Arusha National Park
History of Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is commonly known as “The Diamond amongst the Shadows of Giants”. This renowned safari destination in Tanzania is one of the smallest parks, covering 200 square kilometres. It was originally established in 1967 by merging the Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes and Mount Meru. Dr Fitz Jaeger was the first person to climb to the peak of Mount Meru in 1904.
Famous Spots in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is perfect for day trips and is a great standalone adventure, thanks to its proximity to Arusha and Moshi. This national park hosts a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from vast savannah and rainforest through to acacia woodlands and upto alpine vegetation on the higher reaches of Mount Meru. Famous tourist spots in this destination include:
- Ngurdoto Crater: Known as “Little Ngorongoro”, it is an extinct volcanic caldera.
- Mount Meru: An active stratovolcano and the centrepiece of Arusha National Park.
- Momella Lakes: A collection of seven lakes, contributing to the tranquil beauty of the national park.
- Ujambo Wa mbogo (The Buffalo’s Glade): Famous for walking safaris to spot the natural habitat and behaviour of the African Cape Buffalo.
- Fig Tree Arch: Spectacular photo point in Arusha National Park and a popular destination spot during hiking safari for Tululusia Waterfalls.
Wildlife in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park has high wildlife density and is home to the largest population of giraffes. Other indigenous herbivorous species, such as warthogs, buffaloes, zebras, and blue monkeys, are found. This safari destination is famous for hosting black-and-white colobus monkeys in its montane forests, flamingos in Momella Lakes and around 200 to 250 elephants.
Other wildlife, including vervet monkeys, red forest duikers, hippos, and bushbuck, also inhabits Arusha National Park. Although leopards are rare, lucky tourists might spot one stretching in trees after a hearty meal. This destination also hosts over 400 avian species and is a grand choice for bird lovers.
Activities in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is the top choice for a single-day tourism and is perfect for walking safari activities. Situated within a short drive of Arusha and Moshi, this national park is a fantastic destination for a short day trip or a great place to end your Tanzanian itinerary. At Tanzania Adventures and Safaris, we offer our tourists the following activities in Arusha National Park:
- Walking Safaris: Guided walking tours for close-up encounters with wildlife in a safe environment.
- Game Drives: Explore the national park in a 4x4 safari vehicle, accompanied by an experienced driver/guide.
- Mountain Climbing: Hiking through Mount Meru, with specific trails including Saddle Hut and Little Meru.
- Canoeing: Drift through the Momella Lakes on a traditional canoe and witness the aquatic biodiversity.
- Bird Watching: Try bird-watching and photography expeditions; this destination is a bird-watcher’s paradise.
- Picnics: Designated picnic spots offer scenic viewpoints and a relaxing, feel-good atmosphere.
What Makes Arusha National Park Unique?
“Little” is what safari enthusiasts call Arusha National Park, due to its smaller surface area compared to other national parks. Arusha National Park is known as “Serengeti Ndongo” in Swahili; when translated into English, it means “Mini Serengeti”. So, what makes this national park unique?
Arusha National Park is uniquely distinguished by the ability to conduct guided walking and canoeing safaris within the same park. Compared to other national parks, this region offers safety and flexibility. Extensive walking safaris with guided support allow tourists to get an immersive experience and close wildlife encounters at a safe distance, making it best for premium wildlife photography.
Arusha National Park
Visit this awesome safari destination for your Tanzanian adventure.
Tour Highlights
- Close-to-city safari convenience
- Canoeing on Momella Lakes
- Walking safaris with armed rangers
- Views of Mount Meru
- Diverse landscapes in one park
- Rich birdlife sightings
- Giraffes up close
- Quiet, uncrowded game drives
- Perfect safari starter park
- Waterfall and forest hikes
Timing and Travel to Arusha National Park
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FAQ
Arusha National Park is perfect for first-time travellers, particularly for short trips, day trips, or warm-ups, due to its proximity to Arusha City.
Yes, you can see Mount Kilimanjaro from Arusha National Park, particularly from higher elevations on Mount Meru or open areas on clear days.
A full-day trip is usually enough, but you can extend it to 1–2 days if you want to include hiking or canoeing.
Yes, Arusha National Park is excellent for family trips, offering safe, interactive experiences like walking safaris with armed rangers, canoeing on Momella Lakes, and easy game drives to see giraffes and monkeys.
Pack light, neutral coloured layers (beige, green, khaki) to manage temperature changes, including a fleece and a waterproof jacket. Essential items include binoculars, a camera, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF), and mosquito repellent. Use soft-sided luggage.
