Arusha National park
Explore Arusha National park
Arusha is one of Tanzania’s smallest national parks, dominated by Mount Meru’s peak. It provides an impressive introduction for visitors embarking on the Northern Safari Circuit and is easily accessible as a one-day safari tour from Tanzania’s safari capital, Arusha. It supports a staggering diversity of wildlife due to its lush highland forests, shallow alkaline lakes, and extensive grasslands.
Get up close and personal with towering giraffes, herds of Cape buffalo and grazing zebras, and black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys seen playing in the forests. Long-legged flamingos, which can often be seen wading in the lake waters, as well as rare species such as Narina trogon and bar-tailed trogon, are among the nearly 450 bird species found in Arusha National Park.
The park’s highlights include the “mini-Ngorongoro” Ngurdoto Crater, which spans 3.5 kilometers in diameter, and the Momella Lakes, which are framed by green hills. The soaring summit of Mount Meru (4,562 meters) is within the borders of Arusha National Park and is a hiking destination in its own right, boasting majestic views of neighboring Mount Kilimanjaro. Allow our experienced team to create a customized itinerary for you if you want to include Arusha in your Northern Circuit Tanzania safari package
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK WILDLIFE
Arusha National Park’s forest is home to blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. You might also spot a shy red duiker if you’re lucky. The even smaller Kirk’s dik-dik is more common. Giraffes are very common in the Momella Lakes area. Herbivores such as elephants, hippos, buffalo, zebra, and even the occasional wildebeest can be found among the diverse wildlife. It also has the world’s largest giraffe population.
HOW DOES ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK FIT INTO YOUR TANZANIAN ADVENTURE?
- Arusha National Park can be explored in a single day and is an excellent stand-alone adventure destination.
- Arusha National Park activities include game drives, canoeing, hiking Mount Meru, and walking safaris.
- It is one of Tanzania’s few national parks where you can go on walking and boat safaris.
- Arusha is a pleasant place to spend a day or two before or after a safari in Northern Tanzania Parks or a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Arusha is the starting point for the Northern Circuit of Tanzania, which includes the Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara National Park, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
BEST PLACE TO VISIT ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
The dry season is the best time to visit if you want to see more wildlife. The forests will not be dense enough to hide the animals, giving you excellent visibility. The dry season is also ideal for climbing Mount Meru and going on a walking safari. In Dry season the Mount Meru will not be slick, and you will have excellent views of the park and Mount Kilimanjaro. And you won’t have to walk through muddy areas on a walking safari.
The wet season, on the other hand, would be ideal for birdwatchers. During these months, migratory birds will arrive, and you will see a wide variety of species. There will be flamingos, trogons, geese, ibis, and pelicans, among other animals.
Things to do in Arusha National park
Walking safari
Arusha National Park is among the few national parks in Tanzania where a walking safari is possible. Under the guidance of an armed park ranger, you will be walking through the park among the giraffes, zebras, elephants, and other wild animals. You will have the opportunity to observe wild animals and learn about their habitats and habits.
Cycling tours
Cycling is a well-known activity in the park. This park’s beautiful areas can be explored, and the wildlife can be seen up close by cycling through it. An armed park ranger will ride alongside you the entire time. If you choose the tour option, you should be prepared to ride a bike for anywhere between 5 and 7 hours.
Horse riding
You can go on horseback riding tours at the park, both for experienced riders and for beginners. Imagine riding a gentle horse while admiring the zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and other animals. A horseback safari is another name for this kind of excursion.
Canoeing safari
Canoeing safari is practiced on the lovely Momella Lake. Depending on the day and how your guide assesses the situation that day, you will have the opportunity to travel across nearly the entire lake. As you navigate, picture yourself watching as wild animals quench their thirst on the lake’s shore. This is a fantastic physical day trip with lots of opportunities to see wildlife.
Trek Mount Meru
Three or four days can be spent climbing Mount Meru. It is an excellent way to get ready to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The climb up Mount Meru is extremely difficult and offers stunning scenery.
GETTING TO ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
Arusha, the starting point of any northern circuit safari in Tanzania, is only a 45-minute drive away and is the best place to travel by car to reach Arusha National Park. There are two airports: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is 50 km away, and Arusha Airport (ARK), which is on the outskirts of the city.
CONCLUSION
Many Tanzanian safaris start in Arusha National Park, which can be reached by road or by short regional flights. Visit our Tanzania safari packages starting in Arusha or contact Select Adventure Safari to have one of our safari experts create a safari specifically for you!ta
