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Manyara National Park |
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| Manyara National Park |
Best known for : The Park is particularly known for the rich tapestry of flora and fauna it supports. The Park has 3 distinct zones that define its beauty and variety:
The Momella Lakes are shallow alkaline lakes fed by underground streams at which thousands of lesser and greater flamingos as well as migratory birds (between April and October) can be found. Each of the lakes has a different hue.
The Ngurdoto Crater is known as a “mini-Ngorongoro” being 3 kilometres from rim to rim and descending into a volcanic bowl supporting a multitude of wildlife in lush swamp vegetation. One has a superb view from the rim of this crater.
Mt Meru is Tanzania’s second highest peak at 4,566m and the Mt Meru Crater is considered one of the most spectacular landscapes in Tanzania and is thus the highpoint of a visit to Arusha National Park. On fine weather days one can see the peaks of both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru from within the Arusha National Park. The Park and town derive their name from the Wa-Arusha people who traditionally lived in this area.
Location : Found in the northeast of the country, east of the Ngorongoro Crater, near the town of Arusha, and not far from the border with Kenya. Arusha National Park lies between the peaks of Kilimanjaro and Meru.
Size : Arusha National Park covers an area of 137 square kilometres. Until 1967 this was known as Ngurdoto Crater National Park.
Wildlife : The different habitat areas of the Park are home to several different species of Wildlife: elephant, buffalo and leopard (three of the Big Five) are found in the Park. Waterbuck and reedbuck are found mostly near water areas, whereas the duiker and bushbuck are more common in forested areas. Other mammals found here include hippo, giraffe, zebra, dik dik, various antelope species, warthog, and hyena. Fluffy-tailed Black and White Colobus monkeys frolic in the damp forest mists.
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A staggering 400 species of birds have been recorded in Arusha National Park – some are migratory and hence only present between October and April, the others are permanently resident in the Park. In addition to the large flamingo population, some notable species include the Crowned Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Silvery-Cheeked Hornbill, Egyptian Vulture, and Hammerhead Stork.
Environment and vegetation : The altitude of the Park ranges from 1 ,500 metres above sea level at Momella, to over 4,500 metres at the summit of Meru. The vegetation of Arusha National Park varies according to the altitude and geology of the area. The Momella Lakes are alkaline; the Ngurdoto Crater is surrounded by forest whilst the crater floor is a swampy area; and Mt Meru is a combination of bare rocks and tropical forests.
Climate and when to go : The climate is temperate throughout the year. There are two wet seasons, November to December (short rains) and March to May, and the driest months are August to October.
The best time to visit is during the dry season – so anytime between July and March. The best months to climb Mount Meru are between June and February (although the short rains occur in November/ December). The best views of Mount Kilimanjaro are from December to February.
Activities : Bird watching, photography, forest walks, 3-4 day Mt Meru climb, and game drives. Close enough to Arusha for daytrips (hence one does not have to overnight in the Park). Most of the roads within the Park are passable in two wheel drive vehicles, although some do require four-wheel drive.
How to get there : By road: Arusha National Park is just 21 kilometres from the town of Arusha on the main Arusha – Moshi road. From Dar es Salaam via Chalinze and Moshi to Arusha is an 8-9 hour trip, on a good tar road.
By air and train: flights and trains travel between Dar es Salaam and Moshi daily. The Park is just 60 km from Kilimanjaro International airport.
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