Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is situated in the northern region of Tanzania, at an elevation of approximately 4,566 meters above sea level in the Arusha Region. This national park was established in 1960 primarily to safeguard and conserve its biodiversity. The park encompasses over 137 square kilometers and is administered by the Tanzania National Park Authority, a governmental body tasked with the protection of all national parks. Arusha National Park, though small, attracts approximately 66,808 visitors annually due to its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife species, which are regarded as premier tourist attractions, drawing individuals from various global locations to explore the park.
Attractions located in Arusha National Park
Wildlife
The Park hosts a diverse array of mammals and birds, including giraffes, Cape buffalo, waterbucks, warthogs, leopards, elephants, zebras, dik-diks, hippopotamuses, klipspringers, baboons, blue monkeys, elands, spotted hyenas, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. This remarkable species can be observed in various areas of the park, including the Ngurdoto crater region, the banks of Lake Momella, and the Ujambo Wa Mbogo regions, among others. Elephants are rare in Arusha National Park, and lions are also nonexistent. Leopards and spotted hyenas are typically observed between the early morning and late afternoon.
Arusha National Park Wildlife in Arusha National Park Birds
The park hosts more than 400 avian species, including famous examples such as the Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, European Nightjar, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Mottled Spinetailed Swift, White-browed Coucal, Yellowbill, African Rail, and Allen’s Gallinule. White-bellied Go-away-bird, Red-chested Flufftail, Grey Crowned Crane, Common Ostrich, White-faced Whistling Duck, Egyptian Goose, Northern Shoveler, Red-billed Teal, White-backed Duck, Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Guineafowl, Common Buttonquail, Double-banded Courser, African Skimmer, Gray-hooded Gull, Secretary-bird, Osprey, among others.
Ngordoto Crater
Ngordoto Crater, also known as the “Mini Ngorongoro,” is a remarkable geological formation situated within Arusha National Park. The crater was produced millions of years ago due to volcanic activity, measuring around 3.5 kilometers in diameter and 400 meters in depth, resulting in a stunning amphitheater-like landscape. The crater is surrounded by steep walls and features a complex ecology that sustains a plethora of animals, including buffalo, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, elephants, cheetahs, and numerous antelopes such as dik-dik and Grant’s gazelle. The abundant flora within the crater draws several bird species, rendering it a favored location for birdwatching aficionados.
Visitors to Ngordoto Crater can relish the picturesque trekking chances along its periphery, where they can savor panoramic views of the crater floor and the surrounding environment of Arusha National Park. The expedition through the acacia and beech forest provides an opportunity to observe remarkable flora and fauna, including endemic species and vibrant avian life. The terrain surrounding the crater is particularly enchanting at sunrise and sunset, as the striking illumination creates a mystical ambiance over the verdant area. Remarkable activities to engage in at Arusha National Park
Wildlife observation
Wildlife observation is Arusha National Park is a highly frequented destination that provides a thrilling opportunity to observe Africa’s animals in their native habitat. Game viewing in the park occurs in 4×4 vehicles, primarily within the Ngurdoto Crater and its adjacent forest, owing to the area’s rich wildlife, which includes significant populations of elephants, hippos, and buffalo, among numerous other species in Arusha National Park. Game drives in the park are consistently undertaken throughout the early morning and late afternoon when animal activity is at its peak.
Canoeing in Mamella Lakes
Canoeing on Mamella Lakes is one of the most distinctive and essential activities during a safari in Arusha National Park. These scenic lakes, framed by Mount Meru, abound in avian species, rendering them an ideal haven for ornithologists. Kayaking through the serene waterways enables guests to absorb stunning vistas while enjoying the soothing sounds of nature. The lakes host a diverse array of avian species, including flamingos, pelicans, and African fish eagles, who are frequently observed soaring elegantly over the shallow waters. During your guided canoeing excursions in the park, you will get the opportunity to discover the area’s concealed treasures while watching diverse creatures in their natural environment. This remarkable activity in Arusha National Park often endures for 2-3 hours and serves as an excellent alternative to conventional safari pursuits.
Bird watching
Arusha National Park is known as a haven for birdwatchers, featuring more than 400 avian species. During your birdwatching expedition, you have the opportunity to observe various vibrant avian species, including Flamingos, Great Crested Grebe, African Olive Pigeon, Mourning Collared Dove, African Green Pigeon, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Red-chested Flufftail, Grey Crowned Crane, Common Ostrich, White-faced Whistling Duck, Yellow-billed Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, Great White Pelican, Hamerkop, White-backed Night Heron, Black-headed Heron, Great Egret, and African Spoonbill, among others.
Climb of Mount Meru
Mount Meru, located in Arusha National Park, is the second tallest peak in Tanzania and the fifth highest in Africa, standing at an elevation of 4,562 meters. This inactive volcano serves as an ideal training site for individuals preparing to hike the more arduous and proximate Mount Kilimanjaro. Hiking or climbing Mount Meru presents a formidable challenge, although it rewards adventurers with breathtaking vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, located about 70 kilometers away, alongside captivating views of national parks, lakes, and sightings of renowned African species. The hiking trails are well-established; nonetheless, solo ascents are prohibited. Reaching the summit requires four days, necessitating physical fitness and adaptability to high-altitude conditions. The mountain features challenging segments and steep crater edges.
Arusha National Park, Mount Meru, Nature Excursions
Nature hikes in the park are an excellent method to discover and appreciate the concealed treasures of authentic African protected regions. Nature walks in the park entail traversing on foot along numerous routes, while this remarkable safari is a guided trip in which guests are accompanied through the various woodland and savannah vegetation of the park, seeing the wildlife in Arusha National Park. During your nature walk trip, you will get the opportunity to observe a variety of forest inhabitants, including playful colobus monkeys, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, giraffes, and other colorful bird species, among others. Hiking in the park provides access to stunning overlooks, allowing visitors to appreciate the panoramic vistas of Mount Meru and Ngurdoto Crater, among others.
Best period for visiting Arusha National Park
The optimal time for visits Arusha National Park primarily relies on your preferences and interests, as well as the nature of the experience you seek. The dry season, spanning from June to October, is regarded as the optimal period for animal observation and outdoor pursuits. During this period, the climate is cooler and drier, facilitating the observation of species congregating around water sources. The forest is less dense, enhancing visibility for wildlife drives and trekking. Furthermore, this period is optimal for avian observation due to the presence of migratory species.
Lodging in Arusha National Park
Visitors intending to embark on a Tanzania safari in Arusha National Park need not be concerned about accommodation, as the park offers a diverse array of lodging alternatives to suit every traveler’s budget. The accommodations range from budget to mid-range and luxury options, including Ilboru Safari Lodge, Moyoni Lodge, Zawadi House, Palace Hotel Arusha, Lush Garden Hotel, Shu’mate Camp, Maasi Giraffe Eco Lodge, Kiota Nest, Itikoni Seasonal Camp, Momella Wildlife Lodge, Arusha Coffee Lodge, Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, The African Tulip Hotel, Lake Duluti Serena Hotel, Hatari Lodge, Mvuli Hotel Arusha, L’Oasis Lodge and Restaurant Arusha, Rivertrees Country Inn, African View Lodge – Arusha, Twiga Lodge, Kilimanjaro Eco Lodge – Arusha, Charming Eco-Homestay, Meru View Lodge, Mzunguu Safari Lodge, and Moivaro Coffee Plantation, among others.