Arusha National Park

This stunning Park is often referred to as a hidden gem, and for good reason. It is conveniently located just a half-hour away from the town of Arusha, a popular safari hub of Northern Tanzania. With its majestic mountains, lush valleys, serene lakes, and charming plains covered in greenery, the park exudes a sense of tranquility and solitude. The prominent feature is Mount Meru, standing tall at 14,980 feet, making it the third highest freestanding mountain in Africa. Mount Meru offers an unforgettable experience and serves as an ideal acclimatization stop before attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Climate

You can visit the Park at any time of the year, but the ideal periods are from June to September and from December to early March. The short rainy season occurs from October to November, while the heavy rain season takes place from March to May. The park is situated at an altitude ranging from 5,500 to 15,000 ft.

Getting there

The Park can be accessed by road or air.

By Road:

From Arusha to Ngongongare gate, it is less than 20 miles.

By Air:

It is about 25 miles from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Attractions

The Park is gifted with variety of attractions ranging from wildlife inhabiting the wilderness to craters and mountain peaks.

Serengeti Ndogo

The name which means “Little Serengeti”, describes the open grassland, a place in the park where various animals in large numbers can easily be seen such as buffaloes, warthogs zebras, waterbucks, giraffes, etc.

Wildlife

Black and White Colobus Monkey

The Arusha National Park is a haven for the acrobatic Black and White Colobus Monkey. These captivating primates add to the visitor’s experience and can be easily spotted within the park. In addition to the monkeys, the park is also home to a variety of other animals, including buffalos, warthogs, and giraffes.

Mount Meru

The park is home to the second highest mountain in Tanzania, offering a unique opportunity to explore mountainous habitats that house a distinct variety of animal and plant species, distinct from those found in lowland areas.

Ngurdoto and Meru Craters

Ngurdoto, with its pear-like shape, resembles a miniature version of the famous Ngorongoro Crater. It consists of five main viewing points: Mikindu, The Rock, Buffalo, The Glade, and Leitong, with Leitong being the highest point. From this vantage point, visitors can easily observe the snowy peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, the scenic Momella lakes, and the lower slopes with human settlements.

Fig Tree Arch

A striking feature of the Fig Tree Arch (Ficus thoningii) with its roots reaching the ground while leaving behind an arch large enough for a car to drive through.

Activities

Arusha National Park is the Park of multi activities; These activities includes game drives, short walking safari, long walking safariNational Park is a park of multi tourists activities; These includes Game Drives (GD), Short Walking Safaris (SWS), Long Walking Safaris (LWS), Canoeing, Mountain Climbing (MC), Horse Riding (HR) and Cycling.

Backpacking

This is a 2-night, 3-day adventure that involves staying at the mountain huts named Miriakamba and Saddle huts. Prior arrangements need to be made at the Momella Gate, including hiring porters and arranging for an armed Ranger escort. The hike takes you through various vegetation zones, including stunning montane forests. Along the way, you can expect to encounter wildlife such as buffalo, giraffe, monkeys, baboons, antelope, and a plethora of bird species.

Walking Safari

Arusha National Park offers excellent opportunities for leisurely walks amidst its natural forests, thanks to its cool climate that ensures comfort. If you wish to go hiking in the park, it is necessary to arrange it at one of the two park gates. Please note that there is a fee to be paid, and any walk within the park must be accompanied by an armed Ranger for safety purposes.

Canoeing

With reservations, canoeing is available on Small Momella Lake, providing an opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife including buffalo, giraffe, bushbuck, waterbuck, and hippopotamus. Additionally, you can expect to encounter a wide range of wading and water birds during your canoeing experience.

Game drive

Game drives are possible via a well maintained network of roads and tracks. It is an experience that tourists can get in a day game drive from the town of Arusha.

×

Hello!

Click one of our contacts below to chat on WhatsApp

× How can I help you?