Ground-water forests, marshlands and reed beds, open grasslands, and acacia woodland are the five distinct vegetation zones that make up this relatively small park. A visitor may see elephants, buffalo, zebra, hippo, and curious lions, who frequently rest in trees, in a single day. This park, which spans an area of 325 sq. km. and is protected by the vast Great Rift Valley escarpment, is a bright spot of green in an otherwise barren landscape. In a groundwater forest with more than 350 different bird species, the flamingo being the most numerous, live blue monkeys, baboons, and the curious-looking silver-cheeked hornbill. The lush vegetation is supported by a line of springs. This location is available as a one-day safari from Moshi/Arusha in addition to being a part of longer itineraries.