Explore the Wonders of Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is located in the northeastern part of Tanzania, within the Arusha Region. It Covers an area of approximately 552 square kilometers , It is relatively small but diverse park is situated close to Arusha city, making it an ideal stop for visitors looking for a day trip or short safari adventure. It lies on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley and is bordered by Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest Mountain.

Discover the Untamed Beauty

The park is home to a wide range of geographical features and habitats, including forests, open grasslands, volcanic craters, and lakes. The diversity in landscape results in an equally impressive variety of wildlife, despite the park’s size. Key locations to explore within the park include:

• Mount Meru: Towering at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), this volcanic mountain offers incredible hiking experiences with panoramic views of both Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbers pass through various ecological zones, encountering wildlife such as buffalo, giraffes, and colobus monkeys.

• Momella Lakes: These alkaline lakes are a haven for birdwatchers, hosting thousands of flamingos, herons, and other bird species. Canoeing safaris on the lakes offer a peaceful way to observe both birds and aquatic life while enjoying views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.

• Ngurdoto Crater: Sometimes called “Little Ngorongoro,” this crater is a volcanic caldera filled with lush vegetation and teeming with wildlife, including buffalo, warthogs, and colobus monkeys. The crater rim offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

• Tululusia Hill: This hill provides fantastic trekking opportunities and is known for being a vantage point for observing the park’s wildlife and landscapes. It offers great views of the forest and plains below.

What’s Unique about Arusha National Park.

Arusha National Park is unique for several reasons, making It a standout Destination in Tanzania’s Array of protected Areas. Despite Its relatively small size, the par offers an exceptional variety of landscapes, wildlife, and activities that distinguish it from other national Parks. Here’s what makes Arusha national Park special.

Diverse Ecosystems in a Compact Space

Arusha National Park is a microcosm of Tanzania’s ecological diversity. Within its compact area, visitors can experience a wide range of habitats, from dense montane rainforests and savannahs to volcanic craters and alkaline lakes. This diversity in landscape creates a mosaic of environments that support a broad spectrum of wildlife and plant species.

Unique Canoeing Safaris

Arusha National Park is one of the few parks in Tanzania where visitors can enjoy canoeing safaris. The Momella Lakes, located within the park, offer the opportunity to explore by water while enjoying breathtaking views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Canoeing allows for close-up encounters with waterbirds such as flamingos, pelicans, and herons, as well as aquatic animals like hippos and small antelope that come to the water’s edge to drink.

Adventure and Tranquillity Combined

Arusha National Park offers a mix of adrenaline-filled adventure, such as hiking the Mount Meru or trekking to Tululusia Hill, with serene experiences like peaceful canoeing and gentle game viewing. It caters to different types of travelers, from those seeking adventure to those desiring a relaxed and scenic day in nature.

Activities in Arusha National Park.

Walking Safaris

Arusha National Park is one of the few national parks in Tanzania where walking safaris are allowed. These guided walking tours provide an intimate experience with nature and wildlife. Visitors can walk through the park’s dense forests and open plains, tracking animals like buffaloes, zebras, and antelopes while learning about the park’s ecosystems from expert guides. Walking safaris allow for a deeper connection with the environment and the chance to see smaller flora and fauna that might be missed on a game drive.

Hiking and Trekking

One of the standout features of Arusha National Park is the opportunity for hiking and trekking, particularly on Mount Meru. This volcano, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, offers a challenging yet rewarding trek that takes about 3-4 days to summit. The trek is less crowded than Kilimanjaro, making it an attractive option for adventurers. Along the way, trekkers will pass through diverse ecosystems and may encounter wildlife such as buffalo, elephants, and monkeys.

• Shorter nature walks are also available, offering more accessible treks through the forest and along scenic paths around the park, such as to Tululusia Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views.

Canoeing Safaris

A unique activity in Arusha National Park is canoeing on the Momella Lakes. This peaceful water-based safari allows visitors to paddle across the shallow lakes, offering an up-close view of waterbirds like flamingos, herons, and kingfishers, as well as hippos. The serene experience of gliding through the waters while surrounded by stunning views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro makes this an unforgettable experience. Canoeing is a rare activity in Tanzanian parks, making it a special feature of Arusha National Park