Arusha National Park attracts visitors with rich wildlife, scenic landscapes

ARUSHA: ARUSHA National Park, one of the most enigmatic national parks in northern Tanzania, is nestled northeast of Arusha city. This scenic paradise is home to Tanzania’s secondhighest mountain, Mount Meru, and boasts the world’s largest population of giraffes.

Covering an area of 552 square kilometres, it lies just 25 kilometres east of Arusha, 58 kilometres from Moshi, and 35 kilometres from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).

The park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including buffaloes, bushbucks, warthogs, zebras, red duikers, elephants, leopards, and hippos. It is also a sanctuary for primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys.

With over 400 bird species recorded, Arusha National Park is a dream destination for bird watchers. Some of its most remarkable avian species include the grey-crowned crane, flamingos, African fish eagle, Hartlaub’s turaco, and secretary birds.

The park’s accessibility, taking approximately 40 minutes to reach from KIA, makes it an ideal spot for both single-day and multi-day visits. The park’s varied landscapes contribute to its beauty and uniqueness.

It consists of three distinct zones: the Meru Crater, which funnels the Jekukumia River in the west; the Ngurdoto Crater, often referred to as the ‘Little Ngorongoro,’ in the southeast; and the shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the northeast, whose varying algae concentrations create stunning colour variations.

The compact size of Arusha National Park makes it easy for visitors to explore its wonders and return to Arusha town for an overnight stay. The History of Arusha National Park Arusha National Park is often described as “the diamond amid the shadows of the giants.” It offers breathtaking perspectives of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

The park’s origins trace back to 1876 when Count Teleki, a Hungarian explorer, visited the Momella area and marvelled at the abundance of wildlife, including hippopotamuses and black rhinos. In 1907, the Trappe family settled in the region and established a farm in Momella.

The land was later incorporated into a game reserve when Mrs Trappe, East Africa’s first female professional hunter, generously donated a substantial portion of the estate. Officially established in 1960, the park was initially named Ngurdoto Crater National Park, covering only the Ngurdoto Crater and parts of Mount Meru.

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However, in 1967, the area encompassing Mount Meru was added, leading to its renaming as Arusha National Park, after the indigenous Waarusha people who originally inhabited the region.

Following Tanzania’s independence, the government invested heavily in developing the park, transforming it into one of the top destinations for safari tours, particularly for visitors heading to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Over the years, the park evolved from a dense shrubland supporting limited wildlife to a more diverse habitat, featuring the Mini Serengeti, a grassland designed to attract grazing animals and enhance game viewing opportunities.

Tourist Attractions in Arusha National Park Wildlife

Ranked among the top destinations for Tanzania wildlife safaris, Arusha National Park teems with diverse animal species. The park’s key wildlife hubs include the Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes, Mini Serengeti, and Ujambo wa Mbogo (Buffalo’s Glade).

Visitors can spot giraffes, zebras, leopards, lions, spotted hyenas, elephants, bush pigs, hippos, and various antelope species such as dik-diks and waterbucks.

Birdwatching

Arusha National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 400 species recorded, including forest dwellers, raptors, waterbirds, and migratory species.

Some of the most notable birds include flamingos, African fish eagles, augur buzzards, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, Egyptian geese, pelicans, and Verreaux’s eagles. The Momella Lakes, in particular, are a hotspot for birdwatching, offering spectacular views of flocks of pink-hued flamingos.

Mount Meru

Mount Meru, a breathtaking landmark at the heart of Arusha National Park, is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, standing at 4,566 meters. This active volcano was formed through ancient eruptions, and its last recorded activity was in 1910. Climbing Mount Meru is a thrilling adventure, featuring a dramatic walk along the crater rim with rewarding panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Momella Lakes

A stunning chain of seven alkaline lakes—Big Momella, Small Momella, El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Rishateni, Lekandiro, and Tulusia—Momella Lakes were formed from volcanic debris over 250,000 years ago. The lakes differ in color due to varying mineral compositions, making them a spectacular sight. They also attract diverse bird species and large numbers of flamingos.

