Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the Arusha Region of north eastern Tanzania. The park is small but varied with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River; the peak of Mount Meru lies on its rim. Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the north-east have varying algal colours and are known for their wading birds.
Mount Meru is the second highest peak in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro, which is just 60 km away and forms a backdrop to views from the park to the east. Arusha National Park lies on a 300-kilometre axis of Africa’s most famous national parks, running from Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east.
The park is just a few kilometres north east of Arusha, though the main gate is 25 km east of the city. It is also 58 km from Moshi and 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).
Wildlife
Arusha National Park has a rich variety of wildlife, but visitors shouldn’t expect the same game-viewing experience they find in other national parks of Tanzania’s northern circuit. Despite the small size of the park, common animals include giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebra, warthog, the black-and-white colobus monkey, the blue monkey, flamingo, elephant, lion and many other African animals. Leopard populations are present, but rarely seen. Birdlife in the forest is prolific, with many forest species more easily seen here than elsewhere on the tourist route – Narina trogon and bar-tailed trogon are both possible highlights for visiting birders, whilst the range of starling species provide somewhat less gaudy interest.
Sample Itineraries
Breakfast at your lodge and drive to Arusha National Park for a game drive, Discover and explore the diversity of Arusha National Park, The Park is nestled on the foothills of Mount Meru, Africa’s most beautiful volcanoes and fifth highest peak. Game drive option Canoeing Momella Lake Enjoy a peaceful and scenic canoeing safari following the shorelines of small Momella Lake. On this 2- 2.5 hours canoe safari, you can view buffaloes, bushbuck, giraffes, hippos, and many water birds living in and close to the water. Late Evening drives back to Arusha and drops off at your hotel.
Price includes
- Park entry fees,
- Game drives by 4WD safari vehicle.
- English-speaking driver-guide.
- Bottles of mineral drinking water.
- All Government Taxes
Not included in the price:
- International Flight
- Airport transfers
- Before and After accommodation in Arusha
- Alcoholic drinks and beverages.
- Tip for the driver
Day 01: Arusha/Arusha National Park
Pick up from your Hotel Arusha/Moshi in the morning and take you to the Arusha National Park. The park has an incredible variety of fauna and flora, which cannot fail to impress. Hollywood also chose this region to film the movie “Hatari” in which Hardy Kruger starred alongside the legendary John Wayne.
At the Momella Gate, an armed ranger will be waiting for you to accompany you on the walking safari which will give you the chance to experience the wildlife up close. Only a few other national parks in Tanzania give you such an opportunity and it is something that should not be missed. Lunch will be taken at a picnic place and in the afternoon then depart for Guided Canoeing Safari on the Small Momella Lake inside Arusha National Park in Tanzania.
Its game viewing is done from a canoe where you can get close to buffalo, without being charged; you will see Giraffes, Bushbucks, and Waterbucks, witness 600 species of strong bird community, and view Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro from the same spot. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel/Camp (FB)
Day 02: Arusha National Park/Arusha
Breakfast at your lodge and drive to Arusha National Park for a game drive, Discover and explore the diversity of Arusha National Park, The Park is nestled on the foothills of Mount Meru, Africa’s most beautiful volcanoes and fifth highest peak.
Game drive option Canoeing Momella Lake Enjoy a peaceful and scenic canoeing safari following the shorelines of small Momella Lake. On this 2- 2.5 hours canoe safari, you can view buffaloes, bushbuck, giraffes, hippos, and many water birds living in and close to the water.
Late Evening drives back to Arusha and drops off at your hotel.
End of Program
Price includes
- Meals and Accommodation inside Arusha National Park
- Park entry fees,
- Game drives by 4WD safari vehicle.
- English-speaking driver-guide.
- Bottles of mineral drinking water.
- All Government Taxes
Not included in the price:
- International Flight
- Airport transfers
- Before and After accommodation in Arusha
- Alcoholic drinks and beverages.
- Tip for the driver
