Climbing Mount Meru in Arusha

One of the most popular activities for visitors to Arusha National Park is climbing Mount Meru, or exploring the various trails on its lower slopes. The three-day trek to the crater summit offers a quieter, more challenging alternative to nearby Mount Kilimanjaro. For those not looking for a strenuous climb, the park offers relaxing day hikes to rivers and waterfalls along the lower slopes. Visitors can also enjoy the ancient fig tree forests, crystal-clear mountain streams, and the chance to spot the rare colobus monkeys.

At dawn and dusk, the clouds often clear from the eastern horizon, unveiling the majestic snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, located just 30 miles (50 km) away. However, it’s Mount Meru, standing at 14,990 feet (4,566 meters) and the fifth-highest peak in Africa, that dominates the park’s skyline. With its peaks and eastern slopes protected within the park, Meru not only offers spectacular views of Kilimanjaro but also provides a rewarding hiking experience.

The climb begins in wooded savannah, often populated by giraffes and buffalo. As you ascend, you’ll pass through forests of red-hot pokers and Spanish moss, before reaching high-altitude heathlands dotted with giant lobelias. Klipspringers and resilient alpine flowers mark your progress as you ascend to the summit, where Mount Kilimanjaro stands unveiled at sunrise.

Canoeing on the Momella Lakes

Arusha National Park is home to the seven shallow Momella Lakes: Big Momella, Small Momella, Lekandiro, Kusare, Tulusia, Rishateni, and El Kekhotoito. These alkaline lakes, rich in algae, vary in color from shades of green to blue. While the water isn’t suitable for drinking, the lakes and their surroundings are perfect for birdwatching, with flamingos, waterbucks, giraffes, zebras, and dik-diks frequently spotted in the area. On Small Momella Lake, visitors can enjoy a serene canoeing safari, offering a unique perspective on the park’s wildlife and natural beauty.

Your Walking Safari in Arusha

Arusha National Park is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can enjoy a walking safari, thanks to its low predator population. This is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the landscape, whether you’re interested in getting up close to moss-covered trees, spotting red-hot pokers, or observing wildlife at ground level. Common sightings on walking safaris include buffaloes, warthogs, giraffes, and various bird species such as the silvery-cheeked hornbill, little bee-eater, and the occasional long-crested eagle. The walk typically takes you to the Tululusia Waterfalls and then back to the Momella Gate.

Feel free to get in touch for more information or to begin planning your dream Tanzania safari. If you’ve made it this far, you’re likely considering an Arusha safari as part of your adventure. We also invite you to explore our diverse range of Sababu Tanzania Experiences to help you create the perfect trip!