Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is in northern Tanzania, just outside Arusha city, covering 53 square miles (137 sq km). It is one of Tanzania’s smaller national parks.

Ngurdoto Crater is located in the park’s southeastern part and features a lush grassland ecosystem. The northeastern area of the park is home to the Momella Lakes, which attract a variety of birds due to the algae-rich waters.

Arusha National Park offers several trails, with climbing Mount Meru being one of its top attractions. The Momella route begins at the gate on the mountain’s eastern side and is the main trail for climbing Mount Meru.

The best months to climb Mount Meru are June to February, with December through February providing the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro free from clouds. The Momella route typically takes 4 days to complete, covering 11.8 miles (19 km), while a shorter, more direct route takes 3 days and spans 8.7 miles (14 km).

The longer route is more popular, as it allows for better acclimatization and is less strenuous overall. Climbers will pass through montane forest, moorland, and alpine desert before descending