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Arusha National Park
Overview
Arusha National Park, located in the northern part of Tanzania, is a hidden gem offering diverse landscapes and wildlife experiences. At just 137 square kilometers, it’s one of the smaller parks in Tanzania but makes up for its size with stunning scenic beauty and unique features. Situated at the base of Mount Meru, the park provides easy access from Arusha town, making it a popular choice for day trips. The park’s varied terrain includes tropical rainforests, open grasslands, and wetlands, providing a habitat for a wide array of plant and animal life. Its proximity to the famous Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park makes it an excellent addition to a northern circuit safari.
Wildlife and Animal Life in Arusha National Park
Despite its relatively small size, Arusha National Park is teeming with wildlife. The park is known for its population of giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and warthogs, which are commonly seen in the park’s grasslands and wooded areas. There is also a good chance of spotting impalas, waterbucks, and the rare colobus monkeys, which can be found in the forested areas. Though the park doesn’t have large predators in large numbers, visitors may occasionally spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Elephants are present in the park but tend to be more spread out compared to other parks. The park’s wildlife offers an excellent opportunity for wildlife photography and game drives.
Mount Meru and Hiking Adventures
At the heart of Arusha National Park stands Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro. At 4,566 meters, Mount Meru is a striking feature of the park’s landscape and provides one of the best hiking experiences in Tanzania. The mountain offers various trekking routes, with the summit trek taking around 3 to 4 days. For those seeking a challenge, hiking Mount Meru is a rewarding adventure with incredible views, both from the lower slopes and from the summit itself, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding park and even Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. The climb to the top is also an excellent way to acclimatize before tackling Kilimanjaro.
Momella Lakes: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The Momella Lakes, located in the northeastern part of Arusha National Park, are an iconic feature of the park, known for their stunning views and birdlife. The lakes are a series of shallow, alkaline lakes that are home to a variety of waterfowl and migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks. The lakes attract numerous species of birds, making it a fantastic destination for birdwatching. Over 400 bird species have been recorded in the park, and the Momella area offers one of the best birding opportunities in Tanzania. The wet season (from November to April) is particularly good for birding, as migratory species flock to the area.
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Why Visit Arusha National Park
Diverse Wildlife: Despite its small size, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and monkeys like the endangered colobus monkeys. It also offers the chance to spot predators like leopards, lions, and cheetahs, though they are less common than in other Tanzanian parks.
Mount Meru: The park offers the unique opportunity to hike Mount Meru, one of Tanzania’s highest peaks. The mountain provides stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. The trek is challenging but rewarding, with various routes catering to different fitness levels.
Birdwatching Paradise: Arusha National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 400 bird species. The Momella Lakes are particularly famous for their population of flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory birds, making it a fantastic destination for bird enthusiasts.
 Proximity to Arusha Town: Located just a short drive from Arusha, the park is an ideal destination for a quick getaway. It’s easy to visit on a day trip, offering a convenient way to experience Tanzania’s wildlife and natural beauty without needing to travel far.
Varied Landscapes: The park features a mix of rainforests, savannah, wetlands, and mountainous terrain, providing diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of animals and plant species. This variety makes the park visually captivating and a photographer’s dream.
Less Crowded: Compared to Tanzania’s larger parks like Serengeti or Ngorongoro, Arusha National Park is much less crowded, offering a more peaceful and intimate safari experience. It’s a great choice for those seeking a quieter and more personal connection with nature.
Things to do in Arusha National Park
Game drives
Mountain Climbing
Walking safari
Canoeing
Horse Riding
Cycling.
How to get there?
By Road
- From Arusha Town: Arusha National Park is about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Arusha, making it a short drive of approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can easily take a private vehicle or safari jeep for a direct route to the park entrance.
- From Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): The park is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport, a drive of around 1 to 1.5 hours. Taxis or private transfers can be arranged from the airport to the park.
- From Ngorongoro Crater: Arusha National Park is about 160 kilometers (99 miles) from the Ngorongoro Crater. This drive will take roughly 3 to 4 hours depending on road conditions.
By Air
- Charter Flights: If you’re coming from a different part of Tanzania, you can take a charter flight to Arusha Airport (or the Seronera Airstrip in Serengeti) and then arrange a transfer to the park by road.
- From Kilimanjaro International Airport: After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you can take a short domestic flight or use ground transport to reach the park. Although there are no commercial flights directly to the park, it’s common for travelers to fly into Arusha and continue their journey by road.
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When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Arusha National Park depends on what you’re hoping to experience. The dry season (from June to October) is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is pleasant, and wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources. The wet season (from November to May) offers lush landscapes and is a great time for birdwatching, especially during the migratory period. However, some roads may become challenging to navigate during the wet season. Due to its proximity to Arusha, the park is accessible year-round, and its proximity to other parks in the region makes it a perfect stop during a safari circuit.
Arusha National Park provides an excellent mix of wildlife viewing, mountain hiking, and birdwatching, making it a highly diverse destination. Its small size and ease of access make it an ideal choice for travelers looking for a day trip or a brief safari experience, all while enjoying the beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes.
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Arusha National Park is located in northern Tanzania, near the town of Arusha, and is situated at the base of Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania.
The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, impalas, and monkeys like the colobus monkey. While big cats are less common, you can occasionally spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Elephants are also present but in smaller numbers compared to other parks.
Yes, Mount Meru is a popular trekking destination. It offers a 3 to 4-day hike to the summit. The trek provides incredible views of the park and surrounding areas, including Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. It is also an excellent acclimatization climb for those planning to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro.
The park offers several activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and canoeing on the Momella Lakes. For adventurous visitors, hiking Mount Meru or exploring the various nature trails are excellent ways to experience the park’s diverse landscapes.
The dry season (June to October) is the best time to visit, as wildlife is easier to spot, and the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities. The wet season (November to May) can make some areas harder to navigate, but it’s ideal for birdwatching, especially from November to April when migratory birds are in the area.
Arusha National Park is easily accessible by road from Arusha Town (about 25 kilometers), and it takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour by car. If you’re coming from Kilimanjaro International Airport, it’s about 50 kilometers and takes 1 to 1.5 hours by road. You can also take charter flights to Arusha Airport, followed by a road transfer.
Yes, Arusha National Park is an excellent option for a day trip due to its proximity to Arusha Town. You can enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the scenic beauty of the park.
There are no permanent lodges within the park, but there are a variety of accommodation options just outside the park, in Arusha and the surrounding areas. These include hotels, lodges, and campsites that cater to different budgets.
Arusha National Park stands out due to its combination of wildlife viewing, mountain hiking (especially Mount Meru), and birdwatching opportunities, all set within a diverse landscape of forests, savannah, and wetlands. The park also offers a more peaceful and less crowded experience compared to larger parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
While the park is primarily known for its wildlife and natural beauty, visitors can engage with local Maasai communities nearby for cultural experiences. These may include visits to Maasai villages to learn about traditional customs and lifestyle.
Serengeti National Park
ArushaNational Park
Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area