List of wildlife in Arusha National Park : Arusha National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful national park located in the northern part of Tanzania, near the city of arusha. The national park was established in 1960, the park covers an area of approximately 137 square kilometers and is compasses of diverse landscapes including Mount Meru a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the arusha region of north eastern Tanzania the second highest peak in the country after Mount Kilimanjaro, lush montane forest and grassy savannah. Arusha National Park boasts a diverse array of wildlife including giraffes, zebras, buffalos, elephants, warthogs and various species of antelopes, as well as primates like black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys and over 400 bird species.
Here’s a more details look at the wildlife you might encounter in Arusha National Park:
Mammals
According to the landscape of the park, Arusha National Park holds low wildlife diversity. Arusha national park is a home to the world’s largest giraffe population. Other wild animals include; elephant, Cape buffalo, Warthog, bush pigs, waterbucks, bush bucks, duikers, dik- dik, spotted hyenas, leopards and lions. 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. Whereas 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.
Primates
Arusha National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including primates like black and white colobus monkeys, these are commonly sighted at the park’s montane forest, especially near the Ngurdoto Crater. You can also find the blue monkeys best sighted at areas near Ngurdoto museum. While other primates such as vervet monkeys and potentially olive baboon are less common in the park.
Birdlife
The birdlife is spectacular with over 450 species recorded. The game viewing track that winds around the Momella Lakes is a great way to get close to and watch lesser and greater flamingo. Other bird species you might spot while on your birdwatching tours in this stunning national park includes 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, hartlaub’s bustard and goliath heron.
You might also spot montane nightjar, maccoa duck, pink-backed pelican, red-eyed dove, woolly-necked stork, stork, cattle egret, laughing dove, abdim’s stock, sombre nightjar black heron, black-faced sandgrouse, Egyptian goose, dwarft bitter, Africa swift, Shelley’s francolin and more.
Best time to visit Arusha National Park
You can visit the park any time of the year, depending on what you want to see. if you’re into bird watching, the best time to visit the park is between the months of November to December and March through May. This is when the birds migrates from other areas in 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. Additionally, January and February are great months for hiking Mt. Meru.
How to get Arusha National Park
you can get to the park either by riving or flying, based on what you prefer. If you choose to rive, it takes about 45 minutes to reach the national park from Arusha town. Alternatively, the park can be accessed by use of domestic flights from Kilimanjaro International airport to Arusha airport and that flight only takes around 20 minutes.
Accommodation in Arusha National Park
Are you’re thinking about taking a Tanzania safari in Arusha National Park, you won’t have the stress about where to stay. The park offers a wide range of places to stay that fit every budget. You can choose from budget, mid-range to luxury accommodations. Some pupilar accommodations includes Arusha Coffee Lodge, Ilboru Safari Lodge, Moyoni Lodge, Zawadi House, Palace Hotel Arusha, Lush Garden Hotel , Shu’mate Camp, Maasi Giraffe Eco Lodge, Kiota Nest, Itikoni Seasonal Cam, Momella Wildlife Lodge, Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, The African Tulip Hotel , Lake Duluti Serena Hotel , Hatari Lodge, Mvuli Hotel Arusha, L’Oasis Lodge and Restaurant Arusha, Rivertrees Country Inn, African View Lodge -Arusha, Twiga Lodge, Kilimanjaro Eco Lodge -Arusha, Charming Eco-Homestay, Meru View Lodge, Mzunguu Safari Lodge and Moivaro Coffee Plantation among others.
Safari Ideas
Arusha National Park is located conveniently between Arusha city and Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha National Park can feature at the start of your safari. You can find cozy lodges or camps right outside the park. It’s also a fantastic to end a safari, as its lush greenery and cool temperatures offers a refreshing break from the usual heat and dust of most safaris. The park is rich in game animals that can be viewed at a very close distance and it’s an ideal place for a day trip with a variety of tourism activities like game drive, mountain climbing, walking safaris, canoeing, cycling and horse riding.
