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Arusha national park

Welcome to Arusha National Park

With an area of 137 km², Arusha National Park is one of the smallest national park in Tanzania. Located just 37km northeast of Arusha town. Is a perfect way to begin and warming up your Tanzania safaris. The area inhabited with species which are not seen elsewhere in the northern Tanzania. Its landscape is very unique with different kinds of vegetation.

It is located on the slopes of Mount Meru , this is a Tanzania’s second highest mountain after Kilimanjaro. This dormant volcano is 4565 meters (14980 feet) above sea level, is about 1½ million years old. One side of exploded out 8000 years ago as Meru’s caldera lake was transformed into super-heated steam by an inner eruption. One of the largest landslides of mud and rock ever measured worldwide took place, forming hillocks, valleys and small lakes. The geologists estimate that before Mount Meru blew its top it was a tall, symmetrical volcanic spire almost as high as Mount Kilimanjaro. Its fertile lower slopes, covered in dense forest support a diverse fauna and flora. Mount Meru has a great and spectacular view of its big neighbor mount Kilimanjaro and the rift valley as well.

Activities

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Game drive

Unlike the bigger parks that are predator-heavy, the Arusha National park has numerous herds of wildlife like giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, and antelopes that will not disappoint. Your drives will take you through forests, savannah, and lakes with the grandiose Mount Meru in the backdrop which makes it a great option for wildlife viewing and photography. The drives are done in a 4×4 vehicle and are guided by a ranger or a driver, where you seek out the diverse wildlife and landscapes of the area.

Walking safaris

From basic huts on Marangu to tents on wilder routes like Rongai, people can camp overnight on the mountain ranges. Nights spent under starry skies look and feel majestic, especially with the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro towering over you. You do not need to worry about porters and guides as they take care of all the logistics, so your focus can entirely be on the adventure. It’s raw, immersive, and it will never be forgotten.

Young man traveler and photographer taking photo of Oryx, a type of wildlife animal in African safari. Wildlife photography concept
Kids witnessing great migration of wildebeests in Masai Mara National park in Kenya
Couple canoeing on calm lake water at sunset enjoying the tranquility of surrounding green nature and colorful sky view.
Boat in a river

Canoeing

Guided canoeing on the shallow and alkaline Momella Lakes is a breathtaking experience. On days when looking from afar, the flamingos wading along the shores stand in juxtaposition against Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro softening the contours of the further and closer crown jewels of Tanzania. Through the calm waters, you will glide while observing the serene peace of nature and waterfowl the park has to offer making it a truly adventure-filled experience.

Birds watching

The lower areas are particularly brimming with wildlife, especially along the rainforest zone where colobus monkeys swing in trees. Elephants, leopards, and buffalo meander quietly through the higher sights. The trek also features smaller creatures such as birds and bushbabies. Even though these wildlife species are rare, they surely add to the beauty of the trek. Climbing aids towards focus, not the other way around.

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Mount meru climbing

It is a three to four days journey up Mount Meru, which is 4,566 meters and the second highest peak in Tanzania. It requires staying overnight in huts and you get to explore many scenic views like forests, heathland and even snowy areas. You may come across some monkeys or birds; however, once you reach the Socialist Peak the view is beyond breathtaking as you could see Mount Kilimanjaro and the plains. If you are looking for a challenge less travelled than Kilimanjaro, this is the route for you.

Vegetation

Vegetation of the park is correlated to the altitude and geology of the area. Mount Meru is a mixture of lush forests and bare rocks. The Ngurdoto crater which lies in the south east is swampy grassland with dense lush forests. The Momella lakes in the north east which are mostly alkaline have varying algal colors are frequently visited by wading birds, flamingos being the main highlight.

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Wildlife viewing

Viewing wildlife where the focus is on herbivores such as giraffes, buffalos, zebras, alongside maimans like blue and colobus monkeys and seldom seen small hyper carnivores gives a unique experience in Arusha National Park. Its over four hundred species of birds, flamingoes and turacos included, are visible all over the region’s lakes and forests while more discreet fauna such as bushbucks and reptiles complete the picture, and which is best appreciated during game drives, walking safaris or canoe rides in a calm and less crowded environment.

How to get there: It is almost a 45minutes drive from Arusha.

When to go: All year round.

Experience Arusha national park: A visit to this park can be a day excursion part of Mount Meru day hike or a broader safari itinerary encompassing visits to other northern national parks. Contact our experts how you can include Arusha National Park in your itinerary.