Arusha National Park
Overview
Arusha National Park is a small charming park, located in the northeast of Tanzania. It is near the city of Arusha and provides great views of the Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is a scenic and diverse park which offers a wide range of animal and plant species. And it also has a rich diversity of landscapes. From lakes, waterfalls and swamps to volcanos, mountains and tropical rainforest – the ideal reserve for all kind of animals. The swamps, rainforest and lakes attract many beautiful birds including silvery-cheeked hornbill and thousands of pink-hued flamingos. This park is also the only place in northern Tanzania where you can easily spot the black-and-white colobus monkey.
About Arusha National Park
Mount Meru is located within Arusha National Park. This dormant volcano is Tanzania’s second highest mountain at a height of 4,566 meters (14,990 feet). It is a beautiful, but challenging mountain to climb. The panorama views from the summit over the steppes of the park, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Momella Lakes are spectacular. A day hike on Mount Meru gives you another perspective and offers a nice change. We also organise climbs to the peak…
One of the popular safari activities in Arusha national park is a canoe or walking safari with an armed ranger. The Momella lakes in the northeast for example offer a large variety of animals. They are in an open landscape and are home to hippos and all kinds of birds. Countless bucks and buffalo can be seen near the lakes. A great change to enjoy wildlife up close, from a different perspective than sitting in a safari vehicle. Absolutely a memorable safari experience!
Arusha town is about 45 minutes away from Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro is about 50 km (31 miles) away.
The Momella Lakes area is best for seeing buffalo, giraffe, defassa waterbuck and Kirk’s dik-dik. There is less general wildlife in the forest areas of the park but keep your eyes open for bushbuck and the beautiful, but very shy, Harvey’s red duiker. If you’re lucky you might see elephants too. The park’s flagship animal is the Kilimanjaro colobus, a type of monkey that only otherwise occurs on Mt Kilimanjaro and in two obscure forests in Kenya.
There are lots of exciting activities on offer aside from game drives and walking safaris. Climbing Mt Meru is an excellent way to acclimatize for Mt Kilimanjaro. You might even enjoy it more. Tanzania’s second-highest mountain is blissfully uncrowded and you’re likely to see some wildlife along the way. Other activities include canoeing on the Momella Lakes, guided mountain biking and a scenic half-day hike into Meru Crater.
Arusha National Park has a mild climate with average daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C/64°F to 23°C/73°F. The Dry season (June to October) is the coldest time of year. If you’re doing an early morning game drive, you’ll need plenty of warm clothes. The Wet season (November to May) has two periods of rainfall with a dry spell in between. But it’s only during the so-called long rains (March to May) that downpours might hamper your safari.
Wildlife viewing is at its best in the drier months (June to October). At this time, days are usually sunny, but it can be bitterly cold early in the morning and late afternoon. Birding is generally best in the Wet season months of November to April.
Information and facts
Arusha National Park is known 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.
Most common animals
- Mount Meru, second highest mountain in Tanzania, located in the heart of Arusha National Park.
- Momella Lakes: seven shallow alkaline lakes.
- Ngurdoto Crater: swampy crater inhabited by large variety of animals.
- Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
- Beautiful volcanic scenery and rain forest.
- Giant fig tree forms arch across the road, large enough to drive a car through.
Facts about Arusha National Park
- Herds of elephants and other wildlife gather around the Tarangire River
- The park is dotted with thousands of giant Baobab trees. Some are over 300 years old
- Grassland plains also known as “Small Serengeti”
- Stunning views of Lake Burungu, important water source in the park.
- Scenic landscape
- Largest termite mounds in Tanzania
Map of Arusha National Park