Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park also known as Ngurdoto crater National Park is located 25 kms east of Arusha, 35 km from Kilimanjaro international airport and 58 km from Moshi in northern Tanzania. The park is famous for being a home to the second highest mountain in Tanzania, Mount Meru and the world’s largest giraffe population. Arusha National Park covers an area of 137 sq km conserving some parts like Ngurdoto crater and Mount Meru.

The protected area was established in 1960 as Ngurdoto crater National Park and later in 1967 it was changed to Arusha National Park. The name Arusha was derived from local Warusha people who used to live in this area.

Why visit Arusha national park?

Arusha national park is a home to various numbers of antelopes and this park also acts as a good natural habitat to many other species such as; duikers, bushbucks, waterbucks, mongoose, dik dik, porcupines, bush bucks and many others which are usually spotted while they browsing and grazing around the park. More so, this national park is a home to primate species like; blue monkeys, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys that are usually spotted while they swing through the trees. There are also various reptiles such as; crocodiles, monitor lizards and this park hosts a wide range of insects of insects and butterflies which makes it a haven for entomology enthusiasts.

Things to do in Arusha national park

Arusha national park offers many tourist facilities like picnic sites, camping sites, and lodges which allows visitors to feel more at ease when visiting the park.

Canoeing

This is one of the popular activities done in Arusha National Park. The activity is done on the Momella lakes as the visitor’s drift along the shallow waters. Momella lakes offer views of wildlife like buffaloes and bucks in the open landscape. Hippos and water birds can be spotted. Canoe trips often last 2-3 hours. Alternatively, tourists can opt for the traditional safari experience.

Climbing Mount Meru

Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at a height of 4566 meters above sea level dominating Arusha national park’s horizon. Mount Meru is an active, but dormant volcano and known for its huge cliffs and green surroundings at the foot. Mount Meru offers unparalleled views of the steppes of the park, momella lakes and Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbing Mount Meru is a bit challenging and requires more technical skills of its climber. The mountain can be climbed for 3 or 4 days however it is not often climbed thus giving climbers more private experience.

Nature walk

Due to the absence of predators, the park offers walking safaris which are accompanied by park rangers. The walk goes through various forests and savannah while observing different wildlife species like colobus monkeys and a huge population of giraffes. There is also a great opportunity to spot birdlife. On the slopes of Mount Meru is surrounded by waterfalls, lakes and green forests. One of the highlights on a walking safari is walking up to the top of Tululusia Hill, a lookout points during Tanzania’s tribal wars. The hill top also offers panoramic views of the lower reaches of Arusha National Park.

Game viewing

This is one of the popular activities done in Arusha National Park. During game drive you will follow different tracks in different regions of the park in search for animals. Some of the animals that can be spotted during game drive include; dik- dik, waterbucks, bush bucks, duikers, Cape buffalo, elephant, Warthog, bush pigs. Predators like hyenas, leopards and lions can also be spotted but on rare occasions. Primates that can be spotted include Black and white colobus and blue monkeys around the Ngurdoto museum. The trails to Momella lakes and Ngurdoto Crater offer opportunities to see hippos in water and other animals gathering along the shores.

Horseback Riding

Travelers can explore the typical African bush just on a horseback rather than a safari vehicle. The ride may take 5-7 hours passing through hidden trails with large herds of big five mammals passing by the trails but on a relatively safe distance. The distance covers the savannahs between mount Meru and Kilimanjaro which is an unforgettable experience in Arusha national park. While on a horseback you will get a chance to follow the spectacular wildebeest migration.

Ngurdoto Crater Visit

Ngurdoto Crater in the northern section of the park is a great location for a hike. It has rainforests surrounding the area full of wildlife. There is a road created by TANAPA that covers most of the crater rim, but because of the lush forest the crater floor won’t be visible most of the time. There are certain points however, that your armed ranger /guide can take you to, where you will get some stunning views of the entire crater. From the Leitong viewpoint on the rim, you can also get a view of the snow-covered Kilimanjaro. Momella Lakes and the nearby human settlement will also be visible.

Where to stay in Arusha national park?

There are a variety of accommodation facilities to choose from during your trip. These facilities include, Kilimanjaro Eco Lodge, Mzunguu Safari Lodge, Hatari Lodge, Meru Mbega Lodge, Lake Duluti Lodge, River trees Country Inn, Arusha Coffee Lodge, Four Points by Sheraton Arusha Hotel, Arusha Serena Hotel, Kiota Nest, Shu’mata Camp and others

The best time to visit Arusha national park

The park can be visited all year around depending on the visitor’s choice. However, Arusha National Park is known as a great place for bird watching. The best time to visit the park is between the months of November to December and March through May. During this time, it’s when the migratory birds are arriving from other parts of Africa and Europe.

If you prefer spotting animals, the best time to visit Arusha National Park is during the dry season between the months of June and October. Also, during the months of January and February is the best period to hike Mt. Meru.

How to access Arusha national park?

The park can be accessed by road or air depending on the traveler’s choice. By road the journey is 45 minutes from Arusha town to the national park. Alternatively, the park can be accessed by use of domestic flights from Kilimanjaro International airport to Arusha airport and the journey takes 20 minutes.