Arusha National Park is situated in the Northern end of Tanzania at an altitude of 4566 meters in the Arusha area. Arusha was officially established in 1960 primarily to offer refuge to its significant wildlife and their habitat. The present Arusha National Park covers 137 sq. km and is managed by the Tanzania National Park Authority.
Arusha National Park is a compact protected area and considering its size, it is easier to explore it. The park boasts of its diverse species and breathtaking landscapes. Arusha’s landscape feature acacia woodland, rainforest, savanna and alpine vegetation. These serve as the main habitats to the park’s diverse wildlife species.
Wildlife to see
Arusha National Park boasts of its abundant wildlife including cape buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, African elephants, warthogs, leopards, waterbucks, elands, klipspringers, hyenas, dik-diks, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys.
Species of birds
Approximately 400 species of birds live in the various habitats of Arusha National Park in Tanzania. The different birds to expect to find in Arusha National Park include the European nightjars, red-chested fluff tail, slender-tailed nightjars, yellow-throated sandgrouse, Egyptian goose, white-browed coucal, African rail, grey crowned crane, white-faced whistling duck, white-backed ducks, Northern shovelers, African skimmers, secretary bird, double-banded courser, flamingos, guineafowl, common buzzards, and Maccoa ducks.
Arusha National Park bird checklist includes the common teal, red-billed teal, tufted ducks, Southern pochard, African green pigeon, red-eyed dove, mourning collared dove, tambourine dove, Namaqua dove, chestnut-bellied sandgrouse, laughing dove, dusky turtle dove, ring-necked dove, emerald-spotted wood dove, Mozambique nightjar, Sombre nightjar, mottle spine tailed swift, montane nightjars, alpine swift, African palm swift, scarce swift, Nyanza swift, horus swift, herons, spotted thick-knee, water thick-knee, grey plovers, Kittlitz’s plovers, three-banded plovers, black-winged stilt, pied avocet, African jacanas, African snipe, curlew sandpipers, Eurasian curlew, whimbrel, temminck’s stint, little stint, collared pratincole, double-banded courser, black-headed gull, African skimmers, Egyptian vulture, oriental honey buzzard, black-winged kite, bateleur, short-toed eagle, African cuckoo hawk, martial eagle, lesser spotted eagle, lappet-faced vulture, brown snake eagle, bat hawks, hooded vultures, little sparrow hawks, rufous-breasted sparrow hawks, and pallid harrier.
Additional birds in Arusha Game Park include African fish eagle, Ovambo sparrow hawks, Nubian woodpeckers, cardinal woodpeckers, scaly-throated honeyguide, Wahlberg’s honeybird, green-backed honeybird, golden tailed woodpeckers, greater honeyguide, European rollers, half-collared kingfishers, African malachite kingfishers, cuckooshrike, batis, orioles, isabelline shrike, white-rumped shrike, long-tailed fiscal, Northern fiscal, taita fiscal, sunbird, weaver birds, fischer’s sparrow lark, rufous-napped lark, flappet lark, grey penduline tit, mouse-colored penduline tit, and more.
Ngordoto Crater
Also most popular as “Mini Ngorongoro”, Ngordoto Crater is a unique geological feature you should expect to explore on Tanzania safari in Arusha National Park. The crater dates back to millions of years and formed due to volcanic activity. It measures approximately 3.5 km in diameter and depth of 400m. It is one of the breathtaking areas in Arusha Game Park. At the base area, there exist diverse wildlife including zebras, cheetahs, dik-diks, giraffes, and many other species.
Ngordoto Crater is also a special spot for enthusiastic hikers. Abundant hiking opportunities are available at the crater’s edges and guests can enjoy panoramic views of the crater floor and breathtaking surrounding landscapes.
Activities in Arusha National Park
A safari in Arusha National Park allows you to engage in a number of enriching experiences including game drives, birding, and canoeing.
Game drives
Guided game drives in Arusha National Park involve searching for different wildlife in their habitats. On a game viewing, expect to come across wildlife species such as elephants, antelopes, warthogs, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and others. A game drive in the protected area like Arusha can be best done using a 4×4 safari vehicle and you can also have an experienced guide.
Walking safaris
Guided walking safaris are perfectly done with the presence of an experienced guide. You get a chance to explore the lush forest, savanna habitats while spotting your favorite animals. Key areas of interest for guided walking tours in Arusha Game Park include Tululusia Hill where you can also enjoy uninterrupted views of the park and its surroundings.
You may also include Mount Meru on your bucket list of hiking sites. Meru Mountain is situated in Arusha National Park and is Tanzania’s 2nd highest mountain (4562m). Hiking to the summits of Meru Mountain requires at least 4 days and your fitness levels matter a lot.
Canoeing
Expect to enjoy a guided canoe ride on the Momella Lake where you get to appreciate the stunning views of the lush surrounding areas and also spot some diverse wildlife. A canoe ride takes about 2-3 hours.
Birding
Birding in Arusha Game Park takes you on the search for birds such as the mourning collared dove, flamingoes, ostriches, yellow-billed stork, African green pigeon, great crested grebe, woolly-necked stork, African spoonbill, black-headed heron, white-faced whistling, red-chested fluff tail, and hammerkop, etc.
When to travel to visit Arusha National Park
When you intend to travel to explore Arusha National Park all depends on your preferences/interest. However, the dry season is the most ideal period for tourists to explore this charming park. The dry season occurs from June to October –the period which is characterized by low rainfall and vegetation is less dense thus providing clear view of wildlife as you are on a game drive.
The wet season in Arusha National Park runs from November to December which marks the short rainy months. Long rains are recorded around March, April, and May.
Where to stay
Checklist of accommodation options in and around Arusha National Park include Zawadi House, IIboru Safari Lodge, Palace Hotel Arusha, Moyoni Lodge, Kiota Nest, Shu’mate Camp, Lush Garden Hotel, Lake Duluti Serena Hotel, African View Lodge, Arusha Coffee Lodge, Momella Wildlife Lodge, The African Tulip Hotel, and Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Other lodges include Twiga Lodge, Charming Eco-Homestay, Mzunguu Safari Lodge, Kilimanjaro Eco Lodge, Rivertrees Country Inn, Hatari Lodge, and more.
How to get to Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park can be reached by road where you can spend about 45 minutes to drive from Arusha town. Even visitors who land at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) can drive 50 km to Arusha and connect to the park.
