at 4,566 metres, is Tanzania's second-highest mountain. A three to four day trek passes through forest and along a narrow ridge, and it is often used as acclimatisation before Kilimanjaro. See Kilimanjaro routes compared.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Mount Meru: 4,566 m
- Trek: 3 to 4 days
- Wildlife: Colobus, giraffes, buffalo
- Near: Arusha town
The Park
Walking safaris with an armed ranger are possible, and canoes are used on the Momella Lakes. Flamingos and giraffes are among the sights.
The Trek
The trail climbs gradually from Momella Gate, with huts on the way. Summit starts are early to see sunrise over Kilimanjaro.
Planning
Add a day at the start or end of a northern circuit safari. See the Arusha gateway guide.
Adding Tanzania to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will arrange one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges for both countries.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Mount Kilimanjaro: Height, Location, Map and Climbing Routes
- Arusha: Tanzania's Safari Gateway, Airports, Markets and Things to Do
- Tanzania Travel Guide: Where It Is, Capital, Map, Parks and Best Time to Visit
- Zanzibar Beaches by Region: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani and Matemwe
- Stone Town, Spice Tours and Jozani Forest: Zanzibar's Culture Days
- Best Time to Visit Tanzania: Safari Seasons, Kilimanjaro Weather and Zanzibar
- Tanzania Safari and Travel Guides: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
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