Just 32 km away from the town of Arusha is the Arusha National Park which was described by Sir Julian Huxley as “a gem amongst parks.” It consists of three spectacular features, the Momela Lakes, Mount Meru and the Ngurdoto Crater. On clear days magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen from almost any part of the park. The vegetation and wildlife varies with the topography, which ranges from forest to swamp. The park is famous for its 575 species of birdlife, both migrant and resident, and black and white colobus monkey - the only place they may be seen on the Northern Circuit. Elephant are rare, and lion absent alltogether, but other animals frequently seen in the park are baboon, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, hyena, warthog,  Zebra and a wide range of antelope species including dik dik and waterbuck. Leopard are ever-present but, as always, difficult to find. An area of adjoining land is to be incorporated into the park increasing its size to 500 sq km. Recently added tourist attractions include canoe safaris on the Momela lakes and walking safaris around the rim of the Ngurudoto Crater.