Arusha Area
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is not as well known as other national parks and is underrated in our opinion. Close to the town of Arusha, yet abundant with wildlife, Arusha National Park has much to offer, and is perfect for short one-day trips away from town.
Mount Meru, an impressive dormant volcano peak, towers over the park and Mount Kilimanjaro, a mere 30 miles (50 km) away, forms a spectacular backdrop on clear days.
Arusha National Park also contains the Ngurdoto Crater, as well as the beautiful Momella Lakes, each a different hue of green or blue, and often dotted with beautiful flamingoes. It is here on Small Momella Lake that Green Footprint Adventures offers canoeing – a truly unique way to experience wildlife. We are very proud to offer this exciting canoeing trip exclusively.
Mount Meru
Mount Meru has an explosive history - literally. It has had four eruptions, the last of which occurred in 1910. The main cone of the volcano has a caldera that is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) in diameter. With each eruption, a lava dome and ash cone grew increasingly bigger on the floor of the caldera.
The route to the top passes through parkland, forestland, heather zone and moorland, until the summit is reached via a narrow, barren ridge. The reward at the top is the stunning view of the ash cone several thousand feet below, inside the crater. If the weather is clear, you can see Kilimanjaro in the distance. Let Planet Africa Adventures be your guide as you climb one of Africa's highest and most beautiful dormant volcanoes.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Standing tall and proud, the great Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest peak at 19.336 feet (5.895 meters). It’s one of the continent’s most magnificent sights, and also one of the world’s most easily accessible high summits.
The climb takes you through a vast array of climates, starting with the bushy scrubland, going through mountain forests and alpine desserts until reaching snow and ice at the summit of Uhuru Point. Although easier than most other peaks of comparable height, this climb is by no means a walk in the park.
Planet Africa Adventures is with you every step of the way to ensure the safest and most enjoyable climb possible. There are few sights more impressive then watching dawn break over Africa as you stand atop her highest peak.
Arusha Town
On first impressions this town may seem sleepy and small but on closer inspection you’ll find it to be a hustling bustling and busy place. Arusha is the starting point, the central command and the safari capital of Tanzania.
There is a small domestic airport on one side of town, and on the other, about an hour’s drive away, is Kilimanjaro International Airport. Arusha National Park lies halfway between town and the international airport.
Planet Africa is located here in Arusha, and on a clear day we enjoy the view of Mount Meru from our office windows.
