Overview

Nestled between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, Arusha National Park is one of the most accessible parks in Tanzania due to its proximity to Arusha town. From the Momela Lakes to Ndurugoto Crater, the landscape, perspectives, and exercises on offer all make Arusha National Park an appealing prospect for the brave safari darlings.

Arusha’s 3 Gem

Portrayed as 'a gem among parks' for its wonderfulness and striking better than average assortment of wildlife and regular environment, the park's phenomenal features consolidate the shallow stomach settling agent Momella Lakes, surely understood for their birdlife, both occupant and transient, especially the flamingos; the Ngurdoto Crater, a 3 Km wide entire caldera, whose wildlife proximity has earned it an appellation – 'Little Ngorongoro' and overpowering the park is Mount Meru, Tanzania's second highest peak which acts as a perfect warm-up before your Kilimanjaro trek.

Arusha’s Wildlife Attraction

The woodlands contain a bounty of winged animals and wildlife including buffalo, elephants, hippos, giraffes, warthogs, the wide extent of impalas, zebras and the striking exceedingly differentiating colobus and blue monkeys moving along their branches. Leopards and hyenas are now and again watched and lions are missing all around from the park.

More than 400 sorts of aviary fauna, both vagrant and occupant, including enormous passing fowls, grebes, African pochards, Egyptian geese and a grouping of herons and egrets, assigned sell hawks can be found in a park close by with a wide variety of butterflies.

Safari Facts

• The park is named after the "Wa-Arush" people, who live within the area.
• Arusha is situated between the peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru.
• Until 1967, Arusha National Park was known as Ngurdoto Crater National Park.
• You can spot both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru from the park.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptionally picturesque with diverse habitats
• Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro
• Excellent birding with more than 400 aviary species
• Proximity to Arusha town
• Canoeing safari is offered

Cons

• Major safari animals are either not present or aren't easily spotted

Uniqueness of Park

The park has three distinct zones that define its beauty and variety. Which is listed below:

The Momella Lakes:

• Momella is a shallow soda lake which is fed by secretive streams
• The lake is home to thousands of lesser and greater flamingos along with other migratory birds between April and October
• All of the lakes have a different color.

The Ngurdoto Crater:

• The Ngurdoto Crater is also known as “mini-Ngorongoro.” It has a diameter of 3km.
• Ngurdoto volcanic bowl supports a multitude of wildlife in lush marsh flora.

Mt Meru:

• At 4,566m, Mt. Meru is Tanzania’s second highest peak
• Mt Meru Crater is one of the most stunning sceneries in Tanzania

Getting There

Arusha National Park is just 45 minutes drive from the town of Arusha. Arusha city is the starting point of northern safari circuit in Tanzania. There are a number of ways to arrive in Arusha town. The most recommended alternative to reach Arusha town is to fly into the Kilimanjaro International Airport which is around 46 kilometers from Arusha. You can also directly fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport, in the capital city Dar es Salaam and then fly to Arusha Airport using the domestic airlines.

Best Time to Visit

Arusha National Park offers excellent game viewing all year round however best views are enjoyed amid the dry season, which starts towards the ending of June to the end of September.

Activities

• Forest walks
• Picnicking
• Canoe safaris
• Mountain climbing and hiking
• Bird watching

Health & Safety

It is advisable to take protection against malaria and certain vaccinations before visiting Tanzania. You can take anti-malarial medication and use mosquito repellent containing at least 30% DEET as a preventable measure against Malaria.

Like any other park and reserve in Tanzania, it is safe to visit Arusha National Park.

Food

Nyama Choma is a popular dish among the population in the Arusha Region. It is usually served with Pili Pili sauce and french fries with cold local beer or soda.