Close to Arusha and Moshi lies Arusha National Park, the most easily accessible of Tanzania's national parks. Spanning 552 square kilometres, it may be small in size, but it offers an abundance of sights and experiences.
This park houses a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, buffalo, zebra, and occasional wildebeest sightings. It's an ideal spot for leisurely walks or canoe safaris, allowing visitors to stretch their legs while enjoying the natural surroundings.
What sets Arusha National Park apart is its distinction as home to the world's largest giraffe population, a definite draw for enthusiasts of these elegant creatures.
The park showcases a rich tapestry of landscapes, transitioning from open savannah and acacia shrubland to rainforests, culminating in alpine conditions at the higher elevations of Mt. Meru.
What to do in Arusha national park.
Location:
To Do
Known For
What is the best time to visit Arusha national park?
The prime time for observing wildlife is from June to October, during the dry season. Birdwatching is fantastic throughout the year, especially from November to April when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa join the local birds displaying their breeding plumage.
Park highlight
Arusha National Park's highlights can be seen in a single day, and the park is the only park in Tanzania's northern circuit in which a walking safari is possible.
Outstanding Wildlife Diversity
Because of the park's diverse terrains, there's an exceptional range of wildlife present. Besides hosting Africa's biggest giraffe population, visitors can encounter waterbucks, cape buffaloes, elephants, blue and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as occasional sightings of lions or leopards under specific conditions.
Moreover, the park offers a rich variety of bird species, attracting avid bird watchers due to its impressive avian diversity.
Mt Meru
Africa's fifth tallest peak stands prominently at 4,566m (14,990 feet). While Kilimanjaro often remains hidden behind clouds, Mt. Meru typically remains visible throughout the year.
As an active volcano, Mt. Meru serves as a favoured climbing spot for Tanzania visitors and a great warm-up for Kilimanjaro climbers. Scaling its heights not only grants a breathtaking view of Kilimanjaro but also leads through diverse habitats teeming with giraffes, elephants, antelopes, and more, offering an enriching walking safari experience.
For those keen on ascending Mt. Meru, Shadows of Africa can arrange climbing permits, armed ranger guides, camping gear, and accommodation at Miriakamba or Saddle Huts as needed.
Canoeing in the Momella Lake
The Momella Lakes found within Arusha National Park comprise seven shallow lakes: Big Momella, Small Momella, Kusare, Lekandiro, Tulusia, Rishateni, and El Kekhotoito. These alkaline lakes exhibit noticeable algae growth, each presenting distinct shades of green or blue.
Though unsuitable for drinking, these lakes provide habitats where diverse bird species, including flamingoes, and animals like waterbucks, giraffes, zebras, and dik-diks can be spotted in the vicinity.
Small Momella Lake offers opportunities for canoeing safaris.
Ngurdoto crater
This marshy crater teems with a diverse array of wildlife, making it a favored destination for game drives. Sightseers can anticipate encounters with Cape Buffalos, elephants, monkeys, baboons, warthogs, and various antelope species in this area.
Encircling the crater is the Ngurdoto Forest, a shady stretch inhabited by lively black and white colobus monkeys.
Close by lies Serengeti Ndogu (Little Serengeti), a vast grassland hosting year-round sightings of zebra herds.
Ngurdoto museum
Perched above the Ngurdoto Forest, home to black and white colobus monkeys, the Ngurdoto Museum displays a remarkable assortment showcasing the park's animals, birds, and insects.
Tululusia hill
Once a strategic lookout in Tanzania's tribal conflicts, Tululusia Hill has transformed into a favored spot for hiking and camping. It offers a splendid vantage point showcasing the lower terrain of Arusha National Park, along with striking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
Within this densely forested area reside elephants, buffalo, colobus monkeys, the red duiker, suni, leopards, and even pythons that dwell in the trees.
Our popular safari for Arusha National Park.
 |  |
 |  |
Comentários