The entrance gate leads into shadowy montane forest inhabited by inquisitive blue monkey and colourful turacos and trogons which is the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black and white colobus monkeys are easily seen. In the midst of the forest stands the spectacular Ngurudoto crater with steep and rock cliffs which enclose a wide marshy floor full of herds of buffalo and warthog. Further in the north, there is rolling grassy hills enclose the tranquil beauty of the Momela Lakes, each one has a different hue of orange or blue. There are shallows tinged pink with thousands of flamingos, also the lake support a rich selection of resident and migrant water fowl, and shaggy waterbucks display their larger lye-shaped horns on the watery fringes. Giraffes glide across the grassy hills, between grazing zebra herds, while pairs of wide-eyed dik dik dart into scrubby bush like overgrown hares on spindly legs.

Although elephants are uncommon in Arusha National Park, and lions absent all together, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen slinking around in the early morning and late afternoon. It is also at dusk and down that the veil of cloud on the eastern horizon is most likely to clear, revealing the majestic snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, only 50km(30miles) distance.

Kilimanjaro’s assumed cousin, Mount Meru is the fifth among the highest mountains in Africa with 4,566 MASL Metres (14990 feet) that dominates the park horizon. Its peak and eastern foot slopes are protected within the national park. Meru offers unparalleled view of its famous neighbour ( mount Kilimanjaro ) while providing a rewarding hiking destination in its own right.

First passing through woodiest savannah where buffalos and giraffes are frequently encountered, the ascent of Meru leads into forest aflame with red hot pokes and dripping with Spanish moss, before reaching high open heath spiked with giant lobelias. Everlasting glowers cling to the alpine desert, as delicately hoofed klip Springer mark the hike’s progress. Astride the craggy summit, Kilimanjaro stands unveiled, blushing in the sunrise.

• Size:542 Sq km (205.96miles)
• Location: Northern Tanzania, Northeast of Arusha town

Getting there: An easy 40 minutes drive from Arusha approximately 60 km( 35 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The lakes, forest and Ngurdoto Crater can all be visited in the coursed of a half day outing at the beginning or end of an extended northern safari

Best time to climb Mt. Meru: June to February although it may rain in November.

Accommodation:2 Rest Houses, camp sites (3 public and 2 special), 2 Lodges inside the park, 2 Mountain accommodation centres, 8 Lodges just outside the park and many more in Arusha.