Mikindu view point

    Altitude: 1580 m.a.m.s.l.

    This is one of the 6 points where one can get amazing views of the Ngurudoto crater of Arusha national park. It is located on the south western part of its rim - a man made clearing amidst the Ngurudoto rainforest and one of the most frequented due to its higher safety and ease of access.

    High safety because it has a parking area right next to it, thus minimizing the distance that a visitor is required to walk from the vehicle. Although there are few harmful animals inside the park, wild animals are just that and can be unpredictable at times.

    The name Mikindu is a plural for the swahili word 'Mkindu' - referring to the wild date palms that grow precariously on the crater walls.

    What to do there?Drive to the place and enjoy the beauty of the Ngurudoto crater. Although the views available here are far less beautiful than those at the leitong viewpoint, which adds views of the momela lakes as well. When done, you could visit the rest of the attractions in the national park or even spend a night at one of the campsites nearby.

    Best time to visit?Any time of the year, with more emphasis towards the drier seasons of July to February, as this is the only time when most of the park is best accessible by any means. Plus your day is much less likely to be interrupted by unexpected showers.

    Location of Mikindu view pointMkindu viewpoint is located on the south western part of the Ngurudoto crater rim and deep within the rainforest that surrounds it. You normally have to go past the rhino view point to get here, with two more view points located further up the road that are not listed by us. For more information on its location, please see the interactive map below (click to start).

    How to get there?By vehicle mostly, taking about 45 minutes to get there from Ngongongare gate - going past places such as the Ngurudoto museum and rhino viewpoint on the way. The vehicle may be any private, rental or tours and travel, with Tanzanian registered ones requiring lesser fees than foreign registered vehicles.

    At the time of writing (2017), other fees required to visit the viewpoint include a conservation fee of TSHS 10,000 (East African citizens) or USD 45 (other nationals) and a possible walking safari fee if you intend to hike into the crater. For more information on the park fees, please contact TANAPA or consult with your tours and travel agency.

    ReferencesInformation from an actual visit to the view point

    Abbreviations1. TANAPA - Tanzania National Parks
    2. m.a.m.s.l. - metres above metric sea level


    Continue reading
    Day
    00:00
    GMT
    +z

    Popular spots
    Mikindu view point map preview
    Map
    ×