Arusha National Park was Ngurdoto Crater Highland National Park until 1967. The current national park covers an area of 137 sq km/53 sq mi, and is located near the town of Arusha between Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. The park and town derive their name from the Wa-Arusha people who traditionally live in this area. On this one-day excursion leaving from Arusha, Moshi or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will get to know the Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes, highland montane forest, and the rugged Mount Meru (4,565 m/14,977 ft). The park has a wealth of wildlife including Colobus Monkeys, velvet monkeys, bushbucks, buffalos, red forest duikers, hippos, elephants, and giraffes. Birdlife, especially waterfowl, is abundant and interesting.

Overlooking Lake Natron and the bush land of Kenya to the north, Ol doinyo Lengai, which means ‘the Mountain of God’ in Maasai, is an active volcano and one of Tanzania’s most spectacular and undiscovered climbs.

Marangu Gate (6000 ft) – Mandara Hut (9,000 ft), Hiking/Ascent time: 3 – 4 hours Habitat: Montane forest

The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatisation.