Arusha National Park, Tanzania

Arusha National Park is a famous national park situated in Northern Tanzania, northeast of Arusha city. It is renowned for housing Tanzania’s second highest mountain, Mount Meru, and the greatest population of giraffes globally. It encompasses 552 square kilometers. It is located 25 kilometers east of Arusha, 58 kilometers from Moshi, and 35 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). It hosts remarkable wildlife species not found in other national parks within the northern circuit, encompassing diverse vegetation types such as lush rainforest, savannah, and alpine flora. The fauna includes buffaloes, bushbucks, warthogs, zebras, red duikers, elephants, giraffes, leopards, hippos, and primates such as black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys. Additionally, it is home to various bird species, including the grey crowned crane, flamingos, African fish eagle, Hartlaub’s turaco, and secretary birds, among others.

The journey from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha National Park takes around 40 minutes. This park is favored for providing both single-day and multi-day visits to patrons from Arusha city. Arusha National Park features a picturesque scenery with three separate regions: the Meru Crater, which channels the Jekukumia River to the west; the Ngurdoto Crater to the southeast; and the shallow, alkaline Momella Lakes, exhibiting diverse algal hues in the northeast. The park’s limited size enables clients to engage in all activities and return to Arusha town for overnight accommodations.

Tanzania excursions and safaris are integral components of the experience for tourists visiting Arusha National Park. The name of Arusha National Park is derived from the native Waarusha people who historically inhabited the region. The park boasts a diverse natural system with numerous attractions, making it a premier tourist destination in Tanzania. The park features three distinct and remarkable landscapes: the Meru Crater funnels, the Kekukumia River, the top of Mount Meru located on its western rim, the Ngurdoto Crater in the southeast, and the shallow alkaline Momelia Lakes in the northeastern portion of the park. Arusha National Park is characterized by its abundant flora and animals, offering tourists a variety of activities to partake in.

History of Arusha National Park

Tanzania wildlife safaris Arusha National Park, sometimes referred to as “the diamond among the shadows of the giants,” is a distinguished safari locale in Tanzania. It is a gem of many ecosystems, offering a stunning view of Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest peak, and Mount Kilimanjaro, the largest free-standing mountain globally. Visitors will value the serene rivers and lakes at the lower elevations of Mount Meru within Arusha National Park, along with the opportunity to observe the renowned black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Arusha National Park is an exceptional destination due to its distinctive ecosystem and wildlife. It is a small park encompassing an area of 137 square kilometers, situated in northern Tanzania, northeast of Arusha. The park is exceptionally beautiful, including wonderful landscapes and awe-inspiring vistas. Mount Meru, the fifth highest mountain in Africa, towers over Arusha National Park, its impressive slopes extending into extensive forested hills, making it an ideal location for a mountain climbing safari. It is a wonderful destination for lifelong safaris in Tanzania, providing a wilderness experience unparalleled by other national parks in the northern circuit. Arusha National Park is situated in Tanzania. Due to its diminutive size, it is often incorporated into itineraries alongside other northern circuit national parks, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

Historical Overview of Arusha National Park

Safaris in Tanzania The history of Arusha National Park commenced in 1876, when Count Teleki, a Hungarian, explored the Momella region, one of the park’s attractions in Tanzania. Following his visit, he remarked on various features of the park, including the high population of hippopotamuses and black rhinoceroses he had observed. The Trappe family relocated to the park in 1907, specifically to engage in farming in Momella, and utilized significant areas of the existing park as a cattle ranch. Mrs. Trappe, the inaugural female professional hunter in East Africa, generously contributed a significant piece of the Momella estate to a wildlife reserve.

The farm was integrated into the park upon its establishment in 1960. The park was established in 1960, comprising only a small section of the Arusha National Park, and was originally designated as Ngurdoto Crater National Park. It was created solely to protect and preserve select regions, including the Ngurdoto Crater and Mount Meru, which was formerly beyond the park’s boundaries. The park was renamed from Ngurdoto Crater National Park to Arusha National Park in 1967 following the incorporation of Mt. Meru region. The name Arusha originates from the Waarusha people who inhabited the region. Subsequent to Tanzania’s independence, the park was formally established, and Mont Meru was incorporated.

The Tanzanian government has devoted resources and effort into enhancing the park, establishing it as a premier attraction in Arusha, especially for individuals organizing safari tours to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation regions. Arusha National Park today features essential tourist amenities, including well-constructed entrance gates, picnic areas, camping sites, adequate restrooms, lodges, and more, enhancing visitor comfort during their stay. Historically, the park was predominantly enveloped in dense bushes and forested areas, which accommodated only a limited number of browsing animals, such as giraffes, rendering game observation more challenging compared to other parks.

A small Serengeti was established within the park to support other grazing species and facilitate game observation in that area. The region was established and designated as Min Serengeti due to its expansive grassland resembling the habitats of Serengeti National Park. The tiny Serengeti in Arusha National Park is an expansive grassland frequented by diverse fauna, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, and waterbucks, making it a significant draw for tourists, with excellent opportunities for game viewing. The park features premier attractions, including Mount Meru, the second largest mountain in Tanzania following Mount Kilimanjaro.

It encompasses nearly four distinct habitat types and hosts a variety of wildlife, ranging from large mammals to smaller species, alongside diverse avian populations, including forest-dwelling birds and aquatic species like the commonly observed flamingos at Momella Lake within the park. Similar to other renowned national parks such as Lake Manyara, Mkomazi, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti, the optimal period for visiting Arusha National Park occurs during the dry season, which spans from May to nearly November. During this timeframe, visitors can engage in various tourism activities, including game drives and wildlife observation, which are most favorable at this time. Additionally, for those interested in ascending Mount Meru, this is also the ideal season for hiking the mountain. Birdwatching is available year-round, encompassing both the rainy and dry seasons for enthusiasts.

Activities in Arusha  NAtional park Tanzania

Arusha National Park Wildlife

Arusha National Park is regarded as one of the premier destinations for wildlife safaris in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. The park hosts a diverse array of wildlife species across its various regions, including the Ngurdoto Crater (Little Ngorongoro), the shores of Momella Lakes, the Little Serengeti (Serengeti Ndogo), and Ujambo Wa Mbogo, known as “Buffalo’s Glade.” Arusha National Park is home to several animals, including giraffes, waterbucks, dik-diks, duikers, zebras, leopards, lions, spotted hyenas, elephants, bush pigs, red duikers, warthogs, hippos, and black and white colobus monkeys, as well as blue monkeys, among others.
Aves

Tanzania safari Arusha National Park is a premier birding safari destination in Tanzania, boasting over 400 known bird species, including woodland species, raptors, water birds, and migratory species. Avian species observed at Arusha National Park include pink-hued flamingos, African fish eagles, African olive pigeons, Augur buzzards, Bar-tailed trogons, bearded vultures, black saw-wings, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, and Egyptian geese. Podiceps cristatus, Hammerkops, bronzy sunbirds, pied avocets, red-billed oxpeckers, great-headed bush shrikes, pelicans, white-browed coucals, golden eagles, yellow-billed storks. Hartlaub’s Turaco Little Grebe, Narina Trogon, Peregrine Falcon, Red-Fronted Parrot, Scaly Francolin, Silvery-Cheeked Hornbill, Southern Pochard, Tawny Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, among others. Notable avian species in Arusha National Park include flamingos, which are distributed along the Momela Lakes.

Mount Meru

Safaris in Tanzania Mount Meru is a remarkable geological feature and a prominent landmark situated in the center of Arusha National Park, east of the Great Rift Valley. This active volcano, formed by volcanic eruptions, reaches an elevation of 4,566 meters above sea level, making it the second tallest mountain in Tanzania. Mount Meru has a base measuring 20 kilometers at an elevation of 2000 meters, with portions of its cliffs at 2500 meters having collapsed. It is reported that it was the tallest volcano in Tanzania; however, due to a volcanic explosion, its summit was severed, resulting in a caldera. The volcano’s last eruption occurred in 1910. Mount Meru provides an exhilarating mountain climbing safari in Tanzania, characterized by a picturesque and fulfilling journey along the razor-sharp edge of the crater rim.

Momela Lakes

Tanzania excursions, The Momela Lakes are a series of seven remarkable alkaline lakes located in the northeastern section of Arusha National Park, serving as a prominent attraction for tours in the area. These lakes were formed from volcanic debris resulting from a significant eruption that removed the summit of Mount Meru approximately 250,000 years ago.

The Momela Lakes are excellent locations for birding safaris in Tanzania, serving as habitats for several avian species, including the migratory greater pink flamingos. The lakes comprise Big Momela, Small Momela, El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Rishateni, Lekandiro, and Tulusia. The Moelake lakes are nourished by subterranean springs, with each lake exhibiting distinct hues, varying from green to turquoise. The varying colors of the lakes result from their distinct mineral compositions, with each lake possessing a unique mineral profile and differing algal populations. Momela Lakes attract a significant population of avian species, including herons, shoebills, pink flamingos, Egyptian geese, guinea fowls, African fish eagles, and African jacanas, among others.
Ngurdoto

The Ngurdoto crater is a remarkable feature of Arusha National Park and one of five exquisite volcanic calderas located in the northern part of Tanzania, along with Ngorongoro, Empakaai, Maasai and Olmoti. Ngurdoto Crater is an extinct volcano, commonly known as “Little Ngorongoro” because of its notable similarity to the Ngorongoro Crater. It has a diameter of 3.2 kilometers and a depth of 300 meters. The crater possesses a basin-like configuration, characterized by precipitous walls enveloped in dense rainforests.

The crater floor is primarily composed of marshy grasslands, which are home to buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, antelopes, monkeys, baboons, leopards, spotted hyenas, elusive red duikers, kirk dik-diks, and a variety of avian species, including herons, hammerkop, spur-winged geese, hornbills, bee-eaters, and Turacos, among others. The Ngurdoto Crater is an exemplary destination for a Tanzania wildlife safari. In contrast to the Ngorongoro Crater, which it resembles, the bottom of Ngurdoto Crater is soft, rendering it difficult for vehicular access; thus, exploration is conducted exclusively through walking safaris. Exploration of Ngurdoto Crater occurs by a walking safari, with access to the caldera’s edge facilitated by a 4X4 safari vehicle, which is enveloped by lush rainforest. Traversing the Ngurdoto Crater provides an opportunity to observe various animals and birds.

The Mini Serengeti

The Mini Serengeti, referred to as ‘Serengeti Ndogo’ in Swahili, is a grassland located within Arusha National Park. It is located around 500 meters north of the Ngongongare gate, adjacent to the road leading to the Momella gate. It hosts several herbivores that congregate for grazing. Examples of such herbivores include buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, elephants, and waterbucks. A morning excursion to this location will present a splendid view of a congregation of animals grazing in unison. These herbivores are seldom observed during midday. At the Mini Serengeti, you will experience wildlife observation, guided walking safaris in proximity to the animals, and photography with the animals as a backdrop.

Ujambo Wa Mbogo, meaning “the buffalo’s glade,” is a notable tourist destination in Tanzania’s Arusha National Park, situated in the northeastern section of the park, a few distance west of the Momela Gate and near the base of Mount Meru. Ujamaa Wa Mbogo is an optimal location for walking safaris in Tanzania. It is a vast natural glade of marshland, shrubs, and streams that serve as a feeding area for many animal species, including buffaloes, giraffes, and warthogs. The buffaloes are the prominent creatures observed at this place, grazing on the area’s tall grasses, which they shorten. Warthogs are also spotted foraging in the pasture fields while resting on their knees. Ujambo Wa Mbogo can be incorporated into your hiking excursions in Tanzania to the Tululusia waterfalls.
Ficus carica

Tree Arch in Arusha National Park is an arch-shaped tree large enough for a tree or an elephant to traverse. This fig tree serves as a remarkable photographic location, providing numerous angles for stunning images, including standing beneath it or peering from the top of a safari vehicle while under the tree. The Fig Tree originated from a parasite tree discarded by foraging birds and is encountered during a trekking safari in Tanzania to the Tululusia waterfalls.

Ngurudoto Museum

This museum showcases several kinds of creatures native to the Ngurudoto Crater and Arusha National Park as a whole. You will encounter skeletons, remains, taxidermy, and information regarding these animals. The museum houses diverse plant species along with other pertinent information you may inquire about.

Tullia Hill

Uganda expeditionsTululusia Hill is a notable feature of Arusha National Park. Tululusia Hill, renowned for its population of elephants, buffalo, colobus monkeys, and arboreal pythons, is adorned with lush vegetation that imparts a verdant hue. This hill is where you will encounter the Tululusia waterfalls. Descending from around 28 meters, this substantial waterfall offers an opportunity for a waterfall bath. The Tululusia waterfalls are similarly linked to descending pebbles. Consequently, you will get the opportunity to observe the Tululusia waterfalls from a distance.
Activities in Arusha National Park

Activities in Arusha National Park:
Game Drives

Game drives are among the most frequently undertaken activities in Arusha National Park. Throughout the game drive, you will traverse various trails in the expansive savannah grasslands, including the Serengeti Ndogo, where you may observe fauna such as Dik Diks, zebras, reedbucks, giraffes, bush pigs, red duikers, waterbucks, and primates like black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys, particularly near the Ngurdoto Museum. If fortunate, you might also encounter predators such as leopards, hyenas, and wild cats, among others. The park’s pathways will guide you to Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater, offering magnificent vistas of various creatures, including hippos in the water and others congregating along the shoreline to hydrate. The game drive lasts approximately 4 hours and is an essential activity not to be overlooked during your safari in the park.

