The stunning Arusha National Park is an ideal Tanzania National Park for a day safari trip in Tanzania, and a starting destination on a longer Tanzania Safari to the Northern Safari Circuit. Located just a short drive from Arusha — the Tanzania Safari Capital — and approximately 50 kilometres from Kilimanjaro International Airport, it is the most accessible park in Tanzania.
Covering approximately 552 km², the park encompasses the volcanic cone of Mount Meru alongside the Ngurdoto Crater and the beautiful Momella Lakes. Standing at 4,566 metres, Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. This dormant volcano is situated east of the Great Rift Valley, rising from a circular base of approximately 20 km across. Above 2,500 metres some of the crater walls have broken away, giving the upper mountain a dramatic horseshoe shape. The climb involves a dramatic walk along the knife-edge of the crater rim — one of the most scenic and rewarding mountain climbing adventures in East Africa.
History of Arusha National Park
Established in 1960, Arusha National Park is the second oldest park in the country together with Lake Manyara National Park. Its history goes back to 1876 when Count Teleki, a Hungarian explorer, visited the Momella Area and commented on the vast number of hippos and black rhinos he had seen. In 1907, the Trappe Family moved to the Momella Area with intentions of using it as a cattle ranch; the elder Mrs. Trappe, the first woman to become a professional hunter in East Africa, voluntarily set aside a large part of the Momella Estate for a game sanctuary. In 1960, the then Ngurdoto Crater National Park was established, and the Mount Meru Area was incorporated into the park in 1967.
Wildlife
Arusha National Park is home to African elephants, herds of buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, waterbucks, dik-dik, reedbucks, bush pigs, giraffes, spotted hyenas, wild cats and leopards. A shadowy montane forest beyond the entrance gate harbours blue monkeys, and the park is the only place in the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit where you can easily spot the black and white colobus monkeys.
Birdlife
The park is home to more than 400 species of birds including Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Scaly Francolin, African Black Duck, Crowned Eagle, Palm-nut Vulture, Mountain Buzzard, Hartlaub's Turaco, Giant Kingfisher, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Narina Trogon, Bar-tailed Trogon and many others. At the beautiful Momella Lakes, great masses of pink-hued flamingos congregate at the shores to feed on the blue-algae flourishing in the different shallows.
Safari Activities
Game drives traverse several routes through the savannah grasslands including The Serengeti Ndogo north of the Ngongongare gate, offering sightings of Mount Meru, the Momella Lakes, klipspringers, dik-diks, buffaloes, hippos, elephants, black and white colobus monkeys and the rarely seen leopards. Walking safaris are conducted in Ujambo Wa Mbogo — featuring marsh, bushes and streams serving as a feeding ground for buffaloes, giraffes and warthogs — as well as along trails below Mount Meru and the Ngurdoto Crater rim trail. A hike to Njeku Viewpoint in the Meru Crater floor (following Stage 1 of the Mount Meru climb) is a rewarding day hike; note that descending into the crater is not permitted. Mount Meru climbing is done exclusively on the Momella Route, starting on the eastern side of the mountain and climbing to the summit along the northern arm of the horseshoe crater; the hike can comfortably be completed in four days and three nights. Note that all treks must begin before 3:00 pm. Canoeing on Momella Lake lasts 2 to 3 hours, offering views of bushbucks, giraffes, hippos, giant kingfishers, cattle egrets and storks.
Best Time to Visit
It is possible to visit Arusha National Park year-round; however the best time is during the dry season from June to October when vegetation is scarcer, providing unparalleled wildlife views and ideal conditions for walking safaris. The wet season turns the park lush and green — excellent for birding.
Getting There
Most travellers land at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive to the park, which is only 45 minutes from Arusha City Centre.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury include Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, The Africa Tulip, Arusha Serena Hotel Resort & Spa, Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge, Momella Wildlife Lodge, Mount Meru Game Lodge, Hatari Lodge and Itikoni Season Camp.
