Arusha​‍​‌‍​‍‌ National Park.

In Tanzania’s northern section is Arusha National Park. The park boasts a wide variety of landscapes and spectacular wildlife. The park is situated about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Arusha town, its strategic position at the foot of Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth-highest peak, thus, becoming a stunning backdrop to its diverse ecological systems. The park comprises an area of about 53 square miles (137 square kilometers). Arusha national park is situated along a 300-kilometre line from Africa’s most celebrated national parks, stretching from Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east. The park is only a few kilometers northeast of Arusha although the main entrance gate is 25km east of the town. Moshi is 58km away, while Kilimanjaro International Airport is 35km.

Arusha National Park comprises pretty much all the different kinds of terrain, from an open savannah to a forest, it is a transition from acacia scrub to rainforest and finally to Mount Meru’s alpine zones. The park consists of a mix of beautiful montane forests, grasslands, and wetlands which are home to diverse plant and animal species, including monkeys, giraffes, and elephants, among many others, in fact, over 400 bird species are found in the park. Tourists can visit and enjoy the Park’s attractions such as Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes, and Mount Meru that offer not only thrilling wildlife encounters but also once in a lifetime safari experiences set in the magnificent natural beauty of Tanzania.

Attractions in Arusha National Park.

Animal species.

Among the things that make Arusha National Park one of the great attractions in Africa is a great variety of animals that it harbors. It is a home to several mammal species like elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and among many others. The resident population includes the black-and-white colobus monkey, which is very shy, baboons that are very nimble and leopards which are hard to spot, among others. Also, the park’s lakes and wetlands, therefore, teeming with aquatic life, like hippos, crocodiles, fish species, and a host of other animals, thus, making Arusha National Park a heaven not only for the wild animal fans but also for the nature admirers.

Bird species.

Arusha National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise that has incredible variety of the avian species that attract visitors from around the world. With over 400 bird species recorded, the park is a home to diverse range of bird species like lilac-breasted roller, crowned eagle, grey heron, African fish eagle, and pied kingfisher and among many others. The park is an important stopover for migratory birds, making it a thrilling safari destination for the bird lovers and nature ​‍​‌‍​‍‌lovers.

Mount​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Meru.

Mount Meru lies inside Arusha National Park, the beautiful volcanic mountain attracts many visitors and is a prominent attraction, it offers perfect scenery, thrilling hiking opportunities, and a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Mount Meru, the fifth-highest mountain in Africa, rises to a height of 14,977 feet (4,565 meters) above sea level, its peak is snow-capped, the slopes covered with montane forests, grasslands, and alpine deserts. On Tanzania safari visitors are taken to the mountain’s summit on guided walks, they get to know the mountain’s ecosystem, while spotting wildlife such as hyrax, klipspringer, and others; they enjoy the beautiful views of the national park, which is Kilimanjaro, the distant Pare Mountains, thus making Mount Meru an amazing safari journey.

Ngurdoto crater.

The Ngurdoto crater is situated in Arusha National Park is a great attraction and one of Tanzania’s most beautiful geological forms, this caldera measuring 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) wide, created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, is a birth place of the wild life and a magnificent sight to be seen. The crater is a habitat to many species such as buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, and others, as well as various birds. Tourists can trek the crater’s rim and floor on guided walks or take a game drive while enjoying the scenery around them.

Momella Lakes.

The Momella lakes are a group of seven crater lakes located in the northeastern part of Arusha National Park, these shallow alkaline lakes, which resulted from volcanic activity, are surrounded by beautiful scenery and provide a peaceful environment ideal for unwinding and enjoying nature. Tourists can take a guided walk or canoe trip along the lakes and spot various marine and bird species such as African fish eagle, colorful lilac-breasted roller, flamingos, crocodiles, hippopotamus, and various fish, giving Momella lakes a lifetime memory.

Activities to do in Arusha National Park.

Game drives.

Game drives in Arusha National Park are an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to discover the park’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems at a comfortable and relaxing pace. Experienced guides offer game drives through the park’s grasslands and forests, while to the visitors are also given opportunities to encounter the park’s wildlife from the comfort of the swaying 4×4 safari vehicle. Some of the wildlife they come across include African elephants, cape buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas, and a variety of antelope species. Mt Meru and the surrounding landscape make the backdrop for the game drives in Arusha National Park that are a fun and exhilarating way to discover the park’s natural ​‍​‌‍​‍‌beauty.

Bird​‍​‌‍​‍‌ watching.

Birdwatching at Arusha National Park is truly a heaven for those who specialize in or appreciate birds and other nature lovers as the park has over 400 bird species. Mount Meru’s unique position with the surrounding landscapes generates diverse ecosystems that support an amazing variety of birdlife. Visitors on a safari can come across bird species such as African fish eagle, African olive pigeon, Augur buzzard, Bar-tailed trogon, Bearded vulture, Black saw wing, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Egyptian goose, Great crested grebe, Hartlaub’s turaco, little grebe, Narina trogon among others Besides the water birds, those of prey and itinerant birds that come to the park’s lakes, forests and grasslands form a part of the birds that visitors can spot in the park. By availing the services of qualified birding guides, visitors can uncover the park’s secret corners, find out the rare and endemic species and appreciate the thrill of birdwatching in Tanzania’s natural beauty.

Mountain Climbing.

Mountain climbing in Arusha National Park is a very exciting adventure that takes tourists through the rough terrain and the memorable safari experience. The park’s fifth-highest peak is an impressive 14,977 feet (4,565 meters) above the sea level; the mountaineers get to the snow-covered top of this climbers’ heaven. The climbing itinerary of 3 to 4 days will take you through the mesmerizing sceneries of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the distant Pare Mountains. With the help of seasoned mountain guides and porters, climbers are able to navigate the difficult terrain, appreciate the nature around them and feel the excitement of standing on top of one of Africa’s most symbolic mountains.

Canoeing.

Canoeing in Arusha National Park is a quiet moment that allows the tourist to know the park’s beautiful lakes and waterways from a different perspective. Momella lakes being a series of seven crater lakes, offers an excellent venue for a relaxed canoe safari in its clean waters. While canoeing you have the opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles and lots of fish species besides the bird species like pelicans, eagles, flamingos and among others. The professional guides who are very familiar with the lakes will take you around to help you make the most of your outing as you discover the park’s water eco-systems in a calm and comfortable way.

Guided nature walks.

Guided nature walks in Arusha National Park offer the deepest and most magnificent experience of connecting with the beautiful natural environment of the park and its diverse fauna by walking. The guided walking tours can be joined by knowledgeable and skilled guides, visitors can stroll through the park’s diverse habitats, such as the montane forests, grassland and among others, where the tourist can explore landscapes as you spot a wide range of wildlife like colobus monkeys, giraffes, elephants, numerous bird species and among others while understanding the park’s ecosystems and the interconnectedness of its inhabitants with the fascinating views of the landscape. ​‍​‌‍​‍‌