Arusha National Park

Dated back to 1960, the forest was set aside as Ngurdoto Crater National Park to protect the region’s wildlife and natural resources. Later in 1967, the area surrounding Mt. Meru was added to the park and name was changed to Arusha National Park. Arusha National Park is a small charming park, located in the northeast of Tanzania. It is near the city of Arusha and provides great views of the Mount Kilimanjaro. This Park is also the only place in northern Tanzania where you can easily spot the black-and-white colobus. Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most convenient parks and is a fantastic destination for a day trip.

The Park hosts a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from vast savannah and rainforest through to acacia woodlands and up to alpine vegetation on the higher reaches of Mount Meru. It is also home to the world’s largest population of giraffe, Black and white colobus, the Vervet monkeys, the red forest duikers, hippos, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, bushbucks. Hosting to more than 400 numbers of bird species it is a grand choice for the bird lovers.

Activities and attractions

Mount Meru

This is the second highest mountain in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest in Africa. It takes 4 days to climb this mountain and 3 days to hike to the summit. Climbing the mountain starts and ends at the Momella gate and this activity also offers views such as the volcanic crater. During the hiking, you are also able to come across wildlife species such as waterbucks, zebras, buffalos, black and white colobus, etc. When trekking Mount Meru on a clear day, you will enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro which is around 50 miles away.

Ngurdoto crater

The crater is extinct and as a result of volcanic activity and is made up of steep walls and also consist of forest and grassland. Wildlife can be spotted around this crater and these include; elephants, buffalos, black and white colobus, antelopes, etc.

Momella lakes

These are alkaline in nature and lesser and greater flamingos are among the bird species that can be spotted here. These lakes are seven in number and these include, Kusare, big Momella Lake and small Momella Lakes, Lakandiro, El Kekhotoito, Tulusia as well as Rishateni. You are able to enjoy these lakes during a canoe ride and takes about approx. 2 hours.

Walking safaris

Here you are led by an armed game ranger as you make your way through the various forest and savannah habitants as you observe wildlife from a safe distance. You are also able to come across different bird species as well as tree species. You walk at the foot of Mount Meru surrounded by verdant woods, lakes, waterfalls and large population of giraffes.

Game drives

During this activity, you are able to spot different wildlife like the buffalos, zebras, elephants, waterbucks, leopards, warthogs, etc as well as different bird species. The Park has got morning, afternoon and night game drives giving you an opportunity to come across these animals.

Canoeing

This is basically done on Lake Momella which is a home to the park’s flamingos. Follow the shorelines of small Momella Lake on a tranquil and gorgeous canoeing excursion. During the 2 and half hour you will be able to come across different animals like hippos, buffalos, bushbucks and giraffes as they quench their thirst at the backs of the Lake.

Bird watching

The Park has got over 400 bird species making it one of the best places in Tanzania where you are able to do birding. The Park has got both resident and migratory birds that call this place a home. Birds here include; spur winged goose, hamerkop, secretary birds, eagles, herons, grey parrots, red shark, not to mention but a few.