Arusha National Park

Well known for being rich in a variety of flora and fauna, Arusha National Park is located in the north eastern part of Tanzania. The gem is also home to the fourth-highest mountain in Africa, Mount Meru.  The park is small but varied with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River; the peak of Mount Meru lies on its rim. Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the north-east have varying algal colours and are known for their wading birds.

Arusha National Park lies on an axis of the 300 kilometers which has Africa’s most famous National Parks that run from the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater in the west and stretches to the Kilimanjaro National Park in the east, making it a prominent place for wildlife safaris with incredible sightseeing experience within the interconnected ecosystems.

The National park covers mountain Meru the fourth highest mountain in Africa and the second highest peak in Tanzania which has an elevation of about 4566 meters high.

This National Park has in the recent years been a remarkable destination for day trip visitors who are just about to conclude their long travel in the northern circuit. Arusha National park covering the summit, slopes and cones of mountain Meru, the Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto crater and lush highlands that wrap up the slopes offer speculative scenery and an authentic view of nature.

Due to the absence of predators in Arusha National Park, walking safaris are permitted in Arusha National Park. The park has only one of the Big Five animals which is the buffalo as well as other animals like elephants, giraffes, zebras among other wildlife. Arusha national park is also home to about 400 species of birds which makes it a good spot for bird lovers. Birds to watch in the park include Flamingos, pelicans, variety of Ducks, lizard buzzards, Verreaux’s Eagle owls among others. Lots of migratory birds are also seen in April and November.

What to expect on a safari to Arusha National Park?

When travelling to Arusha National Park, there is a lot to expect despite the fact that the park is one of the smallest in the country. On your safari to Arusha National Park, expect to find a great experience of nature viewing with Colobus monkeys that are regularly spotted jumping in the vast forests. The grassy rolling hills of Arusha National Park, offer massive grazing areas for giraffe, zebras, and the sweetest antelopes to ever see, the dik_dik.  The others most common sightings include the warthogs and the birds such as the silvery cheeked hornbill, little bee _ eater and occasional long crested eagle.

Towards the Momella Lake are the waterbucks and reedbucks that love hanging around the lake shore, here others water bird can also be spotted such as the cormorants, kingfisher and the beautiful flamingos. Montane forest is a main gate into the gem which offer a wide area for the black and white colobus and the blue monkeys.

During your trips to Arusha National Park, travellers can participate in several safari activities which include; climbing Mountain Meru which involves the small trails such as to crisscross its lower slope one of the popular activity done by most visitors during the travel in Arusha National Park. The Crater summit trek is another popular activity in Arusha National Park. It is explained by many tourists to be more quieter and even a more challenging alternative for the famous Peak of mountain Kilimanjaro that is just nearby.

Hikes are also often done mainly at the mountainous areas, Arusha National Park also offers several rivers and waterfalls that are relaxing areas for visitor who in most cases would not prefer not to attempt climbing the rugged mountain. The ancient fig tree forests, crystal clear waters cascading from the mountain streams offer a thrilling experience to visitors and a great pleasure of Park with a guarantee of nature at its real state.

Other frequently tasked questions

What is Arusha National Park famous for?

The national park is a prime place for the black-and-white colobus monkeys, Mount Meru, swamps, lakes, waterfalls and craters! A beautiful park with a wide diversity of landscapes and wildlife. This National Park is exceptional!!!

What is Unique in Arusha National Park?

Despite having a several wildlife species, Arusha National Park lacks the Big five African animal apart from the Buffalo. This there for offers a great opportunity to conduct walking safaris that enable travellers blend and feel nature at its real state.