Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is located in the Northern part of Tanzania standing at an elevated area of about 4566 meters above the sea level in the Arusha Region. 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. Arusha National Park is small but it is recorded that a population of about 66,808 people visits per year because it has rich biodiversity and it surrounded by beautiful landscapes and is home to various wildlife species which are considered to be among the top tourist attractions in the park which led many people to travel from different parts of the world to tour around the park.
Attraction found in Arusha National Park
Wildlife
The Park is home to various mammals and birds to see animals include giraffe, Cape buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, leopard, elephant, zebra, dik-dik, hippopotamus, klipspringer, baboon, blue monkey, eland, spotted hyena and black and white colobus. This amazing animal can be spotted in different parts of the park such as along the Ngurdoto crater region, along the banks of lake Momella and Ujambo Wa Mbogo regions among others. Elephants are uncommon in Arusha National Park and lions are absent as well. Leopards and spotted hyenas are normally sighted early in the morning and late afternoon.
birds
The park is home to over 400 bird species and some notable species include Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, European Nightjar, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Mottled Spinetailed Swift, White-browed Coucal, Yellowbill, African Rail, Allen’s Gallinule, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Red-chested Flufftail, Grey Crowned Crane, Common Ostrich, White-faced Whistling Duck, Egyptian Goose, Northern Shoveler, Red-billed Teal, White-backed Duck, Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Guineafowl, Common Buttonquail, Double-banded Courser, African Skimmer, Gray-hooded Gull, Secretary-bird, Osprey, Red-chested Flufftail, Grey Crowned Crane, Common Ostrich, White-faced Whistling Duck, Egyptian Goose, Northern Shoveler, Red-billed Teal, White-backed Duck, Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Guineafowl among other
Ngordoto Crater
Ngordoto Crater, often referred to as the “Mini Ngorongoro,” is a stunning geological feature located within arusha national park. The crater was formed millions of ages ago as a result of volcanic activity, the crater is about 3.5 kilometers in diameters and 400 meters deep, creating a breathtaking amphitheatre-like landscape. The crater is enclosed by steep walls and its boasts a diverse ecosystem that support an abundance of wildlife including buffalos, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, elephants, cheetah and various antelopes such as dik-dik abd grant’s gazelle. The lush vegetation and greenery within the crater attract numerous birds’ species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Visitors to Ngordoto Crater will have the chance to enjoy the scenic hiking opportunities along its edges, where panoramic views of the crater floor and the surrounding landscape of arusha national park can be appreciated. The trek through forest of acacia and beech trees offers a chance to witness stunning flora and fauna including endemic species and colorful birdlife. The landscape around the crater is generally captivating during sunrise and sunset when the dramatic lights cast a magical glow over the lush surroundings.
Amazing things to do in Arusha National Park
Game viewing
Game viewing is Arusha National Park is one of the most popular activities in the park which offer an exhilarating opportunity to encounter Africa’s wildlife in their natural habitat. Game viewing in the park is conducted in 4×4 wheel vehicle and most takes place in in the Ngurdoto Crater and the surrounding forest due to its abundance of wildlife including the large densities of elephants, hippos, buffalos, among so many other animals in Arusha National Park. game drives in the park are always conducted in the early morning and late afternoon when the animals are most active.
Canoeing on Mamella Lakes
Canoeing on Mamella Lakes is one of the mots unique and must-do activities while on a safari in Arusha National Park. these picturesque lakes are set against the backdrop of Mount Meru, are teeming with birdlife, making them a paradise for birdwatchers. Paddling through the calm waters allows visitors to tale in breathtaking scenery while listening to the tranquil sound of nature. The lakes are home to a variety of bird species such as Flamingos, Pelicans and African fish eagle which are often seen gliding gracefully above the shallow water. While on your guided canoeing trips in the park, you will have the chance to explore the hidden gems of the park while observing a variety of these wildlife in their natural habitat. this amazing activity in Arusha National Park often lasts from 2-3 hours, and are a great alternative to the traditional safari activities
Birdwatching
Arusha national park is renowned as a bird watchers paradise, boasting over 400 species of birds. During your birdwatching excursion, you have excursion the chance to spot some of these colorful bird species such as Flamingos, Great Crested Grebe, African Olive Pigeon, Mourning Collared Dove, African Green Pigeon, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Red-chested Flufftail, Grey Crowned Crane, Common Ostrich, White-faced Whistling Duck, Yellow-billed Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, Great White Pelican, Hamerkop, White-backed Night Heron, Black-headed Heron, Great Egret and African Spoonbill among others.
Hiking Mount Meru
Mount Meru is found in Arusha National Park and is the second highest mountain in Tanzania (5th in Africa) with a height of 4562 meters. This dormant volcano is the perfect practice ground for those who are planning on hiking the more challenging and nearby Mount Kilimanjaro. While hiking or climbing mount Meru, it takes you to a challenging hike but it offers a rewarding view of the Mount Kilimanjaro which as only 70 kilometers way as well as fascinating views of the national parks, lakes and sightings of some of Africa’s famous mammals. The hiking trails are well established but you cannot go up all alone. Hiking to the top takes four days and for that reason alone, one needs to be fit and be ready to adapt to high altitude conditions. The mountain also has some difficult sections and sharp crater rims
Nature walks
Nature walks in the park is one of the best ways to explore and experience the hidden gems of the true African protected area. Nature walks in the park involves walking on foot while following the diverse trails and this amazing safari is a guided tour where visitors are escorted through the through the various forest and savannah vegetation cover of the park, observing the various wildlife in Arusha National Park. during your nature walks tour, you will also have the chance to spot a variety of the forest dwellers such as playful colobus monkeys, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, giraffes as well as different colorful bird species among others. Hiking in the park also opens access to breathtaking viewpoints, where visitors can enjoy the panoramic views encompassing mount Meru and Ngurdoto crater among others.
Best time to visit Arusha National Park
The best time to visits Arusha National Park largely depends on your preference and interests, as well as the type of experience your area looking for. The dry seasons which run from June to October is considered the best time to visit for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. During this time the weather is cooler and drier, making its easier to stop wildlife as they gathered around the water sources. The vegetation is also less dense, providing better visibility for game drives abd hiking. additionally, this is a great time for birdwatching as migratory birds are present.
Accommodation in Arusha National Park
Visitors planning to go for a Tanzania safari in Arusha National Park shouldn’t worry about the accommodation facilities, the park has a got variety of accommodation options to which shouts very traveler’s budget. These accommodation ranges from budget , mid-range to luxury levels such as Ilboru Safari Lodge, Moyoni Lodge, Zawadi House, Palace Hotel Arusha, Lush Garden Hotel , Shu’mate Camp, Maasi Giraffe Eco Lodge, Kiota Nest, Itikoni Seasonal Cam, Momella Wildlife Lodge, Arusah Coffee Lodge, Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, The African Tulip Hotel , Lake Duluti Serena Hotel , Hatari Lodge, Mvuli Hotel Arusha, L’Oasis Lodge And Restaurant Arusha, Rivertrees Country Inn, African View Lodge -Arusha, Twiga Lodge, Kilimanjaro Eco Lodge -Arusha, Charming Eco-Homestay, Meru View Lodge, Mzunguu Safari Lodge, Moivaro Coffee Plantation, among others.
