What is the main tourist attractions in Arusha National Park? Arusha National Park (ANAPA) is a hidden gem filled with different ecosystems and stunning views of Mt. Meru, the crater that gives the region its name. This national park was established in 1960 with the main purpose of protecting and conserving the area because of its wildlife. The park covers an area of approximately 137 square kilometers and the Tanzania National Park Authority is managing it, which is a government organization that has a responsibility of protecting all the national parks.
It is favorite spot for day trip visitors who are about to embark from the town of Arusha on longer northern circuit safaris and Kilimanjaro Climbs. The small national park includes the slopes, summit, and ash cone of Mt. Meru, the Mojela Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the lush highland forests that blanket its lower slopes. 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.
However, this stunning national park is gifted with variety of attractions ranging from wildlife inhabiting the wilderness to craters and mountain peaks. They include;
Mount Meru
One of the most impressive sights in Arusha National Park is Mount Meru, Tanzania second-highest peak after Kilimanjaro. Standing tall at 4,566 meters (15,000 feet), Mount Meru is an active stratovolcano that offers challenging hikes for those seeking adventure. About 8,000 years ago, massive explosion on one side created a caldera lake, which turned into super-heated steam by an inner eruption. this event shaped the landscape, creating hillocks, valleys and small lakes. The hike to the top is generally less busy than Kilimanjaro, so you can really enjoy the beautiful surroundings. As you ascend, you can experience various climates and witness how the flora and fauna change with elevation, from lush forests filled with colorful birds to rocky terrains dotted with stunning alpine plants. The hike traverses several vegetation zones including beautiful montane forests. Expect to see wildlife en route including buffalo, giraffe, monkeys, baboons, antelope and lots of birds.
Ngurdoto Crater
The park is also home to the Ngurdoto Crater, a stunning volcanic caldera that provides a spectacular backdrop for wildlife viewing. This lush area is often referred to as the “little Ngorongoro”. It is a secret paradise, with a lake on one side and elsewhere clothed in virgin forest and a network of open grassy glades. A track follows the rim with look-out points established where one can relax with a picnic and look down into this secret world of swamps and plains. More so, the Crater is haven for animals such as buffalo, warthogs, and various antelope species.
Wildlife in Arusha National Park
Arusha national park has a variety of wildlife, but not as many different species as some other national parks in Tanzania. It’s famous for having the world’s largest giraffe population. You’ll also find elephant, Cape buffalo, Warthog, bush pigs, waterbucks, bush bucks, duikers, dik- dik, spotted hyenas, leopards and lions roaming the area. The park is also home to black and white colobus and blue monkeys. There are around 400 bird species and these include endemics, forest and migratory species. Some of these species include; Hartaub’s turaco, Egyptian goose, Red –fronted parrot, Tawny eagle, Narina trogon, Bearded vulture, scaly francolin, Bar-tailed trogon, silvery cheeked hornbill, Flamingos, Cinnamon chested bee-eater, Great crested grebe, African fish eagle, Peregrine falcon, Verreaux’s eagle, Black saw-wing, African olive pigeon, yellow billed storks, white browed coucals, red billed oxpeckers and bronzy sunbirds.
Serengeti Ndogo
The term “Little Serengeti” refers to a grassy area in the park where you can spot a variety of animals, including buffalo, warthogs, zebras, waterbucks, and giraffes, all gathered in large groups.
The “Uwanja wa mbogo” (Buffalos Glade)
The “Uwanja wa mbogo,” or Buffalos Glade, is a natural open space filled with marshes, bushes, and streams. This area is popular with animals like buffaloes, warthogs, and giraffes. Buffaloes and warthogs can often be seen grazing, resting, and enjoying the mud holes during the day.
Tululusia Hill and waterfall
Tululusia hill meaning “look out point” is a view point that provides an excellent view of the lower areas of Arusha National Park, Mount Meru and the majestic Kilimanjaro. he nearby Tululusia Waterfall is located in a narrow valley created by the erosion of soft volcanic soil, resulting in a steep gorge that drops 28 meters (or about 84 feet). It’s a home of nesting Red-winged Starlings and having a chance of getting your photos around this natural environment are usually spectacular!
Fig Tree Arch
A striking feature of the Fig Tree Arch (Ficus thoningii) with its roots reaching the ground while leaving behind an arch enough for a car to drive through.
Ngarenanyuki River
This river originating from the montane forest and Meru. It has a mix of saltwater and fresh water because it gets some brown alkaline water from streams that connect to it after leaving the park.
Stunning vegetation
Arusha National Park is home to a variety of plants and landscape. in the lower areas, you’ll find savannah vegetation made up of wide-open grasslands mixed with acacia woodlands. This part of the park is a habitat for many herbivores and features shrubs like whistling thorns. As you move up the slopes of mount Meru, the landscape changes to montane forest, dominated by species like podocarpus, olive trees, fig trees, and juniper. This forest is rich and most, providing a home for plants that grow on other plants, like orchids and mosses.
The Lower montane forests have a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. Around the Ngurdoto crater there is tropical vegetation characterized by marshes, swamps, and grassy areas surrounded by forested slopes. The Momella lakes are covered by wetlands and swampy vegetation. The Momella lakes are surrounded by wetlands and swampy vegetation, with tall grasses and aquatic plants like papyrus lining the edges.
As you ascend to the higher slopes of Mount Meru, the plants change again to alpine vegetation featuring hardy shrubs, heathers, and grasses. In this alpine zone, you can find unique species like giant lobelias and giant groundsels.
