Mt. Meru Trails and Ngurdoto Crater Safari
Climbing Mt. Meru or enjoying the smaller trails that crisscross its lower slopes is a popular activity for visitors to Arusha National Park. The three-day trek to reach the crater's summit is a quieter, and some say more challenging, alternative to the famous peak of nearby Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the lower slopes, the paths to rivers and waterfalls create a relaxing day hike for visitors who do not want to attempt the rather arduous climb. Ancient fig tree forests, crystal-clear waters cascading from mountain streams, and the chance to spot colobus monkeys are among the attractions and pleasures of Arusha National Park.
Arusha National Park is a multi-faceted jewel, often overlooked by safari-goers, despite offering the opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats within a few hours.
The entrance gate leads into a shadowy montane forest inhabited by inquisitive blue monkeys and colourful turacos and trogons - the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black and white colobus monkey is easily seen.
In the forest stands the spectacular crater, whose steep rocky cliffs enclose a wide marshy floor dotted with herds of buffalo and warthog. This marks the end of your Tanzania safari day trip to Arusha National Park.
