GUIDE TO Arusha National Park Tanzania

Arusha National Park lies at proximity to Arusha town, making it one of the most accessible destinations for you to explore on Tanzania safaris. Arusha is famous for its dynamic topography and huge concentrations of giraffes. Arusha is the only place in the Northern tourist circuit in Tanzania where you can find acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkeys. The lush montane forest at the entrance of the Park, you can also spot other creatures like the blue monkeys, colorful turacos, trogons, and as you go deeper in the heart of the forest, you can get the scenic Ngurdoto Crater. The Ngurdoto features steep rocky cliffs and is the best spot to find the warthogs and buffalo.

In the Further north, there exist rolling grass that cover the hills. There is also a spectacular Momela Lake where you can see several pink flamingos. Giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife can be spotted freely roaming in the lush grassy plains. Other features of visitor interest in Arusha include Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth-highest mountain, which stands at an elevation of 4566m. This mountain dominates the horizon of Arusha National Park. It is a perfect spot to enjoy spectacular views of the area, including the mystical Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding areas.

Location and the size of the Park

Arusha lies in Northern Tanzania. It lies on a land area of about 552 sq. km. Arusha is accessible 25 km East of Arusha town, 35 km away from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and from Moshi, it is 58 km. Arusha officially attained its National Park status in 1960 and is currently one of the amazing destinations to explore on a Tanzania tour.

Attractions to explore

Wildlife

Arusha holds a range of wildlife species that make it a special game viewing spot. The diverse wildlife found in Arusha includes leopards, red duikers, waterbucks, spotted hyenas, blue monkeys, warthogs, bush pigs, zebras, lions, elephants, and more.

Bird species

A total population of about 400 species of birds has been recorded in Arusha. The interesting birds to find here include the verreaux’s eagles, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, African fish eagle, flamingos, tawny eagles, red-fronted parrots, hammerkop, little grebe, golden eagle, great headed bush shrikes, silvery-cheeked hornbills, red-billed storks, bearded vulture, African olive pigeon, pied avocet, bar-tailed trogon, and hartlaub’s turacos, etc.

Safari Activities to do in Arusha National Park

Game Driving

With an experienced guide, embark on a guided game drive, a great chance to explore Arusha wildlife. On a game drive, you can find wild animals such as giraffes, Dik-diks, red duikers, bush pigs, and more. You can also come across varied bird species. As you continue to the Ngurdoto Museum or crater, expect to come across numerous predators, especially wild cats, hyenas, and leopards. You can also enjoy great views of other wildlife like hippos and appreciate the breathtaking landscapes.

Canoeing

Canoeing is a special excursion awaiting you to enjoy on a vacation in Arusha National Park. This is done on Lake Momella and with an experienced guide. Diversity of wildlife can be encountered, including giraffes, waterbucks, bushbucks, and buffaloes etc.

Nature walks

A guided nature walk in Arusha offers a unique adventure experience. Nature walks offer you the opportunity to explore the Park on foot rather than using a car. The ideal places to start your nature walking excursions in Arusha Game Park include Ngurdoto, Mount Meru, Ujambo wa Mbogo, Tululusia waterfalls, Njeku, and more. On a nature walk, you can enjoy sights of different wildlife species and bird species, plus floral species.

Birding Safaris

Arusha Game Park holds over 400 species of birds, which include endemic species and migratory species. During a birding excursion, you can encounter birds such as tawny eagle, black saw wing, spur winged goose, Augur buzzards, African olive pigeon, Southern pochard, Egyptian goose, yellow-billed ducks, tufted ducks, African black ducks, levaillant’s cuckoos, African black coucals, great spotted cuckoos, common swift, little swift, and hartlaub’s turacos.

Other birds include white-bellied bustards, Kori bustards, purple-crested turacos, lizard buzzard, eastern chanting goshawks, African hawk eagles, western marsh harrier, and more. On a birding excursion, don’t forget to pack essentials such as insect repellents, a safari hat, hiking or walking shoes, field guide, a pair of binoculars, a camera, and adequate water.

Horseback ride excursions

Arusha National Park also offers a memorable horseback riding experience. Guests can experience the best of Arusha’s wildlife, including zebras and giraffes.

The Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park

Arusha is open to visitors all year round, but different safari activities can be done perfectly in their specific seasons. Timing is essential, and if you are interested in a game drive or hiking, then the dry months are the best. This can be from June to February, and to enjoy stunning views of the Kilimanjaro Mountains, December to February are the best months.

Accommodation in Arusha National Park

The different accommodation options to book for an overnight stay in Arusha National Park range from budget to luxury. They include Le Jacaranda Hotel, Boulevard, Mount Meru Game Lodge, River Tree Country Inn, Fun Retreat Hotel, Mvuli Hotels Arusha, Green Mountain Hotel, Venus Premier Hotel, Arusha Serena Lodge, and others. When choosing accommodation options, we recommend lodges that are located in the park or adjacent to it. This is to make it easier for you to access the park and start your safari adventures early.

How to get to Arusha Game Park in Tanzania

From Arusha town, you can drive for only 40 minutes and you get to Arusha National Park. You can also set off from Kilimanjaro International Airport to this Park. You can use a private safari vehicle or public means and access the Park through the Ngongongare Gate.

Conclusively, Arusha National Park is the best place to add to your bucket list of destinations in Tanzania. Its easier access makes it the ideal destination to explore from Arusha town. Visit Arusha National Park for amazing encounters of diverse wildlife, great experiences including game drives, bird-watching, walking safaris, and horseback rides etc.