![\"\"](\"http:\/\/vimatsafaris.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/arusha-park-1024x637.jpg\")
Arusha National Park – Tanzania<\/p><\/div>
\nThe entrance gate leads into shadowy montane forest inhabited by inquisitive blue monkeys and colourful turacos and trogons \u2013 the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey is easily seen. In the midst of the forest stands the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, whose steep, rocky cliffs enclose a wide marshy floor dotted with herds of buffalo and warthog.
\nAlthough elephants are uncommon in Arusha National Park, and lions absent altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen slinking around in the early morning and late afternoon. It is also at dusk and dawn that the veil of cloud on the eastern horizon is most likely to clear, revealing the majestic snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, only 50km (30 miles) distant.<\/p>\n
But it is Kilimanjaro\u2019s unassuming cousin, Mount Meru \u2013 the fifth highest in Africa at 4,566 metres (14,990 feet) \u2013 that dominates the park\u2019s horizon. Its peaks and eastern footslopes protected within the national park, Meru offers unparalleled views of its famous neighbour, while also forming a rewarding hiking destination in its own right. Accommodation<\/strong> The closest national park to Arusha town \u2013 northern Tanzania\u2019s safari capital \u2013 Arusha National Park is a multi-faceted jewel, often overlooked by safarigoers, despite offering the opportunity to explore Continue Reading →<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vimatsafaris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5639"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vimatsafaris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vimatsafaris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vimatsafaris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vimatsafaris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5639"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vimatsafaris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5639\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5799,"href":"https:\/\/vimatsafaris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5639\/revisions\/5799"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vimatsafaris.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nPassing first through wooded savannah where buffalos and giraffes are frequently encountered, the ascent of Meru leads into forests aflame with red-hot pokers and dripping with Spanish moss, before reaching high open heath spiked with giant lobelias. Everlasting flowers cling to the alpine desert, as delicately-hoofed klipspringers mark the hike\u2019s progress. Astride the craggy summit, Kilimanjaro stands unveiled, blushing in the sunrise.
\nWhat to do<\/strong>
\nForest walks, numerous picnic sites;
\nthree- or four-day Mt Meru climb \u2013 good acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro.
\nWhen to go<\/strong>
\nTo climb Mt Meru, June-February although it may rain in November.
\nBest views of Kilimanjaro December-February.<\/p>\n
\nTwo lodges, two rest houses, camp sites, two mountain huts inside the park; more lodges at Usa River outside the park and many hotels and hostels in Arusha town.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"