Although just 45 minutes from the key transit hub of Arusha, the eponymous national park itself is usually overlooked by tourists heading straight to the more famous Serengeti. This is a shame because Arusha National Park packs in huge scenic and biodiversity into a relatively small area. My favourite activity here is to paddle on the pretty Momella Lakes, canoeing past hippos, buffalo and giraffes. There are usually good close-up views of Mount Meru; weather permitting, you might even sneak a distant view of snow-capped Kilimanjaro.