Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is set directly between the slopes of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.  The western side of the park boasts the Meru Crater which funnels the Jekukumia River.  The southeastern portion of the park is home to the Ngurdoto Crater.  Two shallow alkaline lakes highlight the northeastern end of the park.  These  lakes attract flamingos and a variety of other birds. The park is also home to elephants, buffalo, zebra, gazelle and a host of other wildlife. 

We arrived at the park in the mid-morning and quickly located several species of monkeys.

The Blue Monkeys.

The black and white Colobus Monkeys.

The Baboons. 

The viewpoint overlooking Meru Crater was worthy of a stop to take in our surroundings.

A very precious baby waterbuck. 

A giraffe chillin out in the grass.

The buffalo graze throughout Arusha National Park.

The alkaline lakes create a feeding frenzy for the flamingos.

Roman and Mabret have become proficient photographers and spotters.  We rely upon their skills daily and they continue to improve.

Our day ended on a sad note as our guide and friend, Ali, received a phone call informing him that his sister had passed away.  We were scheduled to spend the next week with Ali touring the national parks of Tanzania.  Roman and Mabret have become fond of Ali as well.  Ali was born and raised in Tanzania and attended college at Wichita State.  After college, he lived and worked in the States for many years before returning to his homeland.  

Ali has informed us that he convinced his mentor, Mr. Karashi, to come out of retirement to guide the remaining days of our safari.

Below is a picture of the boys as they bid farewell to Ali.

Tuesday morning we depart for Tarangire National Park.