Arusha National park

Arusha National Park is a notable national park in Tanzania, situated in the northeastern region near Arusha town and adjacent to the Kenya-Tanzania border. The park is located 35 kilometers from Arusha city, 58 kilometers from Moshi, and 35 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). Arusha International Airport is situated near the second oldest national park in Tanzania, which spans 552 square kilometers and encompasses a vast array of landscapes in multiple directions. The landscapes encompass the Meru crater funnels, the Jekukumia River, and the summit of Mountain Meru to the west, the Ngurdoto crater in the southeast characterized by savannah, and the shallow alkaline Momella lakes in the northeast.

Arusha National Park includes Mount Meru, the second-highest peak in Tanzania following Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is a volcanic cone believed to have erupted 3 million years ago. This mountain reaches an elevation of 4,566 meters and features the impressive Ngurdoto Crater, a notable characteristic of Arusha National Park. Ngurdoto Crater, also referred to as the Little Ngorongoro, has a diameter of 3.2 kilometers and a depth of 300 meters. The crater is basin-shaped and characterized by steep sides adorned with dense rainforest. The crater’s base is characterized by marshy grassland inhabited by buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, baboons, leopards, monkeys, and several bird species.

Arusha National Park, together with Lake Manyara National Park, constitutes the second oldest park in Tanzania, established due to the influence of Hungarian Count Teleki, who visited the Momella area in 1876. During his journey, he was captivated by the numerous hippopotamuses and black rhinoceroses in the region. In 1907, the Trappe family also visited the area and created a farm that served as a cattle ranch. Upon its designation as a national park in 1960, the farm and Ngurdoto Crater were included inside the park’s boundaries, followed by the incorporation of the Mount Meru area in 1967. The name of Arusha National Park is taken from the native Warusha people who formerly inhabited the region now designated as Arusha National Park.

In addition to its spectacular scenery and physical attributes, Arusha National Park is home to a diverse array of mammal species and more than 400 bird species. Due to its substantial concentration of fauna, Arusha National Park is ranked among the six premier destinations for wildlife observation. The park is home to buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, hippos, reedbucks, duikers, bush pigs, giraffes, dik-dik, leopards, elephants, wildcats, spotted hyenas, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, among others. These creatures are optimally observed on the slopes of Mount Meru, within the dense montane woods, adjacent to Ngurdoto Museum, and around Momella lakes.

Avian population Arusha National Park hosts around 400 species, including forest species, migratory species present from November to April, woodland species, and aquatic species along the coasts of Momella Lakes. This avifauna comprises flamingos, hammerkops, pelicans, white-crested tilts, African paradise flycatchers, grey-headed bush shrikes, red-billed oxpeckers, bronzy sunbirds, pied avocets, black-winged stilts, African jacanas, African spoonbills, black-headed herons, Jacobin cuckoos, Levaillant’s cuckoos, crowned eagles, yellow-billed storks, lanner falcons, southern pochards, golden eagles, red-fronted parrots, silver-checked hornbills, grey-crowned cranes, augur buzzards, among others. One thousand six hundred ninety

Tourist activities in Arusha National Park

Game drive

Game viewing is a notable safari activity in Arusha National Park, which hosts a multitude of large mammal species inhabiting several vegetation zones, including savannah grasslands, forests, and the banks of Momella Lakes. Game viewing occurs during a drive in an open-roof vehicle, where one may observe various species including waterbucks, bushbucks, giraffes, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, dik-dik, zebras, and others. The game viewing experience occurs during morning, midday, and evening game drives.

Bird watching

Arusha National Park is a significant birding destination in Tanzania, home to over 400 bird species, rendering the birdwatching experience exceptional. Observing avian life in Arusha National Park provides the opportunity to spot numerous species, including flamingos, hammerkops, pelicans, white-crested tilts, African paradise flycatchers, grey-headed bush shrikes, red-billed oxpeckers, bronzy sunbirds, pied avocets, black-winged stilts, African jacanas, African spoonbills, black-headed herons, Jacobin cuckoos, Levaillant’s cuckoos, crowned eagles, yellow-billed storks, lanner falcons, and many others. Optimal locations for avian observation encompass the savannah grasslands, the shores of Momella Lake teeming with flamingos, and the forested galleries situated on the slopes and base of Mount Meru.

Mountain Meru climbing

For enthusiasts of mountaineering Arusha National Park is an ideal destination; Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, offers a remarkable climbing experience. The mountain possesses perfect picturesque attributes, including the Ngurdoto crater, cliffs along the inner wall, and a steep ascent from a circular base. The ascent of Mountain Meru is conducted via the Momella route, the sole path to the summit. This route commences at the Momella gate on the eastern flank of the mountain and traverses the northern arm of the horseshoe crater. The ascent of Mount Meru using the Momella route can be accomplished in four days and three nights.

Walking safaris

A walking safari in Arusha National Park is a remarkable adventure that allows exploration of areas inaccessible by vehicle. These safaris are ideally conducted in Ujambo Wa Mbogo, known as “the buffalo glade,” characterized by marshlands, dense vegetation, and numerous streams that serve as a feeding ground for warthogs, buffaloes, and giraffes observable in this region. Walking safaris are conducted on various paths within the park, including one that traverses beneath Mount Meru and another that follows the Ngurdoto Crater rim trail.

Canoeing

Canoeing in Arusha National Park presents tourists with a distinct experience characterized by picturesque views, wildlife, and a refreshing breeze on Momella Lake. The activity lasts 2-3 hours and is available in two sessions: the morning session begins at 07:30 am, while the evening session starts at 04:00 pm. Canoeing provides unobstructed vistas of Mount Meru and opportunities to observe wildlife, including buffaloes, bushbucks, giraffes, hippos, and other aquatic birds such as huge kingfishers, cattle egrets, and storks.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding in Arusha National Park is an exhilarating safari experience and an environmentally sustainable method of exploration. The activity lasts between 5 to 7 hours, during which riders can appreciate picturesque views, including Mount Meru, as well as observe various wildlife such as elephants, leopards, and buffaloes. Horseback riding provides an excellent opportunity to encounter creatures like giraffes and traverse paths that are inaccessible by vehicle.

Accommodations in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park features a variety of accommodation options for safari travelers, categorized into luxury, midrange, and budget hotels. Accommodation options in Arusha National Park including Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, Africa Tulip, Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort and Spa, Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge, Momella Wildlife Lodge, Mount Meru Game Lodge, Hatari Lodge, Itikoni Seasonal Camp, among others.

Directions to Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is located northeast of Arusha, the capital of the Arusha area, approximately 35 kilometers away. Arusha National Park may be accessed by both road and air, roughly 40 minutes away by car. Both private and public vehicles can be utilized for road travel; numerous daily buses operate from Arusha city to Ngare Nanyuki settlement, including stops at Ngongongare gate. Flights to Arusha National Park arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is located 46 kilometers from the park.