Arusha National Park
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Welcome to Arusha National Park
This beautiful Park has often been called a “little germ” and rightly so. It is only ½ an hour by tarmac road from Arusha town, the safari center of Northern Tanzania. With mountains, valleys, lakes, and small plains clothed in green, it has a wonderful feeling of peace and solitude. It is dominated by Mount Meru, which at 4,566 m (14,980 ft) is the 5rd highest free standing mountain in Africa.
This second-highest mountain in Tanzania offers unforgettable experience and serves as acclimatization refuge before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Getting there
The Park can be accessed by road or air.
- By Road: From Arusha town to Ngongongare gate, it is about 32 km.
- By Air: It is about 40 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Climate
The Park can be visited throughout the year; however, the best time is between June to September and from December to early March. The short rainy period is from October to November, and the heavy rain season is from March to May, with an annual average rainfall. The park is located at an altitude between 1,700 and 4566 meters.
The Park is gifted with variety of attractions ranging from wildlife inhabiting the wilderness to craters and mountain peaks.
Serengeti Ndogo
The name which means “Little Serengeti”, describes the open grassland, a place in the park where various animals in large numbers can easily be seen such as buffaloes, warthogs zebras, waterbucks, giraffes, etc.
Black and white colubus monkey
Arusha National Park is a home for these acrobatic Black and White Colobus Monkey. These species contributes into visitors experience during the Park visit because they can easily be spotted. Other animals includes Buffalos, Warthogs and Giraffes
Mount Meru, Ngurdoto and Meru Craters
The park holds a second highest mountain in Tanzania, providing a good chance of exploring mountainous habitats inhabited with different animal and plant species, which are different from those found inthe lowland.
This pear-shaped Ngurdoto resembles a miniature of Ngorongoro crater comprises of five viewing points of Mikindu, the Rock, Buffalo, the glade, and Leiton,g being the highest point. From this point the snowy peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Momella lakes and lower slope with human settlement can be easily seen
Mountain hiking
This is a 2 night 3 day adventure using the mountain huts Miriakamba and Saddle huts. It has to be prearranged at the Momella Gate requiring porters and an armed Ranger escort. The hike traverses several vegetation zones including beautiful montane forests. Expect to see wildlife en route including buffalo, giraffe, monkeys, baboons, antelope and lots of birds.
Walking Safari
Arusha National Park is a great place for walking, and a place where one can enjoy natural forests in comfort because of the cool climate. Hiking has to be arranged at one of the 2 Gates. A fee is payable and any walk has to be accompanied by an armed Ranger.
Canoeing
Canoeing is possible by prior arrangement on Small Momella Lake, with buffao, giraffe, bushbuck, water buck and hippo often seen. Wading and water birds are of course common.
Horseback riding
Horseback trails have been established and can be combined with overnight stays in camps within the Park (but not the horses). By prior arrangement.
Game drive
Game drives are possible on a well maintained network of roads and tracks. It is an experience that tourists can get in a day game drive from Arusha Town.
Bird watching
The Park has more than 450 birds species including both resident and migratory birds. At Small Momella and Longil lakes, both water and non-water birds can be easily sighted.
Arusha National Park offers a peaceful and scenic accommodation experience, ideal for travelers seeking nature, comfort, and easy access to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. Set beneath the slopes of Mount Meru, accommodations in and around the park are characterized by lush forests, fresh mountain air, and stunning views of lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife-rich landscapes.
Accommodation options are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment. Most properties are small, intimate, and eco-conscious, providing a quiet retreat away from the crowds found in larger national parks. Guests often enjoy wildlife sightings around the lodges, especially giraffes, buffaloes, and various bird species.
Staying within or near the park allows for early morning game drives, guided walking safaris, and canoeing on the Momella Lakes. These locations are particularly popular with travelers combining a safari with a Mount Meru climb or those starting or ending a longer Northern Circuit journey.
