Destination

Arusha National Park

About the Park

Arusha national park can be described as a hidden gem nestled in the city of Arusha, northern Tanzania. The park is a 45-minute drive away from the city spanning across its 322 square kilometres. This small yet profound park hosts Tanzanian’s second-highest mountain, Mount Meru. It is known for its famous black and white colobus monkeys residing only in the park.

 

Arusha park is a combination of authentic landscapes, rainforests, lakes, wildlife, and waterfalls. This natural sanctuary allows travelers to explore to their full length within a short period. 

Major Highlights

  • 1. Uwanja wa Mbogo (Buffalo’s Glade)

This open area is a natural glade characterized by marshes, bushes, and streams. 

 

It attracts various animals, including buffaloes, warthogs, and giraffes. Buffalos are the spotlight of the area and can be seen more closely during a walking safari.

  • 2. Momella lakes

Momella lakes are a chain of 7 lakes found in the north-east region of the park. These beautiful alkaline lakes were formed by a volcanic eruption of Mount Meru. 

 

The differences in mineral content in each lake result in varied algae growth, which in turn gives each lake a distinct colour.
The lakes are a perfect spot for game viewing and bird watching which can be done from your vehicle, viewpoints, or a canoe.

  • 3. Serengeti Ndogo

The name “Serengeti ndogo” refers to “little Serengeti” an open grassland area that resembles the plains of the famous Serengeti national park. The favorable grassland of the area attracts a large number of wildlife including waterbucks, giraffes buffalos, warthogs, and zebras. 

  • 4. Mount Meru

Mount Meru, located in the park, stands as Tanzania’s second-highest mountain at 4,566 meters (14,990 feet). This dormant volcanic mountain with spectacular views offers climbers an interesting climbing experience of 3 to 4 days.

  • 5. Ngurdoto Crater

The basin-shaped crater resulting from a volcanic eruption features very steep walls covered with dense rainforests. Ngurdoto crater floor is dominated by marshy grasslands that sustain buffalos, elephants, warthogs and other wildlife. The area is best explored on foot as its environment doesn’t allow driving of a safari vehicle.

  • 6. Fig Tree Arch

A fig tree arch (Ficus thoningii) is an arch-shaped tree with a large passage that allows an elephant or a car through it. 

 

This exceptional tree is a great photographic point that enables tourists to take pictures by either standing beneath it or whilst inside the car.

  • 7. Tululusia Hill and Waterfall

Tululusia Hill, meaning “lookout point,” is a viewpoint that offers an excellent view of the lower areas of the park.

 

The hill is covered by greenish vegetation and it is where Tululusia waterfall is situated, falling from 28 meters above. The waterfall is a wonderful place for a swim and of course, taking pictures.  

Wildlife

  • Despite its small size, Arusha park is home to a variety of wildlife species with the most common- black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, giraffes, waterbucks, elephants, red duiker, zebras, warthogs, blue monkeys, bushbuck, velvet monkeys and baboons.
  • The park also hosts numerous bird species including beautiful flamingos habituating Momella lakes

Key Activities

  • Game Drives
  • Walking Safaris- walking on foot is a great way of exploring wildlife more closely and areas that are not easily accessible by safari jeeps
  • Canoeing safari- canoeing is mainly done on small Momella lake which allows a close look at wildlife and birds along the shores
  • Mount Meru climbing- Climbing Mt Meru is a major activity in the park. This trekking experience usually happens in 3 or 4 days through Miriakamba route. This trekking is usually done as a warm-up for climbing Mt Kilimanjaro