Arusha

Arusha National Park offers spectacular views of the extinct volcano, Mount Meru, the second highest peak in Tanzania, in addition to, on clear days, magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro itself. Although less well known than Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is just as ecologically rich and diverse, its slopes being covered by a thick forest and an abundance of wildlife. Climbing Mount Meru is a shorter and less demanding alternative to climbing Kilimanjaro.

Arusha Park itself has a cool moist climate. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes which are fed by underground streams are home to thousands of flamingos between May and October. In the densely forested slopes of Mount Meru are found black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys. In Arusha you can also see a variety of other wildlife including giraffe, leopard and hyena.

The actual town of Arusha was built by the Germans as a centre of colonial administration in the early 20th century, and consisted of little more than a few shops around a grassy roundabout. Today Arusha is one of the country’s most prosperous towns.