Arusha & Lake Manyara
Forests • Flamingoes • Tree-Climbing Lions
Arusha National Park
Often overlooked but incredibly diverse, Arusha National Park is home to Mount Meru, the Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momella Lakes. It's the perfect day-trip destination and starting point for northern safaris.
The Gem Near the City
Just a short drive from Arusha town, this park serves as a sanctuary for colobus monkeys, giraffes, and zebras. It offers distinct activities like walking safaris and canoeing on the lakes, with Mount Kilimanjaro often visible in the distance.
Giraffes grazing with Meru in the background
Lake Manyara National Park
"The loveliest I have seen in Africa" - Ernest Hemingway. Famous for its tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of pink flamingos lining the shore.
A Birdwatcher's Paradise
The diverse habitats include groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and the alkaline lake itself. It hosts over 400 bird species and large troops of baboons. It's a compact park that delivers high-quality sightings.
- Tree-climbing Lions
- Pink Flamingoes
- Elephant Families
Pink reflections on Lake Manyara
Mount Meru Trekking
Standing at 4,562m, Mount Meru is Tanzania's second-highest peak. It is often climbed for acclimatization before Kilimanjaro but is a spectacular trek in its own right, offering dramatic views into its ash cone.