Attractions in Arusha National Park: Arusha National Park is located in the northeastern part of Tanzania and is a jewel of natural beauty nestled in the foothill of Mount Meru. The park was established in 1960, it covers an area of approximately 137 square kilometers and serves as a stunning introduction to the rich biodiversity of Tanzania. The park is small but varied with astonishing landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru crater funnels the Jekukumia River, and the peak of Mount Meru lies on its rim. Ngurdoto Crater in the southeast is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella lakes in the northeast have varying algal colours and areas known for their wading birds.
One of the park’s most enchanting features is its diverse ecosystem, which ranges from lush montane to open savannah and picturesque grasslands. The varied landscape creates a rich habitat for an array of wildlife including the iconic black and white colobus monkeys that swing through the trees as well as the graceful waterbucks and the elusive bushbucks. The park is also home to more than 400 species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. The park’s proximity to mount Meru, the second-highest each in Tanzania, offers breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking. The Meru crater, with its rugged landscape is a highlight for trekkers and offers a chance to experience the park’s stunning views. Additionally, the beautiful Momella lakes, known for its striking turquoise waters and pink flamingos area a perfect for picnicking and photography. More so, exploring Arusha National Park blesses tourist with great opportunities to participate in interesting activities such as game drives, hiking, mountain climbing to mount Meru, guided nature walks and many others.
Wildlife and birds
The park is home to various mammals such as buffalos, waterbuck, warthogs, leopards, elephants, zebra, dik-dik, hippo, giraffe, eland, spotted hyena, klipspringer, primates such as baboon, black monkey and white colobus among other. This amazing animal can be spotted in different parts of the park such as along the Ngurdoto crater region, along the banks of lake Momella and Ujambo Wa Mbogo regions among others. elephants are uncommon in Arusha National Park and lions are absent as well. Leopards and spotted hyenas are normally sighted early in the morning and late afternoon.
Birds
Attractions in Arusha National Park: Arusha National Park is a birdwatchers’ paradise hosting over 400 bird species and some of the notable species include the common ostrich, white-faced whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, grey crowned crane , red-knobbed coot, lesser and great flamingos, hartlaub’s bustard, goliath heron, montane nightjar, maccoa duck, pink-backed pelican, red-eyed dove, woolly-necked stork , black heron, black-faced sandgrouse, Egyptian goose, dwarft bitter, Africa swift, Shelley’s francolin, vulturine guineafowl, yellow-throated sandgrouse, hamerkop, coqui francolin, little swift, great egret, ring-necked dove, black-bellied bustard, European nightjar, black-head heron, helmeted guineafowl, little bittern , red-chested flufftail, common swift, intermediate egret, African green pigeon, saddle-bill stork, crested francolin, crested guineafowl, grey heron, European white stork , cattle egret, laughing dove, ab dim’s stock, sombre nightjar and Nyanza swift among others.
Mount Meru
Attractions in Arusha National Park: Mount Meru, standing at 4,566 meters, is a majestic stratovolcano located within Arusha National Park and serves as a striking backdrop to the bustling town of Arusha. As the second-highest peak in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro, it offers a challenging yet rewarding trek for adventure souls. The ascent to Mount Meru is not yet just a physical Endeavor, it is an enchanting journey through diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush montane forests to alpine moorlands. Hikers are treated to breathtaking views including pristine scenery of the surrounding valleys and a captivating panorama of Kilimanjaro in the distance.
Wildlife abounds on the mountain, offering opportunities to spot unique species sch as buffalos, elephants and various primates, enriching the hiking experience with encounters of the local fauna. The trek culminates at the summit known as socialist peak, where climbers can witness stunning sunrise and sun site over the expansive landscape an experience that resonate deeply. Wildlife diversity and challenging trail makes mount Meru a compelling attraction in Arusha national park, drawing trekkers and nature enthusiasts from around the world to explore its breathtaking heights and serene wilderness. Hiking to the top take four days and for that reason alone, one needs to be fit and be ready to adapt to high altitude conditions. The mountain also has some difficult sections and sharp crater rims. The reward for hiking mount Meru is the beautiful view of Mount Kilimanjaro, national parks, lakes and sightings of some of Africa’s famous mammals. The hiking trails are well established but you cannot go up all alone. You need to be escorted by an armed ranger to protect you from wild animals.
Lake Momella
Attractions in Arusha National Park: Lake Momella, nestled within Arusha National Park is a breathtaking attraction renowned for its stunning beauty and rich biodiversity. the lake is characterized by its vibrant coloration, the lake’s water can appear in hues ranging from deep blue to striking green, influenced by the mineral content and the presence of algae. This shallow lake consists of a series of pool each hosting a diverse ecosystem and attracting various wildlife species including flamingos, waterfowl and other bird species, making it a birdwatchers’ paradise. Visitors can enjoy picturesque walking trails around the lake offering opportunities for close encounters with hippos and other animals that frequent the shores. The panoramic backdrop of mount Meru adds to Lake Momella’s allure, creating a serene setting the captivating nature lovers and photographers alike.
Ngordoto Crater
Attractions in Arusha National Park: Ngordoto Crater often referred to as the “Mini Ngorongoro,” is a stunning geological feature located within Arusha National Park. The crater was formed millions of ages ago as a result of volcanic activity, the crater is about 3.5 kilometers in diameter and 400 meters deep, creating a breathtaking amphitheater-like landscape. The crater is enclosed by steep walls and its boasts a diverse ecosystem that support an abundance of wildlife including buffalos, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, elephants, cheetah and various antelopes such as dik-dik and grant’s gazelle. The lush vegetation and greenery within the crater attract numerous bird’s species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Visitors to Ngordoto Crater will have the chance to enjoy the scenic hiking opportunities along its edges, where panoramic views of the crater floor and the surrounding landscape of arusha national park can be appreciated. the trek through a forest of acacia and beech trees offers a chance to witness stunning flora and fauna including endemic species and colorful birdlife. The landscape around the crater is generally captivating during sunrise and sunset when the dramatic lights cast a magical glow over the lush surroundings.
Getting to Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is only a 45-minute drive from the town of Arusha, the starting point of any safari in northern Tanzania. There are several ways to get to Arusha. The easiest is to get a direct flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is situated about 50 from Arusha. The drive from the airport to Arusha takes about 1:30 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and get a connecting domestic flight to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Road travel is another good option for traveling to the park. There are regular buses that depart and arrive in Arusha from all parts of Tanzania. From Zanzibar’s Abeid Ahmed Karume International Airport, take a ferry or domestic aircraft to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city. After landing in Dar es Salaam, many buses depart from the city’s major bus terminal, Ubungo, towards Arusha and other parts of Tanzania to thrill while on Tanzania safari, including Mwanza and Tanga
