ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK & MOUNT MERU ( 4566mt)

Arusha National Park is a secret jewel of many facets. It is not only the closest national park to Arusha town, but also one of the most beguiling. This is a treasure, a rich tapestry of habitats, teeming with animals and birds. The park has three distinct zones that contribute to its variety and beauty: the lush swamps of Ngurdoto Crater; the tranquil beauty of the Momela Lakes, each a different hue; and the chill rocky alpine heights of Mount Meru rising to 4,566 metres (14,990 feet). Zebra graze on red grasslands, wide-eyed dik dik dart into scrubby bush like overgrown hares on spindly legs. Leopards lurk in shadowy forests which are draped with waterfalls. Reedbuck pick through marshy pools. There are more than 400 species of birds. Fluffy-tailed black and white colobus monkeys riot into the damp forest mists. Giraffes glide across the grassy hills.

In the distance Mount Kilimanjaro watches over all. But it is her unassuming cousin, Mount Meru, that dominates, offering unparalleled views of the famous neighbour. The rewarding climb up Meru pegs through forest aflame with red hot pokers, dripping Spanish moss (Unsea), carpeted with clover rising to open heath, spiked with giant lobelias, Everlasting flowers cling to the alpine desert, as delicately hooved klipspringers mark your progress. Astride the craggy sumit, Kili stands before you, breathtaking, blushing in the sunrise.