Things to do in Arusha National Park

Things to do in Arusha National Park , the diminutive national park of Arusha is situated on Tanzania’s northern safari route. The park is situated a few kilometers north of Arusha, but the main entrance is located 25 kilometers east of the city. Moshi town is located 58 kilometers distant, whereas Kilimanjaro International Airport is situated 35 kilometers away. Mount Meru, a prominent volcano in the Arusha Region of northeastern Tanzania, stands at an elevation of 4,566 meters and is safeguarded by Arusha National Park. The park is unassuming, although it features three distinct areas with breathtaking scenery. The Jekukumia River is channeled through the Meru Crater to the west, with the summit of Mount Meru located on its perimeter. In the southeast, Ngurdoto Crater consists of grassland, whilst the shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the northeast exhibit diverse algal hues and are renowned for its wading birds.

The park is renowned for its unique wildlife populations, with a significant number of giraffes, many bird species, and Mount Meru. Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest peak, following Mount Kilimanjaro, and ranks as Africa’s fifth-highest mountain. Arusha National Park is situated along a 300-kilometer corridor linking the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater to the west with Kilimanjaro National Park to the east. Arusha National Park offers a variety of attractions, making it one of the premier short tours in Tanzania, where visitors may engage in exceptional tourism activities, enhancing their experience in the park. Arusha National Park can be toured in one, two, or up to six days to fully appreciate its offerings. The following are some of the premier tourism activities available in Arusha National Park.

Hiking Mount Meru

The main draw of Arusha National Park is Mount Meru and its wildlife, which travelers on a Tanzania safari can encounter. Arusha is situated at the foothills of Mount Meru, which, at 4,562 meters, is just shorter than Kilimanjaro still presents a challenging and fulfilling hiking experience. Mount Meru is generally ascended in three to four days, encompassing both the ascent to the peak and the descent from the mountain.

This lesser-known mountain, sometimes overlooked, is Tanzania’s second-highest and Africa’s fifth-largest. Mount Meru is considered an alternative expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro, and it is advisable to undertake the challenge of Mount Meru before to tackling Tanzania’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, to maintain physical fitness for the latter ascent. Despite its lack of recognition, Mount Meru is an essential attraction in Tanzania and Arusha National Park, offering adventure, enjoyable mountain lodges along the route, and breathtaking vistas from the ash cone and the summit of the crescent volcano crater. While ascending Mount Meru on a clear day, one can appreciate breathtaking vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, situated approximately 50 miles distant near Moshi town, along with activities in Arusha National Park.

Safari adventures

Another tourist activity to engage in at Arusha National Park includes exploring its diverse attractions, notably the extensive populations of wildlife, including giraffes. Game drives in Arusha National Park can be scheduled for early morning, afternoon, or night, with the early morning drive being the most advantageous, as many animals in Serengeti Ndogo are more visible and observable during this time, becoming increasingly elusive as the day advances. Alongside wildlife, the game drive in Arusha National Park will allow you to observe diverse habitats and numerous bird species. To maximize animal observation, embark on a game drive in the dry season.

 Walking Safaris

Arusha National Park possesses less predators compared to other prominent Tanzanian parks, such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The walking safari is easily conducted and can be experienced peacefully, free from the threat of hazardous animals. Exploring Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife on foot offers visitors an unparalleled experience, as it is the sole tourism activity that facilitates intimate encounters with the country’s natural environment and fauna. During a walking safari at Arusha National Park, you will traverse the base of Mt. Meru, enveloped by lush forests, lakes, waterfalls, and a substantial population of giraffes. In addition to giraffes and other wildlife, the Colobus monkey, frequently observed swinging from trees in Arusha National Park, is a notable highlight of this tourism activity. Despite the scarcity of predators in the vicinity, the walking safari is consistently escorted by an armed park ranger to guarantee your safety.

Canoeing on Lake Momella

The Momella Lakes, situated within Arusha National Park and inhabited by the park’s flamingos, is an ideal location for a canoe safari to admire the splendor of Arusha National Park. Navigate the peripheries of the serene and picturesque Momella Lake on a peaceful canoeing expedition. This two-and-a-half-hour canoe safari offers sightings of buffalo, bushbuck, giraffes, hippos, and various aquatic birds inhabiting the vicinity of the lake. Arusha National Park, in conjunction with Lake Manyara National Park, is the sole location on Tanzania’s northern safari circuit that offers canoeing opportunities.

Bird watching

Arusha National Park is among the few locations in Tanzania and Africa where avian observation is rewarding. Arusha National Park offers exceptional bird-watching opportunities, especially at the Momella Lakes. More than 400 unique kinds of migratory and resident birds inhabit the national park. Small grebes, eagles, pochards, geese, hamerkops, red-shanked douc, spur-winged geese, woodpeckers, herons, secretary birds, and grey parrots are among the most renowned avian species in Arusha National Park. Arusha National Park is home to both resident and migratory avian species, supported by its diverse habitats, which include aquatic, forest, and grassland birds. Birdwatching in this national park is optimal during the wet season, characterized by the rainy months when the majority of migratory birds have come from various regions of the globe. Recreational pursuits in Arusha National Park.

Attend the Ngurdoto Museum.

The Ngurdoto Museum is an attraction within the national park, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the region’s natural beauty. The Ngurdoto Museum, situated adjacent to the Ngurdoto Forest, home to black and white colobus monkeys, features an exceptional assemblage of specimens representing the park’s diverse fauna, avifauna, and entomofauna. The region is an exceptional destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, featuring egrets, grey herons, kingfishers, fish eagles, butterflies, primates, and reptiles.

Additional tourism activities in Arusha National Park encompass exploring various waterfalls within the park, including the Cave Waterfalls and Tululusia Waterfall, engaging with local communities such as the Waarusha and Maasai tribes, participating in a local coffee tour, and visiting Arusha town.