Experience the diverse beauty of Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania’s hidden gems just a short drive from the city of Arusha. This park is known for its varied landscapes, including lush montane forests, expansive savannahs, and the stunning Momella Lakes. Dominated by the impressive Mount Meru, the park offers breathtaking views and a rich array of wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.
A day trip to Arusha National Park provides an excellent opportunity to explore a variety of ecosystems in a compact area. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, and various antelope species. You may also spot primates such as blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and the acrobatic vervet monkeys.
Birdwatchers will delight in the over 400 bird species recorded in the park, including flamingos, African fish eagles, and the elusive Narina trogon. The trip begins with a drive from Moshi town to Arusha National Park, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, covering a distance of approximately 80 kilometers.
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park, Tanzania
Located just a short drive from Arusha Town, lies the national park with that bears the same name. Arusha National Park is the most accessible national park of the Northern Circuit in Tanzania and the perfect place for a day trip or as the first ór last stop on a longer itinerary. At just 552 square kilometres, Arusha NP is a small park with a lot to see.
Arusha National park is divided between three districts: Momella Lakes, Mount Meru & the Ngurdoto Crater. Depending on the time of year you can spot thousands of flamingo’s at Momella Lakes, who migrate between Lake Manyara and here.
Within these districts, Arusha NP boasts a broad variety of landscapes, ranging from open savannah through acacia scrubland to rainforest and, eventually, to alpine conditions on the higher reaches of Mt. Meru.
With diverse wildlife that includes herbivores such as elephants, hippos, buffalo, zebra, and even the occasional wildebeest, Arusha National Park is also a perfect place to get out and stretch your legs – with both walking safaris and canoe safaris available within the park.
The National Park is also home to the world’s largest population of giraffes, making it a great place to visit for fans of these long-necked, beautiful animals
Arusha National Park Highlights
Arusha National Park is the closest park to the town with the similar name. It is a popular destination for day trip visitors who are about to embark from the town of Arusha on longer northern circuit safaris.
Arusha National Park is an interesting park to look at both for safari enthousiasts and climbers, as it lies at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro’s little brother, Mt Meru.
Since its so close to the city predators are rarely spotted. Lions have moved elsewhere and leopards can easily hide in the bushes. However, there’s loads of factors that make Arusha NP a worthy opponent for your ‘top 5 national parks bucket list’.
Walking Safari in Arusha NP-The Colobus Monkey
Due to the absence of predatory animals, such as lions, Arusha National Park lends itself perfectly for an exciting walking safari with a ranger.
Walking freely alongside the wildlife of Tanzania offers a truly unique experience. Here you´ll be walking at the foot of Mt. Meru, surrounded by green forests, lakes, waterfalls and a huge population of giraffes. A walking safari offers an amazing chance to be up-close with wildlife. The Colobus monkey is one of the highlights you can spot in Arusha NP and can often be found swinging from the trees.
Mount Meru in Arusha National Park
Mount Meru is an active, but dorment volcano and forms the center of Arusha National Park. It is known for its huge cliffs and green surroundings at the foot.
Mt. Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. It might not be as tall as its big brother, but it requires more technical skills of its climber, making it a real challenge. The mountain isn’t climbed as often and gives you a really unique, more private experience. It can be climbed in a 3 day route or a 4 day route.
Best time to visit in Arusha National Park
Mount Meru is an active, but dorment volcano and forms the center of Arusha National Park. It is known for its huge cliffs and green surroundings at the foot.
Mt. Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. It might not be as tall as its big brother, but it requires more technical skills of its climber, making it a real challenge.
The mountain isn’t climbed as often and gives you a really unique, more private experience. It can be climbed in a 3 day route or a 4 day route.
Can I explore Arusha National Park in half a day?
Yes, you can definitely explore Arusha National Park in only half a day. You will be able to visit all the important spots, but you might not get the time to properly venture out into the crater or properly explore the base of Mount Meru. The trip will feel a little rushed.
You can go out on walking safaris or for canoeing however. You will still be seeing all the ungulates we have mentioned in the article, and many tourists do not regret half a day at this park. It will be like a good introduction or an end to your complete Tanzanian safari.
Arusha Day Trips
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