Description

Arusha National Park is a hidden gem located in northern Tanzania, just a short distance from the bustling town of Arusha. Despite its relatively small size of about 137 square kilometers (53 square miles), the park offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes, wildlife, and experiences. Whether you're a nature lover, adventurer, or someone looking for a peaceful escape, Arusha National Park has a lot to offer. 1. Diverse Landscapes Arusha National Park is known for its incredible range of ecosystems, which are found within a relatively small area. This variety allows visitors to experience different environments and enjoy a range of activities in one place. Mount Meru: The centerpiece of the park is Mount Meru, an active volcano that rises to 4,566 meters (14,980 feet). The mountain offers dramatic views, and its steep slopes are covered by dense forests and open moorland. Mount Meru is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, after Mount Kilimanjaro, and is a popular trekking destination for those who want to summit a challenging peak without the crowds of Kilimanjaro. Ngurdoto Crater: The park features the Ngurdoto Crater, often referred to as "Little Ngorongoro." This collapsed volcanic caldera is filled with lush vegetation and is home to diverse wildlife. The crater is surrounded by thick montane forests, creating a unique atmosphere that is often compared to a tropical rainforest. Momella Lakes: The park contains several small Momella Lakes, which are a series of alkaline lakes that attract a wide variety of birdlife, including flamingos. These lakes are surrounded by grassy plains and woodlands, providing a beautiful backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography. 2. Wildlife Although Arusha National Park is smaller than some of Tanzania’s larger parks, it still offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is home to a variety of animals, particularly in the forests, lakes, and savannah areas. Giraffes: Arusha National Park is famous for its giraffes, particularly the Masai giraffe, which is often seen wandering the park's open grasslands. Primates: One of the unique features of the park is its abundance of monkeys. You can spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys, both of which live in the forested areas, especially near the slopes of Mount Meru. Buffaloes, Zebras, and Antelopes: The park is home to herds of buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes like waterbucks and eland, which can often be seen grazing in the savannahs and on the outskirts of the forest. Leopards and Lions: While Arusha National Park does have predators like leopards and the occasional lion, they are less commonly seen compared to larger parks like Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. However, the park's mixed terrain offers a great opportunity to spot some elusive wildlife. Birdwatching: The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 species of birds recorded. Species include the flamingo (which gathers in the Momella Lakes), hornbills, eagles, and the striking African fish eagle. 3. Trekking and Hiking One of the unique features of Arusha National Park is the opportunity for trekking and hiking. Visitors can explore the park on foot, which provides a more intimate and immersive experience compared to the typical safari. Mount Meru Trek: For avid trekkers, the Mount Meru trek is a popular challenge. The trek takes you through different vegetation zones, from the dense montane forests to the moorlands and alpine desert at the summit. The hike is typically done over four days, with several campgrounds along the way. Walking Safaris: Guided walking safaris are available in the park, allowing visitors to explore the lower elevations and get a closer look at the smaller animals, plants, and birdlife. The walking safaris can be customized to suit your interests, from birdwatching to wildlife tracking. Ngurdoto Crater Walk: There are also short walks available in the Ngurdoto Crater, which offer stunning views of the caldera and a chance to observe wildlife from a different perspective. 4. Accessibility and Location Arusha National Park is very close to Arusha, making it a perfect destination for day trips or short visits before or after a safari to other parks like Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. Proximity to Arusha: The park is just about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from the town of Arusha, making it very accessible for visitors who are staying in the town or arriving from Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is about an hour's drive away. Day Trips: Arusha National Park is a great option for day safaris, especially for those looking for a more relaxed and scenic experience. It’s perfect for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and those who want to do a short hike. 5. Activities Apart from trekking and wildlife viewing, there are a variety of activities to enjoy in the park: Game Drives: While Arusha National Park is smaller and has fewer large predators than other Tanzanian parks, it still offers wonderful game drives. The park is home to a variety of mammals, and the terrain is incredibly scenic, offering a mix of forest, savannah, and lake views. Canoe Safari: On Momella Lakes, visitors can enjoy canoeing safaris. This is a fantastic way to get closer to the waterbirds and observe the natural beauty of the lakes while staying safe from any potential wildlife. Cultural Visits: The park also offers the opportunity to learn about the local Meru people who have lived on the slopes of Mount Meru for centuries. Some operators offer visits to nearby villages to learn about their culture, history, and traditional farming practices. 6. Accommodation Accommodation in and around Arusha National Park caters to a range of budgets and preferences: Inside the park: There are a few lodges and campsites within or near the park where you can stay for a few nights, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. In Arusha town: For more options, there are plenty of hotels, lodges, and guesthouses in Arusha town, ranging from budget accommodations to luxury stays. Most visitors staying in Arusha choose to travel to the park for a day trip and return to town for overnight accommodation. Why Visit Arusha National Park? Diverse Landscapes: The park offers a unique combination of mountain terrain, forests, lakes, and savannah. Mount Meru Trek: It’s an excellent choice for trekkers seeking to summit an active volcano without the crowds of Kilimanjaro. Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and several primates, offering intimate wildlife experiences. Accessibility: It’s easily accessible from Arusha, making it a perfect choice for a day trip or a short stay in between other safaris. Birdwatching: The park is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 400 species, including flamingos at Momella Lakes. In summary, Arusha National Park may be smaller than other Tanzanian parks, but it offers an unforgettable experience with its diversity of landscapes, wildlife, and opportunities for hiking and cultural immersion. It’s perfect for those seeking a more relaxed and varied safari experience.