Arusha National Park is a small but beautiful park located in northern Tanzania. It is just 25 kilometers from Arusha town and is often used as a day trip destination or the first stop on a northern safari. Though small in size—only about 137 square kilometers—Arusha National Park is full of variety. It offers different landscapes, peaceful nature, and a wide range of animals and birds. It is a great place to enjoy nature walks, canoeing, and game drives without the crowds found in larger parks.
Unique Landscapes
One of the most special things about Arusha National Park is its variety of landscapes. In one park, you can see mountains, forests, lakes, and open plains. Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, is located within the park. Though less known than Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is a stunning volcanic mountain with beautiful views and great hiking opportunities. Other key features in the park include the lush rainforest, the open grasslands of the Serengeti Ndogo, and the Momella Lakes.
Mount Meru
Mount Meru is one of the main highlights of Arusha National Park. It is a dormant volcano that rises to 4,566 meters and offers breathtaking views, especially of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Many people hike Mount Meru as a warm-up before climbing Kilimanjaro. The trek usually takes 3 to 4 days and passes through different zones such as forest, moorland, and alpine desert. On the way, hikers can see animals, waterfalls, and beautiful plant life.
Wildlife in Arusha National Park
Although Arusha National Park does not have large predators like lions, it has many other animals that are easy to spot. You can see giraffes, zebras, warthogs, buffaloes, waterbucks, and baboons. The forest areas are home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, which are rare and beautiful with long white tails. Other primates include blue monkeys and vervet monkeys. Hippos can often be seen near the lakes, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a leopard or hyena.
Bird Watching
Arusha National Park is a great destination for bird watchers. The park has over 400 species of birds, including both forest and water birds. The Momella Lakes attract large numbers of flamingos, herons, kingfishers, and ducks. In the forest, you can spot turacos, hornbills, and other colorful birds. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced bird watcher, you will enjoy the variety of species in a peaceful setting.
Momella Lakes
The Momella Lakes are a group of shallow, alkaline lakes found in the northeastern part of the park. These lakes are home to many water birds, especially flamingos, which often turn the lakes pink with their large flocks. Other birds and animals also come to drink at the lake shores. Canoeing on the lakes is one of the special activities offered in Arusha National Park, allowing visitors to get close to hippos and water birds in a safe and relaxing way.
Activities in Arusha National Park
Unlike some larger parks, Arusha National Park offers many different ways to enjoy nature. Game drives are the most common activity and are available all year round. In addition to that, visitors can go on guided walking safaris, where rangers lead you through the forest and open plains to learn about plants, animals, and animal tracks. Canoeing on the Momella Lakes is another popular activity. For adventure lovers, hiking Mount Meru is a challenging but rewarding experience.
Best Time to Visit
Arusha National Park can be visited throughout the year. The dry season, from June to October, is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals come out in search of water and the weather is clear. This is also the best season for climbing Mount Meru. The rainy seasons are from March to May and again in November. During these months, the park is greener, birdlife is abundant, and fewer tourists visit, making it peaceful and quiet. However, some trails can be slippery during heavy rains.
How to Get There
Getting to Arusha National Park is very easy. The park is only a short drive from Arusha town, making it perfect for a day trip. It is about 40 to 60 minutes by car. The park is also close to Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is about 1.5 hours away. Most tour operators in Arusha offer day trips to the park, which include transport, entry fees, and a guide.
Where to Stay
Since Arusha National Park is often visited on a day trip, many visitors stay in Arusha town, which has many hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. For those who want to stay closer to nature, there are also a few campsites and luxury lodges located near or inside the park. These include Hatari Lodge, which has beautiful views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy early morning game drives or nature walks with fewer crowds.
Who Should Visit Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is ideal for travelers who want a quick but rich safari experience. It’s perfect for day-trippers, bird watchers, hikers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys beautiful scenery. The park’s peaceful environment and variety of activities make it suitable for families, solo travelers, and couples alike. It is also a great warm-up or relaxing end to a longer safari that includes Serengeti, Tarangire, or Ngorongoro.
Conclusion
Arusha National Park may be small, but it offers an amazing range of natural beauty and wildlife. From the slopes of Mount Meru to the pink shores of the Momella Lakes, the park is full of surprises. Whether you’re watching giraffes on the plains, canoeing past flamingos, or hiking through forest trails, Arusha National Park provides a peaceful and unforgettable safari experience just a short drive from town.
