Overview

Arusha National Park, located just a short drive from Arusha town, is a small yet captivating park known for its incredible diversity of landscapes and wildlife. Covering 137 square kilometers, the park is home to Mount Meru, the second-highest peak in Tanzania, as well as Momella Lakes and the lush Ngurdoto Crater. Its proximity to major travel hubs makes it an ideal destination for day trips or as the starting point for a Tanzanian safari.

Activities

1. Game Drives: Explore the park’s distinct ecosystems, from savannahs to rainforests, while spotting a wide variety of wildlife.
2. Canoeing Safaris: Paddle across the tranquil Momella Lakes to see waterbirds, hippos, and stunning landscapes.
3. Hiking and Trekking: Climb Mount Meru for breathtaking views of the park and Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Shorter hikes around the park are also available for less experienced trekkers.
4. Bird Watching: With over 400 species recorded, the park is a paradise for bird lovers, featuring flamingos, trogons, and crowned eagles.
5. Walking Safaris: Guided walks allow visitors to explore the park on foot, providing an intimate encounter with its flora and smaller fauna.
6. Ngurdoto Crater Tour: Visit the crater, often called “Little Ngorongoro,” for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife.

Flora

Arusha National Park boasts a remarkable variety of ecosystems within a relatively small area:

• Montane Forests: These dense forests are home to ancient fig trees, wild date palms, and towering mahoganies.
• Grasslands and Wetlands: Open savannahs and swampy areas support grazing animals and water-dependent species.
• Alpine Vegetation: Higher altitudes on Mount Meru feature heathers and hardy shrubs, providing unique landscapes.
• Momella Lakes: Surrounded by lush vegetation, these alkaline lakes attract flamingos and other waterbirds.

Fauna

Although Arusha National Park doesn’t have many large predators, its diverse wildlife makes it a standout destination:

• Primates: Home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys.
• Giraffes and Buffaloes: Often seen grazing on the plains, giraffes are particularly abundant in the park.
• Other Mammals: Zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, and waterbucks are common sightings.
• Birdlife: Highlights include flamingos, silvery-cheeked hornbills, turacos, and the Narina trogon.
• Rare Species: Leopards and hyenas are elusive but occasionally spotted, especially during game drives.

Mount Meru
The park’s defining feature, Mount Meru, offers adventurous visitors a challenging climb with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The trek is less crowded than Kilimanjaro but equally rewarding, with opportunities to see elephants, buffalos, and other wildlife along the trail.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June to October): Ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals are more easily spotted in the open.
• Wet Season (November to May): Lush vegetation and a higher chance of spotting rare birds, although some trails may be muddy.