With Arusha National Park, you don’t have to travel too far after landing to find yourself surrounded by the African bush. Canoeing, walking safaris, and game drives are some of the best things to do here and make for the perfect start to any northern circuit safari.
As you explore the park, the scenery unfolds like a canvas painted with golden grasses, towering baobab trees, and rugged rocky outcrops. The vast, rolling plains provide the perfect backdrop for wildlife sightings – and the accompanying pictures! As the sun sets, the landscape transforms into a sea of warm, glowing hues, creating the typical, lovely safari atmosphere.
In addition, riverine forests provide shelter to diverse wildlife. And as you drive through the winding paths, you’ll come across seasonal rivers and waterholes that attract a variety of animals, from elephants to zebras, adding to the park’s rich biodiversity.
It’s also the perfect place if you like to stretch your legs in between safari game drives. Since it’s not an official national park, you can do several hikes here and for example climb the 1900-meter-high Kipara Hill. And after a good hour’s drive from Arusha, it might just be your perfect picnic spot.
Makuyuni Wildlife Park
Makuyuni Wildlife Park Park is only a 45-minute* drive from the town of Arusha, the starting point of any safari in northern Tanzania.
There are several ways to get to Arusha. The easiest is to get a direct flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is situated about 50km/31mi from Arusha. The drive from the airport to Arusha takes about 1½ hours*. Alternatively, you can fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and get a connecting domestic flight to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
In most cases, your tour operator will pick you up from the airport and take care of further transportation.
When to Go & Getting There
The best way to get to Makuyuni WIldlife Park is by driving, it is only a 45-minute drive from Arusha, the beginning point of any northern circuit safari in Tanzania. The best time to visit Arusha National Park is from June to September and December to March during the dry seasons.
Wildlife spotting and other activities are the most enjoyable at this time of year, and it lines up with The Great Migration if you plan on doing the Serengeti too. March and April, and October to December are the wet seasons, and it is advised to avoid these months, as rain can ruin or lead to cancellations of planned activities.
Where to Stay
The Kili Villa is a luxurious retreat situated on a golf and wildlife estate close to the park and only 30 mins from Arusha International Airport. On offer are three exclusive villas, as well as individual luxury rooms.
Each Villa is distinctively decorated to showcase the best local African design and craftsmanship combined with colonial-style furniture. This lodge offers horse riding, Canoeing and Game drives.
Alternatively, The River Trees Country Inn is a charming country estate that was once an old coffee farm. It still maintains the nostalgic air of a well-loved homestead.
Sprawling across ten acres on Mount Meru’s sloping foothills, beautifully rustic cottages are dotted along the river and nestled under tall trees. Lush lawns and birdsong add to the tranquil surroundings.
The restaurant concocts tasty meals of garden-fresh ingredients, old family recipes, and oven-fired pizzas. Delicious candle-lit dinners are served by the warmth of the fireplace or under the stars on the patio.
Safari in Makuyuni Wildlife Park
Makuyuni Wildlife Park can generally be explored in a day and is a great stand-alone adventure due to its proximity to Arusha and Moshi, and thanks to its small size. It also pairs well with longer itineraries on the northern safari circuit, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park. If you’re looking to squeeze in a short safari after climbing the steep slopes of Mount Meru, Arusha National Park, Makuyuni National, Tarangire National park of Lake Manyara National park are also ideal as it lies at the foot of it.