Arusha National Park

Just an hour's drive from Moshi, Arusha National Park is a gem of varied ecosystems and has spectacular views of Mt. Meru (the second highest mountain in Tanzania). The small national park includes the Mt. Meru, the Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the lush forests that blanket its lower slopes. Game viewing around Momela Lakes is leisurely and while passing through the forest many visitors stop to search for troupes of rare colobus monkeys. Ancient fig tree forests and crystal clear waters cascading from mountain streams are the attractions and pleasures of Arusha National Park. Surprisingly, despite the convenient location of the park, it is not heavily visited. The park has plenty of giraffes and varieties of antelopes, but lacks lions, cheetahs, and elephants. Walking safaris are a possibility here (accompanied with an armed park ranger). Because the park is small the only accommodations inside of the park are for those climbing Mt Meru. There are plenty of accommodations not far outside of the park. Being very close to Moshi and the city of Arusha, this destination is done almost exclusively as a day trip.