Arusha National Park is close to Arusha town – northern Tanzania’s safari capital – Arusha National Park is a multi-faceted jewel, often overlooked by safarigoers, despite offering the opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats within a few hours. In Afromasai Eastern Safaris one of the best Tanzania, Africa Safari Tours and Travel companies, we offer you the opportunity to discover the park.
Wildlife Viewing In Arusha National Park
The entrance gate leads into a shadowy montane forest inhabited by inquisitive blue monkeys and colourful turacos and trogons – the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey is easily seen. In the midst of the forest stands the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, whose steep, rocky cliffs enclose a wide marshy floor dotted with herds of buffalo and warthog.
Further north, rolling grassy hills enclose the tranquil beauty of the Momela Lakes, each one a different hue of green or blue. Their shallows are sometimes tinged pink with thousands of flamingos, the lakes support a rich selection of resident and migrant waterfowl, and shaggy waterbucks display their large lyre-shaped horns on the watery fringes.
Giraffes glide across the grassy hills, between grazing zebra herds, while pairs of wide-eyed dik-dik dart into scrubby bushes like overgrown hares on spindly legs. Although elephants are uncommon in Arusha National Park, and lions are absent altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen slinking around in the early morning and late afternoon.
It is also at dusk and dawn that the veil of cloud on the eastern horizon is most likely to clear, revealing the majestic snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, only 50km (30 miles) distant.
A Starting Point of Mount Meru Trekking
But it is Kilimanjaro’s unassuming cousin, Mount Meru – the fifth highest in Africa at 4,566 metres (14,990 feet) – that dominates the park’s horizon. Its peaks and eastern foot slopes protected within the national park, Meru offers unparalleled views of its famous neighbour, while also forming a rewarding hiking destination in its own right.
Passing first through wooded savannah where buffalos and giraffes are frequently encountered, the ascent of Meru leads into forests aflame with red-hot pokers and dripping with Spanish moss, before reaching high open heath spiked with giant lobelias. Everlasting flowers cling to the alpine desert, as delicately-hoofed klipspringers mark the hike’s progress. Astride the craggy summit, Kilimanjaro stands unveiled, blushing in the sunrise.
Scenic Landscapes
The park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, which include lush forests, open savannahs, rolling hills, and the iconic Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak. The Ngurdoto Crater is another striking feature within the park.
Canoeing in Momella Lake
Momella Lakes are surrounded by lush vegetation, forests, and the stunning backdrop of Mount Meru. Canoeing here provides a tranquil and scenic experience, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of the park.
Birdwatching
The lakes are home to a rich variety of bird species, making it a fantastic destination for birdwatchers. You can spot a wide range of waterfowl and wading birds, including flamingos, pelicans, herons, and many others
Day Trips To Arusha National Parks
You can get more information regarding Day trips In Arusha National Park from our Safari Experts if you can contact us through email, give us a call, or even chat with us through WhatsApp messaging we will be happy to serve you. Here is our most popular day trip see the detailed Itinerary below.