Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park, which measures only 137 square kilometers, is situated in the northern region of Tanzania. Despite its relatively small size, the park boasts diverse wildlife and landscapes, making it an attractive destination for visitors seeking an authentic safari experience.
Conveniently located a mere 30 kilometers from the bustling “safari town” of Arusha and about 36 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the park is easily accessible and provides an excellent respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you want to start or end your safari adventure or seek a break from urban living, Arusha National Park is an ideal destination.
Features & Wildlife Species
Visitors to the park are always impressed by the incredible variety of flora, fauna, and birdlife. Arusha National Park is marked by three significant features – Mt. Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania; the colorful Momella Lakes, shallow alkaline lakes famous for migratory flamingos and water birds; and the 3-km wide Ngurdoto Crater, often called “Little Ngorongoro Crater”, which was formed nearly fifteen million years ago.
Arusha National Park, noted for its rich bird watching and Guereza colobus monkeys, is also the year-round home to Cape buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, zebra, and warthogs. Elephants are found throughout the park, but are somewhat more shy than those in the Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks. You can even spot a leopard if the conditions are right!
Visitors to the park are always impressed by the incredible variety of flora, fauna, and birdlife. Arusha National Park is marked by three significant features – Mt. Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania; the colorful Momella Lakes, shallow alkaline lakes famous for migratory flamingos and water birds; and the 3-km wide Ngurdoto Crater, often called “Little Ngorongoro Crater”, which was formed nearly fifteen million years ago.
Arusha National Park, noted for its rich bird watching and Guereza colobus monkeys, is also the year-round home to Cape buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, zebra, and warthogs. Elephants are found throughout the park, but are somewhat more shy than those in the Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks. You can even spot a leopard if the conditions are right!
AREA ACTIVITIES
- Game drives
- Multi days Mount Meru hiking safaris
- Nature Walks
- Bird watching safaris
- Canoeing
- Bicycling
- Waterfalls hike
WHEN TO VISIT
- Year-round but the best time is between June to October and Mid December to February during the dry season.
WHAT TO SEE
- Baboons and colobus monkeys, elephant, giraffe, hippo, antelope & gazelle, zebras, buffalos etc.
- Over 550 species of birds
- Momella Soda Lake filled with migratory flamingos and other water birds
- Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania
- The 3-km wide Ngurdoto Crater, often called “Little Ngorongoro Crater”,
HOW TO GET THERE
- It takes about 45min -1hr of driving from Arusha city center or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
