Arusha National Park
Welcome to Arusha National Park Tanzania
If you are looking for one of the most spectacular national parks in Africa that rewards visitors with memorable experiences then look no further than Arusha National Park. This park covers an area of about 137 square kilometres making it one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania and also a few most and easiest accessible Tanzanian National Wildlife Park.
It is located about 29 kilometres away from Arusha town and Kilimanjaro International Airport; this makes it the best destination for one to undertake day tours and when you are at Moshi, it is 65 kilometres. This park isn’t only popular for its enormous wildlife but also one of the most stunning and topographically distinct protected areas in Tanzania.
Game Drive in Arusha National Park Tanzania
This protected area is known for its 3 most remarkable natural wonders; the terrain Mount Meru (4566 meters) that features as the second highest peak in Tanzania, the remarkably magnificent Momela Lakes and the three wide Ngurdoto Crater that formed over 15 million years back. The distinct and incredible wildlife that thrive within this park is determined by its distinct altitude and geography of the three zones.
Arusha National Park features wildlife species like zebras, hippos, buffaloes, elephants and at times wildebeests, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, Turacos, trogons, lions, the largest population of giraffes making it an amazing spot for visitors to spot out most of these beautiful mammal species, vast landscapes that range from vast savanna via acacia scrubland to rainforest to alpine conditions on its higher Mount Meru.
Arusha National Park is mostly visitors for game drives, walking tours, canoe tours in Momela Lake within the park that make up a series of 7 shallow Lakes-(the big Momella, small Momela, Kusare, Tulusia, Rishateni, Lekandiro, El Kekhotoito) climbing adventures in Mount Meru and picnicking. This waterbody features bird species like flamingoes and allows visitors to catch a glimpse at giraffes, zebras, dik-diks, waterbucks and many more.
Canoe safaris are mainly conducted along the small Momela Lake, north of Arusha National Park where you will be amazed by incredible views of the flamingos. While on your Tanzania safari in this park, never miss exploring the most exceptional Ngurdoto Crater that features steep rocky cliffs offering you the opportunity to spot out most of the buffaloes and warthogs.
Arusha National Park Tanzania
Tourist Activities in Arusha National Park
For the most memorable wilderness experiences in Arusha National Park, the most exciting activities for you to undertake include game viewing/game drives, horseback safaris, canoeing, walking tours, mountain biking and climbing Mount Meru.
Best time to visit Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is best explored from June to February especially for hikers on safari to Mount Meru however expect some rains around November. Kilimanjaro Mountain can be best viewed from December to February. Wildlife viewing at this park is best during the dry spell that starts from June to October and birders can explore the park between November and April that offers an opportunity for you to spot out most of the migratory birds that come from Europe and North Africa to breed in this national park.
Getting to Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is about 40-60 minutes drive from Arusha. It is located about 60 kilometres away from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The Momela Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater can be explored with half a day at the start or end of the tour. You will need a 4 wheel drive safari car to help you navigate through the remotest routes to the park.
Where to stay in Arusha National Park?
Arusha National Park features a number of safari Lodges and camps for visitors to spend their overnight stay. The nearby lodges include Kiboko Lodge-situated at the border with Arusha National Park and visitors can easily connect to this park to undertake their dream activities.
You may opt to begin or end your safari at this lodge and you will certainly be amazed by the incredible experiences. Hatari Lodge-located within malaria-free altitude, northern side of Arusha National Park and features incredible and offers remarkable views of Lakes and Craters. It derived its name from a Hollywood film Hatari which denotes “danger” in Swahili. This lodge comprises of about 3 (three) buildings spectacularly located within acacia woodland which rewards visitors with exceptionally remarkable views of the Momela swamp, endowed with wildlife species and beyond the Kilimanjaro Mountain.
In conclusion, Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s stunning and easy to reach safari destination that allows you to achieve your dreams in Africa within a day. Despite its small size, this park is worth including in your bucket list! The park features a diversity of attractions that are worth exploring most of which include tropical rainforest, acacia trees, open plains and crater Lakes as well as several most amazing wildlife species especially giraffes, waterbucks, zebras and countless primates.
