Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park punches well above its weight. Despite being one of the smallest reserves in northern Tanzania, it offers a remarkable mix of landscapes - montane forest, open grassland, alpine meadow, and a string of seven crater lakes - and it’s the only park in the region where walking safaris are allowed with an armed ranger. Most visitors either drive in for a half-day game drive from Arusha city, or come specifically to climb Mount Meru, the country’s second-highest peak.

The Momella Lakes are the park’s most photogenic feature. Seven shallow, alkaline lakes host hippos, flamingos, pelicans, and over 400 bird species. Game drives between the lakes are excellent for giraffe, buffalo, warthog, and the occasional elephant. The lakes also support a small canoeing concession - paddling between hippos in clear water with Mount Meru rising behind is one of the more unusual safari experiences in Tanzania.

The park is also one of the best places in East Africa to see the black-and-white colobus monkey. These striking primates, with their long white capes of fur, are restricted to a small number of highland forests, and the colobus troops of Arusha are habituated and easily seen. Troops of 20–30 are common in the fig and podocarp forest along the road to the Momella Lakes.

The other big draw is Mount Meru itself. At 4,566 m, Meru is one of the most underrated climbs in Africa - quieter than Kilimanjaro, less crowded, and a useful acclimatisation ascent before going on to the Roof of Africa. The climb takes 3–4 days and rewards trekkers with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro from the summit (on a clear day) and a chance to spot wildlife on the lower slopes: buffalo, giraffe, and the occasional elephant.