Ngurdoto Crater

Known as “Little Ngorongoro,” Ngurdoto Crater is an extinct volcano with a diameter of 3.2 kilometers and a depth of 300 meters. The crater is covered in dense rainforests, with its marshy floor providing habitat for buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, baboons, and various bird species. Unlike Ngorongoro Crater, Ngurdoto is only accessible via walking safaris, offering an intimate experience with nature.

The Mini Serengeti

Also known as Serengeti Ndogo, the Mini Serengeti is a small grassland located near the Ngongongare Gate. It serves as a grazing ground for herbivores such as buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, and elephants. A morning visit to this area offers a mesmerising scene of animals feeding together in the golden sunrise.

Ujambo Wa Mbogo (Buffalo’s Glade)

Located near the Momella Gate, Ujambo wa Mbogo is a lush marshland surrounded by dense forest. It is a favourite grazing ground for buffaloes, warthogs, and giraffes. This area is particularly suited for walking safaris, allowing visitors to observe wildlife up close.

Fig Tree Arch

The Fig Tree Arch is an enormous tree with a naturally formed arch large enough for vehicles and elephants to pass through. It is a popular spot for photography and can be visited while hiking to the Tululusia Waterfalls.

Ngurdoto Museum

Located near the Ngurdoto Crater, this museum showcases preserved specimens of animals found in the park, including skeletons and taxidermy displays. It also provides detailed information about the flora and fauna of Arusha National Park.

Tululusia Hill and Waterfalls

Tululusia Hill is a scenic spot covered in lush vegetation, home to elephants, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys. The Tululusia Waterfalls, cascading from a height of 28 meters, provide a refreshing retreat for visitors looking to take a nature walk and enjoy the cool mist of the falls.

Activities in Arusha National Park Game Drives

Game drives in Arusha National Park offer a chance to explore the open savannah grasslands and spot an array of wildlife. Morning and late afternoon drives provide the best opportunities to observe animals such as giraffes, zebras, bush pigs, and primates.

Walking Safaris

Guided walking safaris allow visitors to experience the park’s beauty up close. Popular walking routes include those to Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes and Ujambo wa Mbogo.

Birdwatching

With diverse avian species inhabiting the park, birdwatching can be done year-round, though the best time is during the dry season when migratory species are present.

Mount Meru Climbing

For adventure seekers, climbing Mount Meru is an unforgettable experience. The trek, which takes three to four days, offers spectacular views and diverse landscapes.

How to Get to Arusha National Park By Air

Arusha National Park is accessible by air through Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From Kilimanjaro International Airport, it takes approximately one hour by safari vehicle to reach the park, while the drive from Arusha town takes around 40 minutes.

By Road

The park can also be reached by road. Public buses operate daily from Arusha and Ngare Nanyuki village to Ngongongare Gate. Alternatively, visitors can hire a taxi from Arusha for a more convenient journey.

Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park offers a breathtaking safari experience throughout the year, with the best times depending on your preferred activities: Game Viewing: The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June to October). During this period, the park’s vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot animals. The dry season also ensures that game-viewing trails remain accessible. Bird Watching: For bird enthusiasts, the best time to visit is from November to April, when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa arrive, adding to the park’s rich avian diversity.

Accommodations in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, including luxury, midrange, and budget lodges, as well as campsites for those seeking a more immersive experience.

The park is home to exceptional lodges and hotels that provide a comfortable and welcoming stay, ensuring visitors enjoy a home away from home during their safari adventure. Whether you prefer a luxurious retreat, a cozy midrange lodge, or a budgetfriendly campsite, Arusha National Park has options to enhance your experience in this stunning wilderness.

Bottom of Form Arusha National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering a perfect blend of adventure and serenity. Whether you are drawn to its wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, or thrilling activities, this park is an unmissable destination in Tanzania.