Arusha National Park

Park Overview
Arusha National Park established 1960, is located in the Arusha Region of north eastern Tanzania and occupies an area of 137sq km. The National Park covers Mt. Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m. Although its one of Tanzania’s smallest parks, Arusha National Park ranks in pole position as one of the most beautiful and topographically varied wildlife sanctuaries offering a multi-faceted jewel, with an opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats
The Park lies on a 300-km axis of Africa’s most famous national parks, running from Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east.
It boasts with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River; Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the north-east have varying algal colors and are known for their wading birds. These are the main attractions.
The park has a diversity of vegetation regions supporting several animal species. The entrance gate leads into shadowy montane forest inhabited by curious blue monkeys and colorful turacos and trogons – the only place where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey is easily seen. The flora and fauna however varies with the topography, and ranges from forest to swamp. The highlands of this park are forested with the peak of Mount Meru rising above the forests to dominate the area.

Arusha giraffes

Arusha Wildlife
Arusha National Park has a rich variety of wildlife. It contains a diverse resident population of herbivores, primates and predators including black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, hyenas, waterbucks, wart hogs and a wide range of antelope species. Although elephants are scarce in the Park and lions absent altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen sneaking around in the early morning and late evening.

Arusha Flamingoes

Bird Life
There is a wide range of species of birds that have been recorded in the Park. Several migrating water birds are prominent along the banks of Jekukumia River. The Momela lakes are particularly interesting and perfect spots for bird watching safari in Arusha Park. Visitors cannot miss sight of several predator birds which hide in the forested areas of Mount Meru. Many of the water birds are migratory and found in the park between October and April, with the permanent residents found primarily in the forests. The park also has beautiful flaminoes
While its possible to see much of the park in a day, its better to allow a night or two to appreciate the wildlife and do a walking safari.

Arusha Baboons

Best Time for Tours
The best time for visiting is during the dry season from July – march. The best months to climb Mt Meru are June – February (although there is advent of some rains in November). On clear days magnificent views of Mt. Meru can be seen from almost any part of the park.
Getting There
The park is just a few km north east of Arusha, though the main gate is 25 km east of the city. It is an easy 40-minute drive from Arusha approximately 60 km (35 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport. It is also 58 km from Moshi and 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).

Arusha Game Drives

Arusha Safaris
- Mt. Meru Trekking
Arusha National Park’s most publicizes is Mt. Meru, the eastern slopes and 4,566m peak which lie within the par boundaries. Mt. Meru is a spectacular volcanic cone and well worth climbing. A trek to the summit takes you through grassland and lush forest on the lower slopes to an exhilarating walk along the knife edge of the crater rim. The interesting geology of the area is reflected in the impressive view of the ash cone and cliff face leading to the summit of Mt. Meru.
A lot of big game can be seen on the lower slopes
- Forest Walks
Everywhere throughout the Park there are chances to observe the natural world at its own pace, to see different animals in there are different habitats and absorb something of the serenity of the surroundings. Those who ascend the summit of the mountain will be rewarded with unparalleled views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley.
- Game Drives
A highlight of Arusha National Park is driving up through the cool rainforest, to the top of Ngurdoto Crater. It is even more rewarding to have a stop at Ngurdoto to spot the remarkable black and white colobus monkeys as jump it the branches of ancient cedar trees as their stare back at you.
- Canoes safaris
Canoes safaris have been introduced to this park and this activity offers an extraordinary perspective of the park.