ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
Arusha National Park often goes unnoticed by tourists as they rush to the more known locations in Tanzania, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. But despite the lack of attention, Arusha National Park provides tourists with amazing experiences like canoeing in the Momela Lakes and trekking in the hills of Mt. Meru and of course, its small game drives!
If you’ve got time, you can spend a day or two in the park.
Arusha National Park is perfect for day-hiking. Tourists can go on walking safaris accompanied with an experiences ranger. Typically, safaris last around 4 hours or less. Tourists groups will usually have a short break at the park’s picnic sites.
Tourists can hop onto a 4×4 to go into the depths of the park to explore its wildlife and beautiful landscapes. If you’re up for it, you can go on a canoeing safari to see all that Momela Lakes have to offer.
Flora & Fauna
Arusha National Park is made up for three vast areas: Momela Lakes, Mt. Meru and Ngurdoto Crater.
The best way to explore Momela Lakes is to jump into a canoe. The Ngurdoto Crater is encircled by forests, you go walk their or take a vehicle. Mt. Meru is a combination of luscious forests and rocks of all kind.
Each portion of the park offers its own type vegetation and wildlife.
Animals
All of Tanzania’s national parks are home to ecosystems; Arusha National Park isn’t any different.
Near its natural water sources, you may run into waterbuck, shy bushbuck, reedbuck. In the depths of the park’s dense forests, you’ll spot a duiker.
If it’s the large animals you’re looking for then head to Mt. Meru; you’ll find everything from hyenas to leopards there.
Birds
The Amazon may be known for its massive population of birds but Tanzania also has its fair share. Arusha National Park boasts around 400 species of birds. Because the park is located close to Kenya, it’s home to migratory birds between the months of April and October.
The best way to go bird-watching in Arusha National Park is to take a canoe out on Momela Lakes where you can observe waterbirds such as flamingos in their natural habitats. If you’re lucky you’ll spot a few majestic birds of prey hiding in the in the forests of Mt. Meru.
Vegetation
Arusha National Park isn’t as huge as the other parks in Tanzania but it does offer great diversity in terms of vegetation.
Each area of the park offers unique vegetation. Toward the higher parts of the park, you’ll find yourself immersed in mountain rainforests, alkaline lakes, open savannahs and also a volcanic crater.
When the weather is clear, you can see stunning views of Mt. Meru, the continent’s 5th highest peak. You’ll even be able to see Kilimanjaro which is only 50km away.
Getting to Arusha
Arusha is pretty accessible. Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) is about 40km away. The airport is used by large flights coming from Nairobi, European countries and regional flights too.
Arusha also has its own airport that’s used for small regional flights.
If you want to visit Arusha National Parks, contact Nakuja Expeditions for information on our tours and itineraries.