Mountain Climbing

Mount Meru is the second tallest peak in Tanzania, following Kilimanjaro, and the sixth highest in Africa, with an elevation of 4,566 meters above sea level, rendering trekking the mountain an intriguing and adventurous endeavor in Arusha National Park. Mount Meru was formerly somewhat taller but erupted outward over five hundred thousand years ago, resulting in a vast horseshoe-shaped crater with steep cliffs. Within the crater, minor volcanic eruptions have produced a subsidiary peak known as Ash Cone, which provides stunning vistas. Ascending the mountain requires approximately three to four days to attain the top, with some people asserting it is more arduous and picturesque than Mount Kilimanjaro.

While hiking, you will traverse lower slopes, the Ngarenanyuki River, and waterfalls, while enjoying breathtaking vistas of ancient fig tree forests, pristine mountain stream waters, and the Momella Lakes situated near the mountain’s base. You will encounter diverse animal habitats, including zebras, buffaloes, cheetahs, leopards, various bird species, and primates such as black and white colobus monkeys and short-furred Sykes monkeys. Additionally, you will observe farmlands and Maasai herdsmen grazing their cattle on the fertile lower slopes. During the ascent of the mountain, you will spend the night at Miriakamba hut, and when reaching the peak, you will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, the ashtray, and the Mount Meru crater.

Canoeing

Arusha National Park is a designated protected region in Tanzania that provides an exquisite canoeing experience. Canoeing in the park occurs on the little Momella Lake, assisted by a proficient guide who will paddle beside the lake. During the canoe excursion, you will experience a tranquil journey while observing various wildlife, including hippos in the water, bushbucks, waterbucks, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras along the lake’s shores, as well as aquatic birds such as flamingos, pelicans, herons, and fish eagles, providing opportunities for exceptional photography

Nature Walks

This is an exciting endeavor that enables you to traverse the park on foot. Arusha National Park has a low prevalence of dangerous wildlife, making it an ideal place for guided nature walks. On the captivating nature walk, you will traverse trails that lead beneath Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater, Kitoto to Njeku viewpoint, Momella Gate to Ikikoni, Tululusia Waterfall, and the Ujambo wa Mbogo area. Nature walks in Arusha National Park are conducted with the assistance of a knowledgeable and armed park ranger, allowing participants to traverse marshy thickets and streams while observing stunning scenery and landscapes. Visitors can approach wildlife such as giraffes, warthogs, buffaloes, and zebras, enjoy the melodious calls of various bird species, inhale fresh air, unwind mentally, and experience the refreshing breeze, among other benefits.

Bird watching

Arusha National Park is home to approximately 400 bird species, including endemic and near-endemic varieties, establishing it as one of Tanzania’s premier birding sites. Birdwatching in the park is optimally conducted at the alkaline Momella lakes and adjacent forests, where enthusiasts can observe a remarkable variety of avian species, including Verreaux’s eagle, augur buzzard, greater flamingos, little grebes, spur-winged goose, secretary birds, African fish eagle, bar-tailed trogon, black saw-wing, bearded vulture, Hartlaub’s turaco, red-fronted parrot, tawny eagle, Narina trogon, Egyptian goose, and African olive pigeon, among others. While birdwatching, you will also have the opportunity to observe birds soaring above Ngurdoto Crater.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is available at Arusha Park along various trails within the national park, and this activity occurs prior to visiting the park. Tourists can also appreciate observing other wildlife species, such as giraffes and zebras, while horseback riding.

Accommodation within Arusha National Park

Tourists visiting Arusha National Park can choose from luxury, midrange, and economy accommodations. Various campsites are available for guests during their trips to this national park.Arusha National Park is a distinguished tourist destination featuring numerous lodges and hotels that provide a home-like experience for visitors on safari. Notable establishments include Gran Melia Arusha, Le Jacaranda Hotel, Mrimba Palm Hotel, Boulevard Inn Mt Meru, Sinzia Villas, Venus Premier Hotel, Green Mountain Hotel, Tulia Boutique Hotel, Mvuli Hotels Arusha, Mount Meru Hotel, Rivertrees Country Inn, Kili Vila, Lemala Vila, Mount Meru Game Lodge, Arusha Serena, Arumeru River Lodge, Fun Retreat Resort Hotel, and Ayurveda Spa, among others.